Here’s a rendering of a project we’re finishing up right now. Fortunately, most of our local vendors are still able to operate, so we’ve been able to keep working (while also teaching seventh-grade math). This mobile will hang in the atrium of a Minneapolis office building, and it will hang about 20 feet tall. The picture below shows the partially finished mobile in the shop.
Design Within Reach Shipment
Here’s Matt, finalizing a shipment of Standing Circles Mobiles for Design Within Reach. (If your home office needs a spruce up, you can get one here!) We’re extra grateful for the work we still have during this uncertain time!
Architectural Digest Says You Need a Mobile
We keep saying mobiles aren’t exactly essential items during a pandemic. But Architectural Digest says otherwise. In this great roundup, they feature high-design mobiles that “can instantly install a meditative quality to any room.” We’re flattered our Crescent Cascade Mobile is featured among such beautiful designs.
Read article: Your Home (and Mind) Needs One of These High-Design Mobiles
Mobile Making in a Pandemic
Hi. Here’s Matt, alone at the shop, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy during this time of upheaval and uncertainty.
Several projects are suddenly on hold. Installations are on hold. But between some outstanding projects and added responsibilities of 7th grade math tutor and PE teacher, Matt, ironically, feels busier than ever. His wife and kids frequent the shop for a much-needed change of scenery. (And to take pictures like this.)
Ben is working from home. During breaks from homeschooling his third-grader, he’s been working on new Pre-fab designs that we’re eager to launch soon.
Anyhow, just wanted to say hello and give a quick update. We know mobiles aren’t exactly essential items right now, but if you DO need some joy and beauty in your life, please reach out. (And keep in mind—our Ekko Workshop mobiles are well stocked and ready for purchase!)
Mobile-Chandelier Hybrid Progress
We’re making serious headway on the expandable mobile chandelier. This shows the shapes in the contracted position and Matt, brainstorming ways to minimize swaying. It’s been a fun project, and it’s exciting to see it come together!
2005 Houston Chronicle Article
Matt’s mom visited over the weekend and brought with her a long-forgotten gem she uncovered organizing closets—an article about Ekko Mobiles in the Houston Chronicle, shortly after Matt quit his corporate job as a mechanical engineer to make mobiles full-time.
Quite a bit has changed in the past 15 years: different state, different right-hand man, a couple of kids—not to mention the size and scope of the projects. But so many things mentioned in this article are the same: Matt still wears ripped shorts and t-shirts, he still loves working directly with clients, the website is still www.ekkomobiles.com, and—fortunately—there’s still demand for hanging mobiles and kinetic art. Here’s to another 15 years!
(p.s. And Matt’s last name still isn’t “Richardson.”)
Felt on Felt on Felt
We’re focused on the Iowa residence mobile, and here’s a pile of felt shapes we hand cut. These felt pieces will provide pops of cheerful color and help dampen acoustics in the spacious entryway.
White River Refresh
Every winter, Matt and Ben return to Arkansas to ensure their White River Mobile is looking and functioning great. The mobile is eight years old now, but after a thorough cleaning, it’s looking as good as ever.
Kissimmee Hospital Bird Ceiling Sculpture
Here’s the final flock of birds Matt and Ben installed last week in a new Florida hospital. The installation went smoothly, and they certainly didn’t mind leaving leaving Oregon for a few days of Florida sunshine!
Kissimmee Birds Ceiling Sculpture Installation
As we speak, Matt and Ben are installing this Bird Ceiling Sculpture in a Kissimmee, Florida hospital. We’re eager to seeing those birds grow into a flock!
