Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of work do you make?
I create sculptural mobiles and suspended forms made from laminated natural wood veneers. The pieces are designed to move gently in air currents, creating shifting patterns of light, shadow, and shape. Many works explore images that transform as the mobile moves, inviting the viewer to see different forms from different angles.
Why choose a mobile sculpture?
A mobile sculpture brings a unique sense of movement and quiet animation to a space. Unlike static artwork, a mobile responds to subtle air currents and the movement of people nearby, slowly shifting and revealing new shapes and relationships over time.
This gentle motion can create a calming focal point within a room. In spaces such as waiting areas, reception rooms, and public interiors, the changing forms invite viewers to look more closely and spend time with the work, offering a moment of quiet reflection.
Because mobiles occupy space rather than just a wall, they can also transform how a room feels—adding lightness, balance, and visual interest without overwhelming the environment.
What inspires my work?
Many of my mobiles are inspired by poems, songs, and stories. I’m particularly interested in ideas of transformation and ambiguity — where one image can suggest another. For example, shapes within a piece might resemble feathers, flames, birds, or scales depending on how the viewer encounters them.
Some pieces respond directly to literary works, such as mobiles inspired by Ted Hughes’s poem The Thought Fox or by the Persian poem The Conference of the Birds, others begin life as images inspired by other artworks.
What materials do I use?
My work is primarily made from thin veneers produced from a wide variety of timbers. I laminate the veneers in layers to create lightweight but strong shapes that can move freely. The natural colours and grain of the wood are an important part of the aesthetic of the finished piece.
Why do I work with veneer rather than solid wood?
Using veneer allows me to create forms that are both strong and very light, which is essential for mobiles that must balance and move freely. It also makes efficient use of timber resources, there is far lest wastage in creating a form and veneers allow much more of a log to be used than traditional boards.
How large are my sculptures?
The size of the work varies widely. Some mobiles are small enough to hang comfortably in a domestic interior, while others are designed for larger spaces such as galleries or public buildings.
Where has my work been exhibited?
My work has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions across the UK. You can find examples of my work on the Craft Council website, Craft Scotland and Visual Arts Scotland. However I think you get a better idea of the work from videos (best in person of course!). You can see some videos on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@jayrubinsteinmobiles/videos
Some pieces are also available through galleries and arts organisations.
Do I take commissions?
Yes. I welcome enquiries about commissioned pieces for homes, public buildings, and other spaces. Because mobiles interact with the space around them, commissioned works can be designed specifically for the scale and character of the location.
How the commission process works
Initial conversation
The process usually begins with a conversation about the space and what you would like the artwork to achieve. This might include discussing the size of the room, lighting, ceiling height, and the atmosphere you would like the piece to create.
Concept and proposal
After the initial discussion, I will propose ideas for the piece. These may include sketches, photographs of related work, and suggestions about scale and materials.
Design and making
Once the concept is agreed, I begin making the sculpture. My pieces are constructed from laminated natural wood veneers, which allow me to create forms that are both strong and lightweight while retaining the natural colour and character of the wood.
Installation
When the piece is complete, it can be installed in the chosen location. Suspended works are designed to balance carefully so that they respond to subtle air movement within the space.
Scale of work
My sculptures range from small mobiles suitable for domestic interiors to larger works designed for public spaces such as galleries, offices, healthcare settings, and reception areas.
Commission enquiries
If you would like to discuss a possible commission, please get in touch via the contact page. I’m always happy to talk through ideas and explore whether a piece might work in your space.
How do mobiles move?
Mobiles are balanced sculptures that move even with very slight air currents. Even subtle movement in the room — such as someone walking past — can set the elements in motion, allowing the composition to shift and reveal different shapes.
Are my pieces sustainable?
Where possible I reuse materials and packaging, including repurposing boxes used to transport the work. Using veneer also helps make efficient use of timber resources.