The Inspiring Journey of George Rickey: Discovering Life In Balance

George Rickey, a name that may not resonate with everyone, but a person whose artistic creations have left a lasting impact on the world. Rickey was not just a sculptor, but also a philosopher and engineer who dedicated his life to exploring the delicate balance between art, motion, and our existence. Join us on this captivating journey as we delve into the life and works of George Rickey, and uncover the profound insights he offered through his art.

Early Years and Influences

George Rickey was born on June 6, 1907, in South Bend, Indiana. Growing up, he displayed a keen interest in both art and engineering, which eventually paved the way for his unique artistic style. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ball State University, Rickey ventured to Europe to pursue further studies. It was during his time in Paris that he encountered the works of Alexander Calder and his innovative approach to sculpture. This encounter would prove to be a turning point in Rickey's artistic journey.

The Art of Kinetic Sculpture

Upon returning to the United States, George Rickey combined his love for engineering and art, and began experimenting with kinetic sculpture. Kinetic sculpture refers to artworks that incorporate movement, providing a dynamic and interactive experience for viewers. Rickey's sculptures often featured meticulously balanced, intricately connected metal shapes that gracefully moved with the slightest breeze. The interplay of light, motion, and geometry made his art truly mesmerizing and unforgettable.

George Rickey: A Life in Balance

by Belinda Rathbone (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20088 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages

FREE

One of Rickey's most renowned works is the "Two Open Triangles Up Gyratory," located in the Art Institute of Chicago. Standing tall at 48 feet, this sculpture perfectly exemplifies his mastery of creating harmony between motion and stillness. The elegant movement of the triangles captures the essence of life in balance, constantly shifting and responding to the environment around them. Rickey's sculptures not only captivated the eye but also evoked a sense of wonder and contemplation.

Philosophy Behind the Art

George Rickey's approach to art was deeply influenced by his philosophical musings. He believed that art should reflect the transience and impermanence of life, echoing the ever-changing nature of the world we inhabit. Through his sculptures, Rickey aimed to communicate the delicate equilibrium between order and chaos, movement and stillness. His artworks served as visual metaphors for the human condition, urging viewers to embrace the constant flux of life and find harmony within the chaos.

Legacy and Impact

George Rickey's groundbreaking contributions to kinetic sculpture earned him international recognition and numerous accolades. His art can be found in prestigious institutions and public spaces worldwide, leaving a tangible mark on the art world. Beyond the physical presence of his sculptures, Rickey's legacy lives on through the philosophical questions he provoked through his art. His ability to merge engineering, aesthetics, and philosophical contemplation continues to inspire generations of artists to explore the boundaries of their medium and challenge traditional norms.

George Rickey's life and works teach us that art extends far beyond mere aesthetics. It can serve as a vehicle for exploring the essence of our existence, pushing boundaries, and inviting introspection. Rickey's kinetic sculptures, with their graceful motions and symbolic messages, encourage us to seek balance in our own lives amidst the chaos of the world. Let us learn from Rickey's powerful legacy and allow his art to inspire us to find our own "Life In Balance."

George Rickey: A Life in Balance

by Belinda Rathbone (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20088 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages

FREE

The first biography of George Rickey, one of the greatest kinetic sculptors of the 20th century. His moving blades, squares, triangles, and circles can be found in museums and public spaces around the world, from bucolic landscapes to the streets of New York City. Now, here is the story of his life, his times, and his vision of balance that created something new―sculpture that is defined by movement.

Before his death in 2002, George Rickey created more than 3,000 moving sculptures, including hundreds of major outdoor installations. His “useless machines,” as he called them, achieved complete rotation, used multiple variations of the pendulum, and delighted viewers with the joyride effects of conical movement.

George Rickey: A Life in Balance follows the life of a renowned artist―first a painter, then a sculptor―who found inspiration all around him―as a child visiting the Singer Sewing Machine factory managed by his father, in his adventurous youth in the London and Paris art studios of the 1920s, as an engineer in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and later as a pioneer in academic art programs around the United States when he embarked on the sculpture he became famous for.

But this is not only the story of a single artist’s creativity and achievement but of Rickey’s life in the larger context of the twentieth century: from Depression-era America to the upheaval of World War II, from the rise of New York as the world’s art capital at mid-century to the tumultuous 1960s, when Rickey emerged as an international figure rubbing elbows with Alexander Calder, David Smith, Christo, and many others. It is also the story of an exceptional marriage and of Rickey’s charismatic, devoted wife, Edith Leighton, who managed her husband’s career and reputation in the high-powered art circles of New York, Berlin, and Los Angeles.

Belinda Rathbone (author of The Boston Raphael and Walker Evans: A Biography) has captured the spirit of an artist and his world in this deeply researched and engrossing biography. George Rickey: A Life in Balance is for any reader fascinated by the lives of artists, the creation of enduring art, or twentieth century modernism. Includes 30 photographs that document Rickey’s life and work.