We met with designer Ron Miriello, creator of the 100 Worlds Project, to explore how globes can serve as creative, community-building tools. Read on to discover how globes made of pencils, book pages, and more brought people together in unexpected and meaningful ways.
“The best thing about a globe is that it’s an entry point for everybody. Everybody plays in that world… it’s a community-building tool.” – Ron Miriello
Working at MOVA, we’ve developed a habit — or perhaps a calling — to notice globes wherever we go.
So when we came across the 100 Worlds Project , we were immediately intrigued.
This remarkable initiative, created by San Diego-based artist and designer Ron Miriello, reimagines the globe as a sculptural art form using unexpected materials — from pencils and book pages to shoe soles and steel cables.
When we discovered Ron lived locally, we reached out, and he graciously invited us to join him for lunch. What followed was a fascinating conversation about globes, creativity, and the power of collaboration.
Rediscovering the World Through Art
Initially, we felt a little daunted to meet someone of Ron’s creative calibre. But once we settled in, our conversation flowed easily.
Over stories about summers in Italy and reflections on the Galileo Museum in Florence, we bonded over our shared appreciation for craft, curiosity, and globes.
Ron spoke about the loss of traditional craft in an age of automation — something that resonated deeply with us, especially as MOVA Globes are still hand-assembled.
What made the meeting so meaningful was Ron’s view of the globe not just as an object, but as a canvas for collaboration and curiosity.
Inside the 100 Worlds Project
The 100 Worlds Project is a collection of sculptural globes made from unconventional materials, each offering a new perspective.
“I love taking things people think they already know and don’t really look at... Getting people to pause and see it in a new way — that’s the artistic part.” – Ron Miriello
Despite its name, the project currently includes around 50 globes. Ron always intended for others to help complete the rest — making it a collaborative movement rather than a solo showcase.
“I wanted to facilitate a community,” he explained, “not just have people admire the work.”
Creative Collaboration at the Core
Ron worked with artisans, welders, designers, and photographers to bring each globe to life.
One globe was made from pencils used by his mother, who was credited as the creator. Another collaboration led a welder’s son to proudly declare, “Dad, you’re an artist!”
He even showcased a child’s drawings in his gallery, reinforcing his mission to break down barriers between artists and everyday creators.
By the time the project debuted, it had grown into a community of over 100 contributors — a true creative movement.
Kindred Spirits and Shared Missions
During lunch, Ron shared ideas for MOVA Globes — from sculptural bases to new forms of collaboration.
It quickly became clear that we were kindred spirits, each using globes to tell stories and spark curiosity.
“When people say, ‘I want a globe that looks like this’ — that’s when you know they’re engaged,” said Ron.
By the end of the meal, we realised this wasn’t just about globes — it was about human connection, shared creativity, and inviting others into the creative process.
What’s Next?
Ron is now developing a community bike centre in San Diego’s Liberty Station — another project focused on bringing people together through creativity.
The 100 Worlds Project reminds us that globes have the power to connect people across disciplines, generations, and geographies.
We left inspired — and excited to explore how MOVA Globes can continue to evolve in unexpected ways.