Joyful Chaos: Alexander Calder at Home

Alexander Calder ("Sandy" to his friends and family) was born in Pennsylvania in 1898. His father and grandfather were sculptors and his mother was a portrait artist. Although his parents encouraged a more lucrative and stable career, it seemed inevitable that Alexander Calder would become an artist. He was a tinkerer from an early age and remained so for the rest of his life. Calder was a cheerful and well-liked person who loved people and always appreciated a good party. Best known for his kinetic sculptures and mobiles, he also painted, created jewelry, toys and household objects.

In 1933, he and his new wife purchased an old farmhouse in Roxbury, Connecticut. He promptly painted it black.

The house was full of his art pieces. He also built a studio and several out-buildings on the property which quickly filled with scrap metal, wood, wire, and assorted junk he used to create his playful and joyous art.