Your Craft Business in the New Year
December 31, 2012
Ponderings
With the New Year now upon us, I thought I’d take a moment to share a blog I’ve found rather enlightening over the last few years.
When one gets serious about art, that business aspect almost always creeps in. To sustain our art (or obsession as it often is), selling our work becomes a necessity. Artists are usually business minded so it is very helpful to have a helping hand in that area.
The Craft Business Biz blog written by Terri Belford covers that one area of arts and crafts that most of us would prefer to think about as little as possible. It can be a bit heavy on the dramatic marketing in the way the blog is set up, but the advice is generally pretty good. For example, his post earlier this month on making your business stand out is just a short list of common sense things you can do to help boost your business. Terri only posts a few times each month so it’s not stuff you’ll be getting hit over the head with. But it is great to get those little reminders to think about improving your business on a regular basis.
The New Year should not be the only time you work on improving what you do, but it is a good place to start.
Outside Influence: Art on Nature
December 30, 2012
Inspirational Art
When I first saw this array, I thought it was polymer and ingenuous work at that. But no … it turns out to be leaves. Beautifully painted details on dead leaves by Elena Nuez of Spain. But its not the painting of each leaf that is so enticing, rather it is the arrangement, the collective impact that gives this image it’s impact.
Even more wonderful is the variety of ways Elena photographs these. On her web post she has several different arrangements and angles from which she photographs them. The photos–the compostition and view–are the art.
In terms of how we can translate this into polymer, there are several things you can take from this. One, the shapes and colors are perfect for polymer and these patterns could be easily reproduced. It also might give you ideas for making a batches of forms and then playing with the arrangement of them until you either find an arrangement you like for a brooch or wall piece or as a collection you can continue to play with for your own enjoyment. Also, consider that the photography of your work can in itself be art with polymer the subject that helps create the images rather than the polymer being the end product alone. Just a lot to ponder. And enjoy.
Crackly Goodness
December 29, 2012
Inspirational Art
I couldn’t let the last days of the year go by without stopping to admire a little crackle. These sumptuous discs here are the work of Barbara Fajardo. She developed a technique that layers alcohol inks to get a multi-dimensional texture with, of course, lots of fine crackle.
In this case, the polymer is a carrier rather than visual element, but even without knowing the particulars of Barbara’s technique, it’s unlikely that there is another material that could be paired with the inks and manipulated so as to develop the light crackling effect. These are some of the most magical aspects of our medium–the plasticity and ability of polymer to take on a wide variety of other mediums.
Even though color is what often draws us to polymer, it’s the physical characteristics of the material that make it so versatile. One of these days I’m going to count how many ways we can use it just for crackling.
In the meantime, we hope Barbara has the opportunity to develop a class for CraftArtEdu on this beautiful technique. She has four other classes available there right now. If you want to see more applications of Barbara’s crackly goodness, take some time to look through her Flickr page.
Color Through the Centuries
December 28, 2012
Polymer issues, Ponderings
Have you ever wondered why certain colors become favorites for a period and then are abandoned almost overnight? The predominance of colors is often a result of social or global circumstances. I found this chart below and the accompanying post highlighting the change in fashionable colors over the decades quite interesting.
I don’t know that anyone can actually guess what colors will come from a change in global or local circumstances, but a historical view could give you a direction if you are looking to change up your line this coming year. Even if not, it is rather fun to see where we have been and where we’ve come to over the years in our society’s color preferences.
Stepping out in Vibrating Color
December 27, 2012
Inspirational Art
I know, I know … many of you are resting up after a long, well-fought holiday season. The rest is certainly deserved. But there is no rest for the wicked. Especially if you or your customers have big New Year’s plans!
I actually look forward to dressing up for New Year’s more than for Christmas gatherings. New Year’s is a time for pizzazz, a time for glamor and glitz (without over doing it of course!) and a time to shine.
The first day of the year is a day of hope and high energy, so why not dress to reflect the sentiment of a new start? It doesn’t have to be all jewels and gold, either. Certain color combinations, not to mention visual textures, can really add energy to an outfit. This piece by Two Good Claymates (Carolyn and Dave Good) has a little bit of all of this. Purple and green, a very energetic color combination, set off with the hypnotic look of Damascus canes and faceted beads. That’s dressing it up.
I haven’t decided what to do for this New Year’s eve, so I need to get myself into the studio and whip up something for myself … for a change. Why not put some time aside in the studio to make yourself something wonderful for the new year?
A Filigree Farewell to Christmas
December 26, 2012
Inspirational Art
Perhaps you are all a bit tired of Christmas, but I only just found this beautiful set late last night and thought one more holiday piece could be shared.
Leah Hagen of LeeLee Beads is a polymer filigree fanatic. She seems to have explored every possible approach for winding thin snakes of clay about a bead. These “Vintage Christmas” beads are a charming example of Leah’s varied filigree approach.
If you have an interest in polymer filigree, embroidery, or lace like applications take a look at Leah’s Flickr page.
All I Wanted for Christmas …
December 25, 2012
Inspirational Art, Ponderings
… I already had.
I am blessed with the most wonderful family anyone could ever wish for. We all actually really get along, respect each other, and encourage each other’s dreams. I also have many amazing, dear, and caring friends, some that I’ve known for ages, some quite new, not to mention the wonderful network of acquaintances and colleagues I can always count on to keep me on track and make me feel useful and needed by coming to me for help, as well.
And on top of all that–already more than any one person could possibly hope for–I have the most supportive, generous, and helpful readers, both here on the blog and at The Polymer Arts magazine. What more could a girl ask for?
I do hope all of you, whether you celebrate Christmas today or not, are surrounded by your dearest ones and are able to take time to truly enjoy and appreciate the season with all it’s many blessings.
Our cute little Christmas tree trio was created by Afsaneh Tajvidi of JooJooLand and was her Christmas blog greeting a couple years back. Thanks to her and all of you who share your gifts with all of us.
Outside Inspiration: Time in the Kitchen (and yes, it is Monday)
December 24, 2012
Inspirational Art
I know I usually do outside inspirations on Fridays, but let’s face it … most of us are probably not in the studio today. Many of us are in the kitchen. So here’s a thought. Where I usually stop to point out how something made in another medium can be translated into polymer, how about we take our skills and creativity we hone in our studios to the kitchen with us?
There are many culinary items that can be made more appealing and get you that desired “wow” factor by applying techniques and design ideas you already employ in polymer. Design elements like color, balance, line, texture, etc are all applicable to food. The area with the widest opportunities are in the sweets. Just look at these adorable cookies. Cut and stacked shapes, small dots and lines of detail … you’ve probably done something very similar with polymer. So you can see how simple it would be to do the same with frosting or fondant? These fun cookies are by Naomi of HelloNaomi.com.au of New Castle, Australia. (Could you even eat these?! They’re so cute!)
Cookies and cakes have an easy and direct translation for polymer art, but don’t hold back when it comes to be creative and colorful in the kitchen. Appetizers can be so much fun, too. For instance, arrange that ubiquitous veggie tray into something more enticing by making a Christmas tree shape out of the broccoli with carrot chips and cherry tomato ‘ornaments’ and sliced sweet pepper ‘garlands’. Wrap that soft cheese block with a peeled celery bow (or real ribbon … I’m sure no one will try to eat it … right?) Or instead of a nut and cheese log, how about a nut and cheese wreath?
I just think we, as creative people, should never limit ourselves by putting all of our creative energy into our primary material. There are all kinds of materials and moments your skills can be applied, where you can be creative and delight the people around you, not to mention the fun you can have yourself. There is no better time (or excuse) to do so than during the holiday season.
Now go ahead, go get crazy creative in the kitchen today!
Yes, It’s All Worth the Aggravation
December 23, 2012
Ponderings
I have somehow managed to avoid most of the trials and tribulations that are usually a part of the holiday season. Not that there aren’t other non-holiday tribulations putting up hurdles before me but I am very grateful for being an artist and for being able to make, with tons of love and caring, gifts for the people on my list. I am also so grateful for the internet … for letting me shop from home for all those things on my list that just can’t–for some silly reason–be made from polymer clay!
But I do see the hectic lines in the face of my friends and family. I’m sure many of you have or are having those kind of moments. So here is a holiday thought for you. Just remember why you go through all you go through during the holiday season. And who benefits from all you do.
Paper sculpturist Jen Stark‘s plays with colored paper in a way that I’ve never seen. When I found her site, I just got lost there for a while.
I think the shapes and colors will speak to a lot of polymer artists. She builds or uncovers colors and layers, rearranging and shaping forms in a way that brings to mind work by polymer artists like Jana Roberts Benzon and Ford & Forlano.
This piece called “Divinity” really drew me in. The way Jen uncovers the layers as if the edge of the shape was being eaten is fascinating. Although the gnawed away look should feel subtractive, this actually feels like the essence of the piece is being unveiled, maybe even blossoming as the color becomes stronger and more vibrant towards the middle.
Makes you want to “dig into” your next layered block doesn’t it?
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Is there anything you can’t embellish with polymer? The possibilities do seem limitless. I have seen every thing from cars to laptops to sunglasses and stairs accented (or covered) with polymer art. Some of these are quite elaborate mixed media affairs but it needn’t be very involved. If you haven’t tried covering something unconventional with polymer, perhaps this chair will give you some motivation to try it out.
This chair by Christy Dickerson is covered with tiles that were formed and baked and then glued to the cross rails and seat supports. This chair went from ordinary to simply eye-catching using a straight-forward process that anyone with the patience to make all the tiles could have tremendous success with.
The Magical Mosaic Chair was found on Helen’s Clay Art blog where you can see it from several different angles .
So, where can your polymer go to add a little beauty and interest in to world?
Read MoreI’m a bit focused on nature and the organic right now. ‘Tis the season here in Colorado where we all end up heading to the mountains to commune with nature and get out of the heat that is starting to come on.
I think that is why I am being drawn to pieces like this pod necklace by Ma-Belette (works under Mabcrea Art) If you look at the individual elements here, there is little in the way of straight organic translations rather it is all suggested through form, texture, and line. The pod shapes, of course, hark back to tree seed pods. The stippled black clay reminds one of lava rock. The wavy edges of the skinner blends replicates the natural formation of foliage around other elements of the plant it grows from. All this in a simple contemporary composition of repeating and mirrored shapes, colors and lines.
I will be on the hunt for interesting forms, textures, colors and combinations while out this weekend. (Don’t worry … I have someone keeping up the blog posts for me.) I’ll post any really wonderful finds on here next week.
Read MoreThis year I’ve been doing a lot of chatting with other polymer artists, collaborating–or hoping to–on a variety of projects primarily related to promoting polymer and the image of polymer art. What I would really like to do is artistic collaborations. It is amazing what the creativity and input from another artist can do to push your work and get you think in different directions. You often end up with something that you would have never imagined. That synergistic effect of two or more minds trying to resolve individual visions into one can be so exciting and energizing.
You may have seen the beautiful work of J.M. Syron and Bonnie Bischoff combining woodworking and polymer. Their large piece of furniture are well-known but I adore their lamps.
Cynithia Toops regularly collaborates with jewelry smith Chuck Domitrovich. Chuck set up a wonderful Flickr page with their in-progress and finished work.
One of favorite collaborations is this very interesting wood and polymer piece by Porro Sahlberg and Peter Sahlberg Leppikallio. The “Trilobite Cabin” was included in “500 Cabinets” by Lark Books. Click on the photo to go to the page with the detail of the side which is just wonderful.
So … have you considered collaborating?
Read MoreNo one makes swirls lentils like Laura Timmins. And I have never seen anyone put together a more concise, accessible and interesting way of explaining such a complex process.
This is really a pretty cool visual of how Laura builds the components that make her gorgeous lentils. She created this quite a few years ago to help explain to her customers how she uses polymer clay to make her work. She has found that the popularity of polymer has made explaining the material and process less necessary than in the past but it’s still a fun and colorful visual to have.
What do you use, if anything, to educate people about your process when at public events?
Read MoreWould you like to be a writer or contributor for The Polymer Arts? Do you often wonder when your next issue will be on the way? Do you like little tips and tricks in your mailbox a couple times a month?
In our TPA newsletter, we keep you up to date on new and upcoming issues, the types of articles and art we are looking to acquire for future issues and we add a tip and/or trick to give you something to think about and improve in your art process.
Our next newsletter goes out this week with ideas for contributions for future issues. (You don’t need to be a writer to contribute, just have some great ideas and good information for your fellow artists and we’ll help you craft an article.) Also news on back issue specials and the best of our blog and Facebook posts.
You can sign up for our twice monthly newsletter on our website. Look for the form on the left hand side.
Read MoreSo, I thought we’d spend some time on this blog each week looking at potential inspiration from areas outside of polymer. We already take so many techniques and processes from other types of art so it’s not a stretch to think that there is just a ton of non-polymer art that can inspire our work.
Here we have ceramic artist Andy Rogers, He is quite the texture fiend. (Geez … sounds like someone else we know!) The colors, forms and texture he uses could all be replicated in polymer. I also like the arrangement of forms he puts together to link and contrast them in one cohesive composition. This kind of presentation of polymer work is not that common but doesn’t it get you thinking about what you might be able to do with your work?
Do you have favorite artists or pieces of art that aren’t polymer but has influenced what you do? If so, I would love to help you share that here on the TPA blog. Send links to me at sbray@thepolymerarts.com
Read MoreYou may have read the article in the present Summer 2012 issue of The Polymer Arts magazine and as I promised, we are announcing that Clay Carnival registration is now open! Clay Carnival Las Vegas 2012 will be October 18 – 21st at the Imperial Palace Hotel.
This is 4 days of total polymer clay immersion with 8 instructors and one of the easiest, best laid out set-ups. You get there, get a spot in one of the 3 or 4 workrooms and the instructors come to the room so you get to spread out and play straight through without all the packing hassle at the end of the day. And it’s in Vegas! Play with clay during the day (oh, my that rhymed all too well!) then play out into the lights of the Las Vegas nights.
There is a core group of 4 instructors – Judy Belcher, Kim Cavender, Leslie Blackford and Donna Kato and each year they invite four more. This year they also have Sarah Shriver, Wendy Malinow, Dawn Schiller, and Natalia Garcia. Six of the eight classes are already posted on the website including information on Sarah Shriver’s Acorn pendants you see here. Clay is provided by Van Aken International for classes. The event is capped off by the Pizza Party Carnival Night of which we had lots of photos in the article so you can see just how much fun this group is. Do consider joining this year if you can.
So are you going? I’ll be there again (it was too much fun to miss) and bringing my camera and light box to get shots of attendees artwork for the blog and magazine.
Don’t forget to follow the news and announcements on their blog or on Facebook.
Read MoreToday we’re going to just admire something pretty for the sake of it being pretty. Doll art is just so incredible.
This is a pair by artist Nicole West who makes incredibly detailed polymer dolls. The expressions on their face here, the choice of color for the eyes and accents on the skin and the pairing of these two is just gorgeous.
Her comments: ” These pop goth girl are sculpted with every detail including fingernails and fine hair eyelashes. Their eyes are a bright pink/purple and are hand made by the artist. They reflect light for added depth and realism. They are not computer generated.” That is a lot of dedication to detail!
These are for sale on Ebay. Wouldn’t they be a wonderful gift to receive!
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