Mapping Translucents

This week I thought I’d focus on translucent clay. Why? Well, maybe because I was in my studio looking at the as yet unopened bars of Pardo translucent I ordered a while ago that I still haven’t had a chance to play with. I do love writing about polymer art but, sheesh, it’s keeping me out of the studio far too much lately!

So since it will be a couple more weeks before I can play with the translucent ideas in my own head, let’s talk about it. What is it about translucent clay that make it so special? Well, I would say it’s probably because unlike all our opaque clays, translucents are about playing with light. Whether it has been sculpted, colored or layered, translucent clay allows light to pass through it (in varying degrees) which can give forms interior shadows and dimension, make colors glow, and give a layered surface depth and added detail–all unique and beautiful effects.

Here is a pair of earrings by Agnès (aka Primatoide on Flickr) where the use of the translucent clay allows light to filter through the image transfers of a tiny map colored by oil paints. The images absolutely glow, making the earring look like small lamps.

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Although the image of the earrings here is quite beautiful, there is one issue. Would these be able to catch the light when worn? If the wearer had short hair or hair pulled back it might. It’s hard to say. Light needs space to play through and around. Without the play of light what do these look like? My guess would be that there would still be a patterning of white and blue and the clever, stylish wire work the polymer hangs from make for an interesting overall form. But when working with translucents, it helps to consider whether light will be available to show off your design if its very much dependent on the viewer seeing the transparency.

We’ll touch on more ways to use translucents throughout the week as I work madly on getting the next issue of The Polymer Arts magazine together. I suppose I should warn you that I might be a little tired and my blogging might get a little silly but bear with me. I promise we’ll have lots of beautiful work to ogle so we don’t need to depend on my ramblings for entertainment.

Sage

5 Comments

  1. Compelled Craft on April 22, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Wow you found the pardo translucent clay ????
    Who did you bribe or black mail to get it… ?
    and what bribes will you take ?
    Lol



  2. Sage on April 22, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    I do suppose I should have known that the mention of Pardo trans sitting unlocked and unguarded in the studio might draw unwanted interest … 😉 I got it after being on a waiting list for PolyClayPlay’s stock.



  3. sophia lenz on April 22, 2013 at 5:36 pm

    While the world is looking for more of Pardo translucent, here you are with a whole block of it awaiting your use! Lucky you!!!
    When it comes to translucent clay, this color has been a chameleon of use to me. Although I don’t use Pardo for my purpose, SculpeyII Translucent has been the following champions for me:
    *When a mixed color ran short of a last project, I have used translucent to stretch the quantity.
    *When the pasta machine gets all stained with remnants of strong colors, I condition half a block of translucent and get a lot of the colorful gunk picked up. The conditioned translucent clay can be re-used to clean again and again.
    *When a clay gets a bit dry and crumbly, I mix a small amount of translucent to soften it up. (This was a tip given to me from ???)
    *When I use mica clay, I mix a little translucent to bring out more shine when sanding and buffing after baking. (I believe this was a tip given to me at a Judy Belcher or a Julie Picarello workshop)



  4. Sage on April 22, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    Yeah, I do feel a little guilty about the untouched Pardo I have, Sophia. I will put it to good use soon! Thanks for sharing all your tips as well.



  5. Sharon on April 23, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Thanks for the tips Sophia. I have tried pardo translucent but have not succeeded with the clearness others have got. Sage, how thin would it have to be for greatest clarity. I tried using the higher temp as outlined by Cynthia tinapple in her beach pebbles but I think I am missing something – they look like cloudy pebbles.
    Love reading your blog. Tanks for sharing



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