Elevating the Squiggle
September 17, 2018
Inspirational Art
I recently realized that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about the lowly squiggle. But who doesn’t like a well-done squiggle? I guess it’s hard to take it seriously with such a silly-sounding name but the sound of the word itself describes it so well.
I myself am very fond of squiggles and apply them throughout my work, primarily as accents, but some people take the squiggle to wonderfully elevated levels as the central theme of their piece.
This pin by Petra Nemravová is an excellent example of the squiggle stealing the show. The organization of these wonderfully unruly squiggles brings a regular rhythm to their organic movement. It reins in the rambling energy that this kind of squiggle contains. The bright array of colors, which could also get out of hand, is held in check by a regular graduation from one color to the next, helping to create an energetic but contained feeling.
Petra is such an advocate of bright colors and cheerful compositions. Enjoy a stroll through her colorful world on her Flickr photostream. She is also the genius mind behind the wonderful selections found in the online polymer shop Nemravka, serving the European polymer and craft communities and beyond.
Inherent Squiggles
October 10, 2013
Inspirational Art
As I looked around for more wild lines today, it occurred to me that the predominant squiggle source in polymer is actually found in mokume gane. Although the lines in mokume can be controlled and consistent if you want them to be, I think the real joy in the technique comes from the mystery of an unknown outcome and the wandering lines the hidden layers reveal.
This bracelet by Melanie Muir is quite the mokume gone wild. High contrast colors and variation from bead to bead make this bit of clay “doodling” quite intriguing.
Melanie is also quite the master at finishing her work. The careful edges and high polish are definitely something to aspire to. Take a look at some of her latest pieces on her website here. If you are still in the mood for more wild lines, I would suggest diving into her archive gallery, where the modest squiggle can be found quite readily.
I recently realized that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about the lowly squiggle. But who doesn’t like a well-done squiggle? I guess it’s hard to take it seriously with such a silly-sounding name but the sound of the word itself describes it so well.
I myself am very fond of squiggles and apply them throughout my work, primarily as accents, but some people take the squiggle to wonderfully elevated levels as the central theme of their piece.
This pin by Petra Nemravová is an excellent example of the squiggle stealing the show. The organization of these wonderfully unruly squiggles brings a regular rhythm to their organic movement. It reins in the rambling energy that this kind of squiggle contains. The bright array of colors, which could also get out of hand, is held in check by a regular graduation from one color to the next, helping to create an energetic but contained feeling.
Petra is such an advocate of bright colors and cheerful compositions. Enjoy a stroll through her colorful world on her Flickr photostream. She is also the genius mind behind the wonderful selections found in the online polymer shop Nemravka, serving the European polymer and craft communities and beyond.
Read MoreAs I looked around for more wild lines today, it occurred to me that the predominant squiggle source in polymer is actually found in mokume gane. Although the lines in mokume can be controlled and consistent if you want them to be, I think the real joy in the technique comes from the mystery of an unknown outcome and the wandering lines the hidden layers reveal.
This bracelet by Melanie Muir is quite the mokume gone wild. High contrast colors and variation from bead to bead make this bit of clay “doodling” quite intriguing.
Melanie is also quite the master at finishing her work. The careful edges and high polish are definitely something to aspire to. Take a look at some of her latest pieces on her website here. If you are still in the mood for more wild lines, I would suggest diving into her archive gallery, where the modest squiggle can be found quite readily.
Read More