Making the ordinary precious and valuable is at the heart of the art of Sidney Mobell. The mere appearance of gold, jewels, platinum, and silver is both a material and symbolic signal that we are no longer in the realm of the ordinary; we are in the presence of the precious and extraordinary. The playful juxtaposition of everyday things and material symbols of power draws our attention and force a smile of wonder and confusion. Whether it is a diamond and gold sardine can or a jeweled monopoly board with solid gold hotels, Sydney Mobell’s creations irresistibly attract attention, inviting the question “why”. What makes these objects valuable, important, precious, memorable – museum treasures? How do we give these objects meaning and value? Why do these objects make me smile, what do they tell me about myself, my culture and how I perceive both the everyday and the extraordinary objects of life? In the end, these whimsical, jeweled creations raise both questions and eyebrows, they surprise and remind, reveal and disguise; they remain both mysterious and wonderful.