The Sculpture of Ruth Asawa: Contours in the Air - Audio Tour Clip #6: Types of wire

This is an audio clip from a cell phone tour by Guide by Cell to accompany the exhibition The Sculpture of Ruth Asawa: Contours in the Air at the Japanese American National Museum from March 10 - May 27, 2007. Ruth Asawa is a well-known and talented artist, specializing in woven wire art pieces. She is one of the most influential women artists of the 20th century.

This clip was narrated by Aiko Cuneo, Ruth Asawa's daughter, in March 2007.

Transcription
Ruth used a variety of wires, including iron, brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, monel and even gold-filled wire. Each wire had its different physical and visual properties. She used iron for her earlier sculptures, then tried copper and brass. She preferred copper because it’s more malleable and less corrosive. She often used two or more kinds of wire in making her long, interlocking sculptures. By using wires of different colors, she was able to achieve the transparencies that she liked so much.