From Concept to Completion: A Large-Scale Kinetic Mobile Commission

Creating two custom kinetic sculptures for a state college art department

One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist is the opportunity to create work that becomes part of a space for years to come. This commission challenged me to design and build two large-scale kinetic mobile sculptures for a state college art department—pieces that would complement a bright, contemporary interior while bringing movement, color, and balance into the architecture.

The project came with an ambitious timeline. From our first conversation to delivery, I had just three and a half weeks to design, fabricate, finish, crate, and ship both sculptures. Fortunately, my client had a clear vision of the scale and feeling they wanted while also giving me the artistic freedom to create something uniquely my own.

Although they were inspired by earlier Skysetter mobiles, they encouraged me to interpret the designs rather than duplicate them. Circular forms became an important visual theme throughout both sculptures, creating a sense of rhythm, movement, and continuity from one piece to the next. Together, we selected a palette of nine colors that would complement the surrounding architecture while allowing each sculpture to develop its own personality.

Each mobile was handcrafted from carbon steel components suspended on stainless steel rods, carefully balanced so even the gentlest air currents would bring the sculpture to life. At the time of this commission, the components were professionally spray painted to meet the project's accelerated schedule.

Throughout the process, I shared progress photographs with the client so they could follow the work as it evolved in the studio. Their confidence and enthusiasm made this one of those projects that reminds me why I love creating commissioned artwork.

Three weeks later, both sculptures were complete—professionally crated, shipped ahead of schedule, and ready for installation.

Today they hang in a light-filled contemporary space where they quietly respond to changing light and subtle air movement. I love knowing they'll continue creating new compositions every day for the students, faculty, and visitors who experience them.

Project Details

• Mobile One: 8.5 ft × 8.5 ft
• Mobile Two: 8.5 ft × 3.5 ft
• Materials: Carbon steel components and stainless steel rods
• Finish: Custom spray-painted finish (project specific)
• Color Palette: Nine custom-selected colors
• Timeline: Designed, fabricated, and completed in just three weeks
• Shipping: Professionally crated with simple on-site assembly

Considering a Commission?

Every space has its own personality, and I enjoy creating sculptures that feel as though they were designed specifically for the architecture they inhabit.

Whether you're looking for a statement piece for a private residence, healthcare facility, university, corporate office, or public space, I work closely with each client to create a sculpture that reflects both the environment and the people who will experience it.

Every commission includes:

• Collaborative design tailored to your space
• Flexible sizing, colors, and composition
• Progress updates throughout the creative process
• Professional crating and insured shipping
• Installation guidance and ongoing support

If you're considering a custom kinetic mobile sculpture, I'd love to hear about your project and explore what's possible.