The Many Faces of Micro Mosaics
September 11, 2015 Inspirational Art
When we do an article related to a technique that has been explored by several artists, we try and include art by these other explorers of the technique, but when it came to Karen Mitchell‘s article on polymer micro mosaics there was just too much wonderful stuff that Karen was sharing to expand on it. The article includes a history of micro mosaics, how the originals were created (including images from Karen’s hands-on experience recreating this old art form) and a tutorial on how to design and construct them successfully in polymer, as well as an endearing story of her discovery and exploration of the technique. That didn’t leave a lot of room for extras.
So, here is an example of micro mosaics not unlike what Karen does, created by DDee Wilder. DDee created these ‘vertical micro mosaics’ almost exclusively in rings and put together an album of them on her Flickr page. She used simple narrow canes and extruded polymer strings for her tiny mosaic elements and played with the design born from the pattern of color they created. If you enjoyed Karen’s article and are intrigued by the idea, you definitely need to take a look at DDee’s rings. And if you haven’t gotten a chance to check out the micro mosaic article and tutorial, you can admire these while you wait for your very-soon-to-arrive subscriber’s copy (issues are still making their way to many of you on the East Coast especially and overseas), or you can order your copy directly from us or from the retailers listed on this page.
Like this blog? Lend your support with a purchase of The Polymer Arts magazine and visit our partners:
Both Sides Considered
February 13, 2013 Inspirational Art, Ponderings
In the next issue of The Polymer Arts (coming February 18th!) we spend some time contemplating how and why to finish off the back sides of your work. The why is pretty straight forward … it’s simply more professional if you do. It is interesting to learn how the various artists featured came to this conclusion though. But one of the interesting things that arose in the collection of conversations from the 7 artists in the article is the issue of reversible pieces. Some like it, others feel that it reduces the importance of any one side. I’m quite the proponent of variety myself–so having more choices about how to wear something seems like a good thing–but there might be something said for developing one side more than the other.
I really wanted to bring up this subject so I could post these equally considered sides of a pendant by DDee Wilder. I really like this piece. Same base clay, both with a highly textured Sutton slice style treatment but one high contrast, one low. I think both sides look gorgeous.
A piece like this is an argument for reversible, don’t you think? I wouldn’t see either side taking from the other. What do you think?
Read more about finishing the “Other Side of Polymer” in our Spring Issue. Buy your copy online or from one of our retailers.
When we do an article related to a technique that has been explored by several artists, we try and include art by these other explorers of the technique, but when it came to Karen Mitchell‘s article on polymer micro mosaics there was just too much wonderful stuff that Karen was sharing to expand on it. The article includes a history of micro mosaics, how the originals were created (including images from Karen’s hands-on experience recreating this old art form) and a tutorial on how to design and construct them successfully in polymer, as well as an endearing story of her discovery and exploration of the technique. That didn’t leave a lot of room for extras.
So, here is an example of micro mosaics not unlike what Karen does, created by DDee Wilder. DDee created these ‘vertical micro mosaics’ almost exclusively in rings and put together an album of them on her Flickr page. She used simple narrow canes and extruded polymer strings for her tiny mosaic elements and played with the design born from the pattern of color they created. If you enjoyed Karen’s article and are intrigued by the idea, you definitely need to take a look at DDee’s rings. And if you haven’t gotten a chance to check out the micro mosaic article and tutorial, you can admire these while you wait for your very-soon-to-arrive subscriber’s copy (issues are still making their way to many of you on the East Coast especially and overseas), or you can order your copy directly from us or from the retailers listed on this page.
Like this blog? Lend your support with a purchase of The Polymer Arts magazine and visit our partners:
In the next issue of The Polymer Arts (coming February 18th!) we spend some time contemplating how and why to finish off the back sides of your work. The why is pretty straight forward … it’s simply more professional if you do. It is interesting to learn how the various artists featured came to this conclusion though. But one of the interesting things that arose in the collection of conversations from the 7 artists in the article is the issue of reversible pieces. Some like it, others feel that it reduces the importance of any one side. I’m quite the proponent of variety myself–so having more choices about how to wear something seems like a good thing–but there might be something said for developing one side more than the other.
I really wanted to bring up this subject so I could post these equally considered sides of a pendant by DDee Wilder. I really like this piece. Same base clay, both with a highly textured Sutton slice style treatment but one high contrast, one low. I think both sides look gorgeous.
A piece like this is an argument for reversible, don’t you think? I wouldn’t see either side taking from the other. What do you think?
Read more about finishing the “Other Side of Polymer” in our Spring Issue. Buy your copy online or from one of our retailers.
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