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Jay Rubinstein

Most of my mobiles are inspired by poems, songs, or fragments of folklore — a line of verse, a fleeting image, or a remembered rhythm. I find translating these ideas into three-dimensional form, gives each work a sense of narrative depth that unfolds through motion. As the viewer moves around the piece, new relationships appear between its elements: shapes align and separate, shadows overlap, and meanings shift. Each viewing is different — a conversation between art, space, and movement.

I like to think that there’s a sense of quiet poetry in the way that they move. They are delicate-looking structures which are nonetheless far stronger than they look. They move in light air currents, revealing shifting shapes and shadows that aim to tell a story of their own. Crafted from natural wood veneers, each piece is an exploration of balance — between structure and freedom, between narrative and contemplation.

About My Practice

I laminate veneers using a set of formers and a vacuum press. This results in strong yet featherlight shapes that combine to an overall effect in the final mobiles. The process requires experience and imagination.: The veneer (less than a millimetre thick) has to be shaped and combined to stop splitting along the grain. The initial shapes are arranged so that they move freely but hold their compositional rhythm. The resulting works are kinetic sculptures that create a slow choreography of light and form.

Tools & Materials

I work almost exclusively with natural coloured wood veneers, chosen for their warmth, grain, and subtle variety of natural colour.

Examples of work

Click image to enlarge

Studio

47

Address

West Kirkcarswell House, Dundrennan, DG6 4QW

Nr Kirkcudbright
DG6 4QW

Facilities

Accessibility

We have accessible parking for those who need it right by the studio. The drive surface is gravel but there are no stairs.

Price Range

70 – 3500

Contact Info

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