Outside Inspiration: Wild Colorful Metal
April 11, 2014
Inspirational Art
Rings can truly be made from any material but rings from metal are really the standard due to their durability. Some might say the downside is that we end up with rings primarily created in the limited palette of metallic colors. Granted the accent color of stones can add some amazing hues not to mention the sparkle that draws the eye. So when I found this artist who works in coloring metal, I was entranced.
Jose Marín works in titanium, gold and stones but he uses the heat reactive characteristics of titanium to create jewel tone colors, expanding the metals inherent palette. The colors, form and decorative accents in this ring would be a rather natural approach if this was polymer. This ring leads me into some extensive research on anodized metals–there’s so much gorgeous work out there and such a rich, potential source for polymer inspirations.
Jose’s inspiration comes from the natural world: “My goal is to make jewellery that, as you look at it, can convey intangible aspects of nature: smell, joy, nostalgia, sensuality …” Don’t miss seeing his other incredible jewelry including some of the breathtaking necklaces and jeweled rings you can find on his website.
If you like this blog, support The Polymer Arts projects with a subscription or issue of The Polymer Arts magazine as well as supporting our advertising partners.
Outside Influence: Outlines in Metal
August 10, 2012
Inspirational Art
Todays outside influence comes from metalsmithing: Two Element Pod Pendant by Barbara Bayne
Barbara explored a number of mediums before finding metalsmithing, and jewelry in particular, was the area that she felt allowed her to create the work she envisioned. I like her description of what she does. It reminds me of the approach of a lot of polymer artists and her forms are definitely within reach of polymer as a medium that can reproduce such quiet and stunning work:
“The jewelry designs stem from interests in natural organic forms and geometric shapes that are combined to create unique outlines that I than use as a basis for my work. Surface texture is also of great interest to me when I am designing. I attempt to develop new and intriguing patterns and textures to enhance and embellish the basic forms of the jewelry. It is my hope that by combining different shapes and outlines with various textures and patterns I can create jewelry that is interesting as well as innovative.”
I have quite a number of metalsmithing books on my shelves. I don’t do much metal work but between the construction, colors and forms, there is a tremendous amount of inspiration. Check out my two favorites:
Making Metal Beads by Pauline Warg
The Jeweler’s Directory of Decorative Finishes (Serious texture and color eye candy!) by Jinks McGrath
Have fun exploring metal inspirations!
Rings can truly be made from any material but rings from metal are really the standard due to their durability. Some might say the downside is that we end up with rings primarily created in the limited palette of metallic colors. Granted the accent color of stones can add some amazing hues not to mention the sparkle that draws the eye. So when I found this artist who works in coloring metal, I was entranced.
Jose Marín works in titanium, gold and stones but he uses the heat reactive characteristics of titanium to create jewel tone colors, expanding the metals inherent palette. The colors, form and decorative accents in this ring would be a rather natural approach if this was polymer. This ring leads me into some extensive research on anodized metals–there’s so much gorgeous work out there and such a rich, potential source for polymer inspirations.
Jose’s inspiration comes from the natural world: “My goal is to make jewellery that, as you look at it, can convey intangible aspects of nature: smell, joy, nostalgia, sensuality …” Don’t miss seeing his other incredible jewelry including some of the breathtaking necklaces and jeweled rings you can find on his website.
If you like this blog, support The Polymer Arts projects with a subscription or issue of The Polymer Arts magazine as well as supporting our advertising partners.
Todays outside influence comes from metalsmithing: Two Element Pod Pendant by Barbara Bayne
Barbara explored a number of mediums before finding metalsmithing, and jewelry in particular, was the area that she felt allowed her to create the work she envisioned. I like her description of what she does. It reminds me of the approach of a lot of polymer artists and her forms are definitely within reach of polymer as a medium that can reproduce such quiet and stunning work:
“The jewelry designs stem from interests in natural organic forms and geometric shapes that are combined to create unique outlines that I than use as a basis for my work. Surface texture is also of great interest to me when I am designing. I attempt to develop new and intriguing patterns and textures to enhance and embellish the basic forms of the jewelry. It is my hope that by combining different shapes and outlines with various textures and patterns I can create jewelry that is interesting as well as innovative.”
I have quite a number of metalsmithing books on my shelves. I don’t do much metal work but between the construction, colors and forms, there is a tremendous amount of inspiration. Check out my two favorites:
Making Metal Beads by Pauline Warg
The Jeweler’s Directory of Decorative Finishes (Serious texture and color eye candy!) by Jinks McGrath
Have fun exploring metal inspirations!
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