Click the lead image below to watch a short video sharing the inspiration and creative process behind this piece.

This piece is Sunshine Sequence and the first artwork I made for my Abstractions at Play exhibit at the Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House. It is located in the Dormitory Room, once the boys’ bedroom. The morning sun illuminates the room and casts beautiful shadows on the wall. Much of my visits to the site were in the morning before the house opened for tours.

Inspired by Froebel’s Gifts, it’s a playful collage that fits together like a puzzle. The colors reflect the room’s yellow cushions, brick wall, games, globes, and childhood objects on the shelves.

The museum director added Froebel’s Gift 3 and a wooden grid to the table in the room, inviting visitors to build, play, and share their creativity. I initially placed the piece on the wall shelf, but it felt lost. Its placement on the table makes more connected to the blocks’ playful nature and design.

During the opening reception, my friend’s son played with the blocks and a book about Froebel’s Gifts. I love that Abraham Rowe was able to capture that through his images.

The artwork measures 6” x 18” x 2” deep. Its horizontal shape complements the brick wall, and the cradled frame is painted yellow. The 3D quality of its depth adds dimension and presence. Although it can be hung on a wall, I prefer it displayed on a shelf or table.

Sunshine Sequence captures the interconnectedness of shape and color and the nature of Froebel’s Gifts.