Does the Polymer World need another Blog?

This was something I went over and over with myself since the magazine was started. There are a lot of fantastic blogs out there. Do we need one more? The answer for me was, only if it can continue to do what The Polymer Arts magazine is trying to do–increase the polymer artist’s pool of ideas, introduce them to new sources of inspiration and grow their knowledge of artistic concepts that aren’t as commonly discussed or taught in craft periodicals and books. Can this be done in a blog? I think so!

I do want this to be fun and very community focused. We learn so much from each other. We are also very widely spread out so if we can centralize some of the more important and inspiring information and artistic ideas, it would really help the community keep growing. Cynthia Tinnapple’s Polymer Clay Daily is already doing this–posting different styles, approaches and aesthetics from within our community and presenting it in short, intriguing posts that keep our image of what polymer can be from being limited to the most popular and active artistic styles. (www.polymerclaydaily.com)

This blog will also be daily but we will not be covering the same kind of ground as Cynthia. Certainly we will be sharing a lot of art but with an aim to it being a learning opportunity, asking why it works as art and why it is considered accomplished, breaking down the reasons it draws our eye or engages up our imagination.

For example, to the left is a piece by Jasmyne Graybill made in 2001. It’s a pie tin with forms and strips of highly textured polymer made to look like an alien mold. Now, how many of us have looked at mold and thought, I want to emulate that?! We may not, for obvious reasons, be drawn to mold as a thing of beauty but altered to be representative of the organisms without the unpleasant colors (and odors, one would assume!) we can appreciate the texture and pattern that comes organically out of a natural process, even one as instinctively repulsive. The simple blue palette here takes nothing away from the intriguing surface that we feel drawn to examine closer. So, this piece works because it shakes us up our idea of beauty as well as making many of us polymer artists wonder … how did she get that texture!

In addition to educational and inspiring posts on art I also want to be able to get out timely information about new products and changes in the industry/community as well as have discussions related to the in-depth information in The Polymer Arts magazine with occasional news about the magazine and how you can help contribute and support it (which is in turn what will be supporting this endeavor.)

I would love to have comments, ideas and input on what you would like to see in a blog dedicated to educating and helping polymer artists grow their skills, their business and the joy they find in their art. I heartily invite offers for guest posts and information on new art, products, publications, techniques, tips, and news related to our industry. You can always write me at sbray@thepolymerarts.com.

Sage

8 Comments

  1. Judy Youssef on May 28, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    As one of the very very few artists (maybe the only one?) working with polymer clay in Egypt, I appreciate everything written about the subject.
    I eagerly await Cynthia’s blog, am Facebook “friends” with most of the top artists and devour every tutorial I can find.
    Fimo has only recently been available here. I’d brought back a few packs over the years from visits to my native UK so had tried it out.
    Now that I can buy a limited range I can explore this wonderful material and find that it’s taking over from painting in my artistic life.

    I receive The Polymer Arts mag digitally (love the latest issue by the way) so certainly for me there can never be too many links to others working in this wonderful and exciting field.



  2. FloRaeMe on May 29, 2012 at 1:45 am

    I don’t think there will ever be enough polymer. The daily blog sounds like a great idea. I’ve posted the link onto a couple of FB pages & groups!



  3. GOT-Clay on May 29, 2012 at 5:28 am

    There is never too much published about polymer clay! I am coming back into the clay world after spending 4 years taking care of an elderly, sick mother. Unfortunately, my claying had to stop since she required 24/7 care. She is now in a nursing home and I am trying to get back into the clay world. I always had a work station set up but need some inspiration on what to do next. I welcome this Blog as a part of my inspiration! Congratulations on such a huge project!



  4. Karen M. Rhodes on May 29, 2012 at 10:28 am

    Polymer clay is such a wonderful medium that you can create so many items with. Blogs keep the medium reaching new milestones. It helps artists and hobbyists experiment to achieve even more techniques from canes, jewelry, to sculpting and architecture. A new Blog? Yes!



  5. Patti Underwood on May 29, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    Bring it on!!!!!!



  6. Marian Hertzog on May 30, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    I love The Polymer Arts magazine and am happy that you are starting a blog. I think it will make a big connection to your readers and help us all! Thanks for being willing to do it!



  7. Kerry Lewis on May 31, 2012 at 5:05 am

    Really enjoying the blog and it’s helpful tips and information. I’m a big fan of your Polymer Art magazine, I have noticed an increase in polymer artist’s within the uk, we are getting a lot more enquires via our own website and are more than happy to direct clients to this site.Keep up the good work.

    Thanks

    Kerry
    @theglassrobin (twitter)



  8. Sandra on July 11, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    The more information we get the better for the magazine and artists or anyone who is interested.



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