Intrigue in Wall Art
May 4, 2015
Inspirational Art
First of all, thank you all for sending such kind notes and such encouragement. I am so touched that so many of you would take time out to let me know your thoughts and to be so supportive. I apologize I couldn’t respond to every one–it was kind of overwhelming–but my very able assistant has tried to help me get to the most specific ones, as well as answer any questions you might have had. I’m so lucky to have such an enthusiastic and appreciative readership. I endeavor to continue to earn this from you as well.
We’ll see if more rarity in the postings will make them all the more valuable and widely read. As a couple of people pointed out, this will lighten their daily reading load, so maybe we can all catch up on a few things. I’m not sure if I can do themes or not, but let’s start with a lovely wall piece that I have been wanting to share for a while.
This intriguing piece was created by Karen Brueggemann. Intriguing is what primarily comes to mind because there is just so much to look at. The textures, graduated colors, and the neatly, yet varying, lines and repetition. It has a very painterly feel with a sculptural application. I thought this was a brooch or pendant when I first saw it, and then read that it was a wall piece. I couldn’t find any size information, but I am thinking it is not very large. And, couldn’t it just be a wonderful pin? The thing is, most of her jewelry doesn’t look like this, but the personal expression and sense of aesthetic and intention is exceedingly strong. My guess is, she found freedom in creating a wall piece that is quite different from creating jewelry. In jewelry we have to consider how it will be worn, hung or attached, as well as consider aspects of durability. With wall art, all it has to do is hang on a wall. That could be quite a freeing experience.
You can see what I mean about her work by heading over to her Pinterest board. All of her work is lovely, but I think her wall pieces just shine with intensity and, yes, a bit of intrigue that keeps you looking, trying to take it all in.
If you like this blog, support The Polymer Arts projects with a subscription or an issue of The Polymer Arts magazine, as well as by supporting our advertising partners.
An Adventureland of Ideas
July 30, 2014
Inspirational Art
A more traditional approach to wall sculpture, but keeping with the use of smaller parts to complete a larger and whole part, would be something like this fantastical piece by Layl McDill. Her wall sculptures are composed of a wide variety of cane slices, beads and sheets of marbled or surface treated clay.
The entrancing thing about Layl’s work is just how wildly playful it is. This work is not about finish, precision or any particular technique. It’s about the story and a child-like ability to let the imagination roam freely.
This piece entitled “Blingo Flamingo Adventureland” has to be my favorite piece of hers to date. Every part of this piece either reaches out or swings back, and used alongside the high-energy of the colors and cane patterns, creates this frenetically kinetic composition. Such fun!
Layl is the co-owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, a shop for handmade ceramic tile as well as Layl’s polymer sculptures, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Layl also posts her work on Flickr for a full, all-at-once visual dose of her child-like abandon.
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.
First of all, thank you all for sending such kind notes and such encouragement. I am so touched that so many of you would take time out to let me know your thoughts and to be so supportive. I apologize I couldn’t respond to every one–it was kind of overwhelming–but my very able assistant has tried to help me get to the most specific ones, as well as answer any questions you might have had. I’m so lucky to have such an enthusiastic and appreciative readership. I endeavor to continue to earn this from you as well.
We’ll see if more rarity in the postings will make them all the more valuable and widely read. As a couple of people pointed out, this will lighten their daily reading load, so maybe we can all catch up on a few things. I’m not sure if I can do themes or not, but let’s start with a lovely wall piece that I have been wanting to share for a while.
This intriguing piece was created by Karen Brueggemann. Intriguing is what primarily comes to mind because there is just so much to look at. The textures, graduated colors, and the neatly, yet varying, lines and repetition. It has a very painterly feel with a sculptural application. I thought this was a brooch or pendant when I first saw it, and then read that it was a wall piece. I couldn’t find any size information, but I am thinking it is not very large. And, couldn’t it just be a wonderful pin? The thing is, most of her jewelry doesn’t look like this, but the personal expression and sense of aesthetic and intention is exceedingly strong. My guess is, she found freedom in creating a wall piece that is quite different from creating jewelry. In jewelry we have to consider how it will be worn, hung or attached, as well as consider aspects of durability. With wall art, all it has to do is hang on a wall. That could be quite a freeing experience.
You can see what I mean about her work by heading over to her Pinterest board. All of her work is lovely, but I think her wall pieces just shine with intensity and, yes, a bit of intrigue that keeps you looking, trying to take it all in.
If you like this blog, support The Polymer Arts projects with a subscription or an issue of The Polymer Arts magazine, as well as by supporting our advertising partners.
A more traditional approach to wall sculpture, but keeping with the use of smaller parts to complete a larger and whole part, would be something like this fantastical piece by Layl McDill. Her wall sculptures are composed of a wide variety of cane slices, beads and sheets of marbled or surface treated clay.
The entrancing thing about Layl’s work is just how wildly playful it is. This work is not about finish, precision or any particular technique. It’s about the story and a child-like ability to let the imagination roam freely.
This piece entitled “Blingo Flamingo Adventureland” has to be my favorite piece of hers to date. Every part of this piece either reaches out or swings back, and used alongside the high-energy of the colors and cane patterns, creates this frenetically kinetic composition. Such fun!
Layl is the co-owner of Clay Squared to Infinity, a shop for handmade ceramic tile as well as Layl’s polymer sculptures, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Layl also posts her work on Flickr for a full, all-at-once visual dose of her child-like abandon.
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.
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