Visual Reveal
June 29, 2013
Inspirational Art, Tips and Tricks
Most things that are hidden are behind, under, or otherwise obscured by other matter. In polymer craft, what is hidden is usually under more polymer; but what if it’s not buried, but just hard to see, blending in with its surroundings?
This may seem a little off theme, but sometimes what we have done with our clay is barely noticable because its subtlety is hard to see. If you texturize the surface of your clay and the pattern is not standing out the way you would like, there are ways to “reveal” the pattern that can add color and contrast along with additional interest and complexity. (Yes, I know I’m stretching the “reveal” theme, but this is fun stuff so I’m sure you’ll forgive me!)
The most common way to make your pattern stand out is to brush paint into the recesses and wipe away the excess paint from the raised surface. But there are so many variations on that basic brush and wipe technique. Different colors, different types of paint, powders instead of paint, colored liquid polymer … basically, if it can be applied to the surface and then wiped off, it can be used to highlight the pattern on the surface of the clay.
In a limited demonstration of what is commonly known as “antiquing”, Jan Geisen played with different paints, colors and other products on these sample tiles a few years back to demonstrate how a little variation can result in markedly different outcomes.
Even though this is often called antiquing, I wouldn’t call it that. Such a term limits its potential. What if you wanted to add a bright red or a metallic blue to your impressed design? That wouldn’t look so antique, but it could look very impressive. Do whatever you like to reveal your design and bring its beauty to the forefront.
Subtlety
November 7, 2012
Inspirational Art
I am really enjoying Lorraine Vogel’s understated botanic imagery I found on Flickr. The tendency for literal and clear translations of flora can be beautiful but also lessens the chance that the owner or viewer will connect to it on a more personal level. Leaving out clearly defined lines and color that is barely there allows us to fill in the rest with our own experiences and memories.
For me, these subtle images remind me of those very sunny days when I’ve been outside on a walk or hike and the sun is so bright I can hardly see anything clearly, getting more of an impression of the world around me than clear and certain memories. These are pleasant, warm memories that are now associated with the images of Lorraine’s pieces. Of course, my having a hard time adjusting my eyes to daylight might just be a sign that I need to get out of the house more often!
Most things that are hidden are behind, under, or otherwise obscured by other matter. In polymer craft, what is hidden is usually under more polymer; but what if it’s not buried, but just hard to see, blending in with its surroundings?
This may seem a little off theme, but sometimes what we have done with our clay is barely noticable because its subtlety is hard to see. If you texturize the surface of your clay and the pattern is not standing out the way you would like, there are ways to “reveal” the pattern that can add color and contrast along with additional interest and complexity. (Yes, I know I’m stretching the “reveal” theme, but this is fun stuff so I’m sure you’ll forgive me!)
The most common way to make your pattern stand out is to brush paint into the recesses and wipe away the excess paint from the raised surface. But there are so many variations on that basic brush and wipe technique. Different colors, different types of paint, powders instead of paint, colored liquid polymer … basically, if it can be applied to the surface and then wiped off, it can be used to highlight the pattern on the surface of the clay.
In a limited demonstration of what is commonly known as “antiquing”, Jan Geisen played with different paints, colors and other products on these sample tiles a few years back to demonstrate how a little variation can result in markedly different outcomes.
Even though this is often called antiquing, I wouldn’t call it that. Such a term limits its potential. What if you wanted to add a bright red or a metallic blue to your impressed design? That wouldn’t look so antique, but it could look very impressive. Do whatever you like to reveal your design and bring its beauty to the forefront.
I am really enjoying Lorraine Vogel’s understated botanic imagery I found on Flickr. The tendency for literal and clear translations of flora can be beautiful but also lessens the chance that the owner or viewer will connect to it on a more personal level. Leaving out clearly defined lines and color that is barely there allows us to fill in the rest with our own experiences and memories.
For me, these subtle images remind me of those very sunny days when I’ve been outside on a walk or hike and the sun is so bright I can hardly see anything clearly, getting more of an impression of the world around me than clear and certain memories. These are pleasant, warm memories that are now associated with the images of Lorraine’s pieces. Of course, my having a hard time adjusting my eyes to daylight might just be a sign that I need to get out of the house more often!
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