What Did Ruth Asawa Make?

Ruth Asawa found inspiration everywhere—whether she looked to her children, her garden, or the warmth of her home, she believed that anything could become art. Her engaging work invites young artists to discover how creativity can sprout from anywhere.

Through her unique wire sculptures and natural watercolors, Asawa demonstrated that even the simplest materials can be transformed into something extraordinary. Her work encourages children to explore their own imaginations and to see the beauty in the everyday world around them. The What Artists Make series of lift-the-flap books, geared toward children under the age of three, shares the different ways artists view the world.

In each book, one artist’s unique method of making or outlook on creativity is explored through rhythmic sentences and photographs of artworks selected to delight and inspire. Beneath the flap, a short explanation of the artist’s practice provides added context, allowing adults to engage with the art on a deeper level and to share the knowledge with their children.