Minds On
Wire sculptures
What is a wire sculpture?
A wire sculpture is the creation of a sculpture or jewellery made out of wire. The medium of wire sculpture as an art form was developed in the 20th century.
Wire sculptures can be of anything, for example people, animals, or shapes.
Explore the following carousel of images of various wire sculptures from artists Ruth Asawa and Kendra Haste. What materials and tools do you think were used to create these wire portraits? Record your answer in your journal or sketchbook. If possible, share your thoughts with a partner.
Untitled (hanging seven interlocking double trumpets) by Ruth Asawa, 1958
Untitled (Hanging, Single-Lobed, Four-Layer Continuous Form within a Form) by Ruth Asawa, 1992
Ostrich by Kendra Haste, 2003
Arizona Jackrabbit by Kendra Haste, 2013
Action
Who is Alexander Calder?
Alexander Calder, known to many as ‘Sandy’, was an American sculptor from Pennsylvania. Calder is known for inventing wire sculptures and the mobile: an abstract sculpture that moves. The mobile was a new art form; one that incorporated motion, time, air, and space.
Check out this video featuring one of Alexander Calder’s moving sculptures.
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“The mobile has actual movement in itself, while the [sculpture] is back at the old painting idea of implied movement. You have to walk around a [sculpture] or through it- a mobile dances in front of you.”
- Alexander Calder
Calder’s Circus
Did you know that Alexander Calder loved the circus? Calder’s first important work of art was Cirque Calder, a miniature reproduction of an actual circus. This work influenced Calder’s later work with wire sculpture and kinetic art. Wire was their favourite drawing material to use.
The following is an image of Cirque Calder. Calder used a variety of materials to create the circus. What materials do you notice being used? If possible, share your thoughts with a partner.
Cirque Calder by Alexander Calder, 1926-1931
This image shows a model created of a circus ring. The ring is surrounded in a circular wall. There are characters both inside and outside the ring. There are two poles with high ropes for performers created using wire. There appear to be two performers hanging from the high ropes.
Wire portraits
Discover the following video exploring Alexander Calder’s portrait work.
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What was Calder’s last portrait of? What do you think his wire portraits revealed about Calder?
Press ‘Answer’ to access answers from the video.
Calder’s last portrait was of himself. Calder’s wire portraits show a man who loved people and loved humanity as much as art.
Let’s explore some of the wire portraits created by Alexander Calder in the following carousel of images.
Medusa by Alexander Calder, 1930
Jimmy Durante by Alexander Calder, 1928
Marion Greenwood by Alexander Calder, 1928
Portrait of a Man by Alexander Calder, 1928
A carousel of four images.
Image 1: Medusa, Alexander Calder
This image is called Medusa and is a wire sculpture outline of a woman’s head. The background is all white while the wire is represented by thin, black lines. Four wires start at the top of the head and cascade down each side of the face. They are curly and twisted. The face doesn’t have an oval shape but instead has one live coming from the top of the head to curl down the left side and come under to form a chin. Attached to the chin are two closed lips. The nose begins as 2 black lines. The eyebrows at the top of the face are jagged, bumpy lines meant to look like textured hair. Each eyebrow extends a single line from the left coming downwards to form into a simple eye shape.
Image 2: Jimmy Durante, Alexander Calder
This image is called Jimmy Durante and is a wire sculpture of a head. This sculpture includes many wires that create the features of eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and chin. The wires are jagged above the eyes, creating large eyebrows. There are dark pupils in the eyes and a single wire looped into an ear. There is a wire that has small, jagged lines on the sides of the head, creating small amounts of hair at the side of the head only. The nose includes more than one wire and has a larger bulb created. This wire extends into a mouth with full lips. Another wire is jaggedly along the chin line which creates a small amount of hair along the chin.
Image 3: Marion Greenwood, Alexander Calder
This image is called Marion Greenwood and is a wire outline of a head. The wires create a completed head with the features of a face including eyes, a nose, a mouth with teeth, and a chin. There is a wire that begins at the top of the head and comes into curls at the bottom on each side of the head, representing hair. The nose on this figure is not centred and the mouth is open to reveal teeth with spaces between each one. Their eyes are far apart on their face. There is a wire that begins at each eye and comes together in front of their mouth and disappears under their chin.
Image 4: Portrait of a Man, Alexander Calder
This image is called Portrait of a man and is an abstract wire sculpture of a head. The head is facing forward with all the features of a traditional face. The left ear is attached to the face only at the bottom, using a single black line which creates the chin. That line connects to the other side of the face to create the right ear. The top of the head is a smooth, single line suggesting a bald top of the head. The eyebrows begin on at each ear and extend above the eyes and come together between the eyes where they twist and create 2 lines that flare out as the bottom of the nose. Single lines extend from the bottom of each eye towards the bottom centre of the face. Here they form closed lips. The top lip is a jagged line suggesting a moustache.
How do you feel about the wire portraits created? What do you notice about the facial expression in each portrait? Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
James Paterson
Examine the following video to explore what Canadian sculptor James Paterson makes.
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James Paterson is a Canadian sculptor who has been creating wire sculptures for almost 10 years. He creates his sculptures with wires and steel rods. The sculptures appear machine-like. The way he creates his sculptures by adding in moving parts encourages exploration. He brings these shapes to life by adding splashes of colour to them. He was inspired to create these wire sculptures from the Toronto neighbourhood he grew up in. He described the neighbourhood as “culturally diverse and visually textured”.
Explore the following carousel of images for some examples of James Paterson’s sculptures.
I Wonder by James Paterson
Like a Whimsical Fish I Took to the Water, An Exuberant Bird I Took to the Air by James Paterson
A Joy to Behold by James Paterson
Living in Light by James Paterson
A carousel of four images. Image 1: I Wonder, James Paterson
This sculpture is called I Wonder. It is created using wire and steel rods. It appears to be a side view of a head that has a circular cage at the base of its scull. This cage is filled with circles of many colours and sizes. The head is wearing a long, pointy, colourful cap with a small wheel at the top. At the base of the neck is a set of two wheels. As created, it appears that it could roll using the two small wheels and the larger cage.
Image 2: Like a Whimsical Fish I Took to the Water, an Exhuberant Bird, I Took to the Air, James Paterson
This sculpture is called Like a Whimsical Fish I Took to the Water, an Exhuberant Bird I Took to the Air. It appears to be a machine that rolls on 4 wire wheels. The sculpture is bright and colourful. At the centre is a colourful fish that is surrounded with curved shapes of different bright colours all appearing like tails or fins of other fish. There are small wire spirals throughout the sculpture. On top of the sculpture, attached by wires, are 2 birds in flight. Between the birds is what appears to be a small machine that has two wheels attached by wires.
Image 3: A Joy to Behold, James Paterson
This sculpture is called A Joy to Behold. It appears to be a bird created with wire and metal rods. The bird has a long, colourful body, a large triangular beak and a small circular head. It’s long legs are attached to a block at the base. Behind the bird and attached to its long legs is a LONG metal rod that has many little wires, springs, colourful balls and flags attached. At the top of the rod is a wheel.
Image 4: Living in Light, James Paterson
This sculpture is called Living in Light. It begins as a base with three metal rods stuck into the base. Each of these rods bend and twist upward with many little gadgets and items of different colours and shapes extending from them. Most of the objects are circular or wire that is bend into spirals. All of the wires are curved and bent in rounded ways. Near the top of the middle rod is an eye with many small wires and tiny balls at the end of each wire, appearing as eyelashes. On the top of the right wire appears to be a sun and moon pairing and on the top of the left wire is a series of wires with wheels and balls at the end of each.
What do you notice about the use of line in the wire sculptures? What shapes do you notice being used in the sculptures? Are the shapes geometric or organic? If possible, share your answers with a partner.
Press the following tabs to access definitions.
An element of design. The path left by a moving point, such as a pencil or a digital drawing tool. A mark, guide, or boundary that leads the audience’s attention in an artwork. Diversity in the kind of lines can be used to suggest a variety of ideas, shapes, or emotions. For example, horizontal and curving lines can feel restful or inactive. Vertical and diagonal lines can create the idea of movement or action. Using horizontal and vertical lines can suggest stability.
A shape is an element of design. A shape is a form that is enclosed or outlined. For example, when three lines meet they create the shape of a triangle. A shape has length and width. A shape’s boundary can be created by line, value, colour and/or texture. Shape may be geometric or organic and may be positive or negative.
A shape that is based on geometric figures. Squares, circles, and triangles are all geometric shapes.
Press Sample ‘Answer’ to access a sample answer about Paterson’s work.
James Paterson uses line in his sculptures in a very interesting way. He uses line to define his shapes and add embellishment. His lines are straight and curvy.
James Paterson likes to use lots of circles in his work including spirals.
James Paterson has both geometric and organic shapes in his work.
Explore the following photo of James Paterson.
Go!
Examine the following images of Calder’s and Paterson’s work. What materials do you think were used to create these art pieces? If possible, share your thoughts with a partner.
Press ‘Answer’ to access what materials were used.
Wire, pliers, and/or paint.
With just a few strokes of the pen, Calder outlines a long face, with its wide slightly smiling mouth, and large nose, creating a likeness immediately recognizable as Arthur Miller who was an American playwright. He then uses wire to create a sculpture using those lines.
Paterson’s sculptures do not represent a real person but have an abstract quality to them and use colour as well.
This sculpture is called Grace in all Things. It begins as a base with a metal rod extending from it. This rod is bent into the shape of a side view of a head. Using curved lines and colours an eye and mouth have been created. Along the edges of the face and head are small wire spirals. The top of the head has a few circles of different colour and size with a few more spirals. The back of the head includes more straight wires with circles extending from different areas, some more spirals and a few wheels extending as well.
Now that you have explored these two artists, what similarities do you notice between the work of Calder and Paterson?
Press ‘Answer’ to access the similarities between Calder and Paterson.
Both artists use contour lines and are making portraits.
Contour lines: Lines that define the edges, ridges, or outline of a shape or form.
Portrait: An artwork that depicts a person.
What differences do you notice between the work of Calder and Paterson?
Press ‘Answer’ to access the differences between Calder and Paterson.
Calder’s work represents a real person and no colour is used. Paterson’s do not represent a real person and colour is used. The work is abstract.
Consolidation
Wire sculpture portrait
This sculpture is called self-portrait and is a wire outline of a head. One wire is looped into small loops at the top of the head and at each side which represents hair. There are features of a face including eyes, eyebrows, a nose and a mouth. There is a wire that is looped over the eyes and frames the head which appears to be glasses. There are small jagged folds in the wire around the eyes that represents furrowed eyebrows. The lips of the mouth are very close to the bulb of the nose. There is a single wire that comes down in front of the face from top to the bottom.
Let’s explore creating a portrait with wire. This can be a self-portrait or a portrait of another person. You will need to examine the contours of a face, either your own or another face by either using a mirror or drawing from a photo of a face or using your camera on your device.
If you prefer to describe what you would do, you may create a description using any method of your choice. Consider the following questions when creating your description.
Would you create an abstract person or face?
How would you twist the wire to create the features of a person?
What features would you include?
What shapes and/or lines and/or colours would you use?
Where would you place them?
Press ‘Definition’ to access a definition of portrait.
Portrait: An artwork that depicts a person. Portraits may be life size, or smaller or larger than life, and may depict heads, torsos, or full-length figures. They may be abstract or realistic and executed in a variety of media.
Self-Portrait: A self-portrait is an artist’s depiction of themself.
Safety
Before you begin any physical activity, always perform a safety check. Use the following checklist to ensure you have considered the proper safety precautions for this activity.
Materials Needed
Materials you might need
Possible materials you might need for this learning activity:
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wire that is soft enough to twist in your fingers but solid enough to keep the shape you make
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some options are: Twisteez wire, craft wire (gage 20+), soft coated wires (such as twist ties, gardening wire or pipe cleaners), or electrical wire (be sure it is easy to cut) or a thin, soft metal coat hanger (ensure adult supervision if using a metal coat hanger, or consider the other material options)
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Scissors that can cut the wire
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paper 8.5” x 11” or larger
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pencil or marker
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safety glasses are recommended when you are cutting the wire
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mirror or device to see yourself (optional) tape (optional)
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Tape (optional)
If you choose not to work with wire, you may consider string or ribbon.
If you are working independently, consider using soft coated wires such as pipe cleaners or craft wire.
Consider the following image for types of wire that could be used in this activity.
Wire portrait steps
Step 1
Create a line drawing of a face. It can be yours or another person’s face. Use a mirror or draw from a photo for reference. Make the contour simple and make the face large enough to cover the page. It does not need to appear realistic or proportional.
Step 2
Use your sculpture wire and shape it over the drawing that you created. Overlap the wire and create the full outline of the drawing. Where two wires meet or if you want a thicker line, twist the wire together. Sometimes it helps to tape down parts until they are fully attached together.
Sometimes you will need to attach two wires together. Here are a few samples of how to do that. Ensure you don’t leave a sharp point sticking out.
Different wire techniques. There is a heading that says Bend. Underneath are three examples of wire being bent to form a curvy line or the beginning of a shape. There is a heading that says Shape. Underneath are three examples of wire being formed into a shape including a heart, a square spiral, and a cat. Under the heading Twist, there is two wires being twisted together. Under the heading Braid, there are three wires that are braided together. Under the heading Joining there are four examples. The first example is of a hook and eye. The second example is of a simple hook. The third example shows wire being looped as a join and the fourth example is wire that is twisted together.
You may twist the wire around a pencil to make loopy lines or thicker parts, creating hair, eyebrows, or other details.
Step 3
Once you have gone over the lines with the wire, you should have an outline of a face and some details. It’s at this point that you need to decide if you’re going to add colour like Paterson or keep it more in the style of Calder.
Step 4
Think of how you want to present the wire sculpture. Do you want to adhere it to a surface, hang it, or have it standing up in a wooden base or rock? Explore the examples below and decide how you want to present you sculpture to the audience.
Explore the following carousel of images for some examples of finished products.
Living in Light by Shelli Markee
Les by Shelli Markee
Wire portrait with rock by Shelli Markee
A carousel of three images. Image One: Linda, Shelli Markee
This wire sculpture was created on a square of foam. The wires create facial features of eyes, nose, and mouth. There is also wire shaped above the face to create bangs and short hair. In this sculpture, there is a neck and the tops of shoulders.
Image Two: Les, Shelli Markee
This wire sculpture has a frame around the head. The wires close the entire head and include facial features of eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and chin. The lips are pronounced in this sculpture and the placement of the wire on either side of the head indicates short hair.
Image Three: Wire portrait with rock, Shelli Markee
This sculpture is a wire outline of a head. The base of the neck is attached to a rock by wire. The head is open on one side of the forehead, the wire instead hooking up and back toward the right eye. There are features of a face including eyes, nose, mouth and chin.
Portfolio
Track your progress
Reflect on your learning in this activity. What do you think about your final product? Do you think your work is more like Paterson or Calder? Why? What do you think is the best part of your sculpture? Is there a part you would do differently if you try it again?
If possible, share your beautiful art with a peer. If you have a portfolio, you can put your art there to track your progress over time.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Learning goal
We are learning to…
- explore and create a wire sculpture
Success criteria
I am able to…
- analyze and interpret wire sculptures
- build and design a simplified wire sculpture