Almost Late to Class
September 12, 2018
Inspirational Art
You know those times when you’re so busy that, although you sense something exciting is going on around you, you don’t stop to check it out until it’s too late? That was me these last few weeks. I knew that Dan Cormier’s and Tracy Holmes’ Bioforming class was coming up, but not that registration was nearing its end. Then, in my weekly search for cool polymer goodies to share with you this past weekend, I found this refreshing brooch by Dan and realized I didn’t know what was going on with their class. And guess what? It looked like registration for the class may have come and gone. Could this be true?
Not that I would have time to take it, much less sleep much, this year. If you read Monday’s news, you know about the new Polymer Art Projects – Organics book for which pre-sales started at a discount price on Monday, and you probably know about our new magazine, The Polymer Studio, coming in January, and you may also have heard that the next Polymer Journeys book will be on its way in November, so you know I’m beyond busy! But I wished I’d managed to make the time to tell you about this great new class before it was too late.
But then I thought, maybe it’s not! And a couple emails later and I have for you … drumroll please … a secret back door into a few extra spots Dan and Tracy have kindly opened just for you, my readers!
So, if you’re interested, jump over to this link to sign up for their in-depth Bioforming class. This secret back door will only be ope through this Friday so don’t wait as it is probably your last chance to get in on this.
Even if you can’t make the class, be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you’re one of the first to know when their next fantastic class is available.
In the meantime, here’s a bit of Dan’s latest work. The sophistication and mastery that underlies his approach to form, finishes, and design is all here but the little bouncing balls of color and the fun cactus form gives a humorous edge that is not as common in Dan’s work although, if you know him, is a big part of his personality.
For more on Dan’s work and on the classes Dan and Tracy have been teaching, go to their primary website here.
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.
A Perfect Finish
September 24, 2013
Inspirational Art
Seth Savarick kind of comes and goes in the polymer spotlight, and I think he could use more web presence. (Just saying, Seth. Some of us would like to see more of your work!) But recently, between his Synergy 3 seminars and his participation in the collaborative project of the year and its resulting book, Polymer Clay Master Class, he is getting re-introduced to many of us.
The most noticeable thing about Seth’s work, I think, is the absolutely flawless execution and finish. He works in both very contemporary designs and designs with the influence of ancient Japanese cultures, such as this inro.
Right now, if you want to check out more of Seth’s work, your best bet is to get the above mentioned book (which you will want for more than a view of Seth’s work) and check out his biography and images on the IPCA pages from this year’s Synergy 3. In truth, he does have a website under construction here. Let’s all give him some more encouragement to get that up and done!
A Good Cane Improved by a Fitting Finish
July 9, 2013
Inspirational Art, Polymer community news
Putting together a pleasing color palette and effective patterns is just half of what will make a good cane true art. The cane itself is just part of your art supply stash until it is sliced and applied to a form or shaped. Now don’t get me wrong; I believe caning is an art unto itself! So is gem carving, fabric design, leather tooling, and film special effects. But like these specialized trades, cane work is a component of something else that will make the detailed designs involved really shine. It is part of a bigger piece.
That is why the application and finish of the cane is so important. You wouldn’t want to see an expertly faceted ruby in an uneven base metal setting or a gorgeously woven damask made into a dumpy house dress. A cane is actually very much like a gem or printed fabric. The design of the cane should determine the application and finish it receives. A delicately detailed kaleidoscope cane should be perfectly set and finished smooth while a goofy face cane can be sliced in a large chunk and strung with big funky beads.
Let’s look at how Carol Simmons applies her very detailed and near flawless cane veneers on these simple cuff bracelets. Simple the type of bracelet may be, but each cane is perfectly aligned, there is not one discernible seam, the edges are trimmed and smooth, and the surface has been buffed to a high gloss making for stunning pieces … far from simple or ordinary.
Whether you are a novice or have had many years of experience caning, you can learn so much about caning from following Carol’s blog. It’s really a must for all caning fans. (Check out her February posts! Fabulous insight on building canes from concept on through. Start at this link then scroll down to move to each successive post.)
Of course, Carol teaches fantastic classes on caning and her mokume gane work. I believe there are still some spaces left for some of the workshops at the Master Class Camp where she’ll be teaching along with an overwhelmingly impressive list of other artists in Maryland in a few weeks. She also has her 2014 European tour schedule up, so if you are on that side of the globe, do check out where she will be when, and get in on her wonderful, information-packed classes.
A Rich and Moving Monday
April 1, 2013
Inspirational Art
Post-holiday Mondays can feel so drab after a weekend of fun and festivities with family and/or friends. So let’s start this Monday with some rich colors and textures.
This pendant was created by Sylvie Peraud of France. Controlled alcohol inks and careful finishing make this one impressive piece.
The repetition is simple but effective … the rounded triangular shapes fall from the neck cord in a gentle curve that is mimicked by the loose strands waving at the end of it. The off-balance arrangement and size of the shapes and strands give you the impression that is may be blowing in the wind. I do wish we had a shot of it hanging on a neck to see how it balances when worn. I bet it’s eye-catching in the way it moves on the wearer as well.
You can actually learn this technique, including how to make your own molds for the forms, via a class Sylvie has on CraftArtEdu titled Pearl Crackled Bracelet & Pendant.
You know those times when you’re so busy that, although you sense something exciting is going on around you, you don’t stop to check it out until it’s too late? That was me these last few weeks. I knew that Dan Cormier’s and Tracy Holmes’ Bioforming class was coming up, but not that registration was nearing its end. Then, in my weekly search for cool polymer goodies to share with you this past weekend, I found this refreshing brooch by Dan and realized I didn’t know what was going on with their class. And guess what? It looked like registration for the class may have come and gone. Could this be true?
Not that I would have time to take it, much less sleep much, this year. If you read Monday’s news, you know about the new Polymer Art Projects – Organics book for which pre-sales started at a discount price on Monday, and you probably know about our new magazine, The Polymer Studio, coming in January, and you may also have heard that the next Polymer Journeys book will be on its way in November, so you know I’m beyond busy! But I wished I’d managed to make the time to tell you about this great new class before it was too late.
But then I thought, maybe it’s not! And a couple emails later and I have for you … drumroll please … a secret back door into a few extra spots Dan and Tracy have kindly opened just for you, my readers!
So, if you’re interested, jump over to this link to sign up for their in-depth Bioforming class. This secret back door will only be ope through this Friday so don’t wait as it is probably your last chance to get in on this.
Even if you can’t make the class, be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you’re one of the first to know when their next fantastic class is available.
In the meantime, here’s a bit of Dan’s latest work. The sophistication and mastery that underlies his approach to form, finishes, and design is all here but the little bouncing balls of color and the fun cactus form gives a humorous edge that is not as common in Dan’s work although, if you know him, is a big part of his personality.
For more on Dan’s work and on the classes Dan and Tracy have been teaching, go to their primary website here.
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 MoreSeth Savarick kind of comes and goes in the polymer spotlight, and I think he could use more web presence. (Just saying, Seth. Some of us would like to see more of your work!) But recently, between his Synergy 3 seminars and his participation in the collaborative project of the year and its resulting book, Polymer Clay Master Class, he is getting re-introduced to many of us.
The most noticeable thing about Seth’s work, I think, is the absolutely flawless execution and finish. He works in both very contemporary designs and designs with the influence of ancient Japanese cultures, such as this inro.
Right now, if you want to check out more of Seth’s work, your best bet is to get the above mentioned book (which you will want for more than a view of Seth’s work) and check out his biography and images on the IPCA pages from this year’s Synergy 3. In truth, he does have a website under construction here. Let’s all give him some more encouragement to get that up and done!
Putting together a pleasing color palette and effective patterns is just half of what will make a good cane true art. The cane itself is just part of your art supply stash until it is sliced and applied to a form or shaped. Now don’t get me wrong; I believe caning is an art unto itself! So is gem carving, fabric design, leather tooling, and film special effects. But like these specialized trades, cane work is a component of something else that will make the detailed designs involved really shine. It is part of a bigger piece.
That is why the application and finish of the cane is so important. You wouldn’t want to see an expertly faceted ruby in an uneven base metal setting or a gorgeously woven damask made into a dumpy house dress. A cane is actually very much like a gem or printed fabric. The design of the cane should determine the application and finish it receives. A delicately detailed kaleidoscope cane should be perfectly set and finished smooth while a goofy face cane can be sliced in a large chunk and strung with big funky beads.
Let’s look at how Carol Simmons applies her very detailed and near flawless cane veneers on these simple cuff bracelets. Simple the type of bracelet may be, but each cane is perfectly aligned, there is not one discernible seam, the edges are trimmed and smooth, and the surface has been buffed to a high gloss making for stunning pieces … far from simple or ordinary.
Whether you are a novice or have had many years of experience caning, you can learn so much about caning from following Carol’s blog. It’s really a must for all caning fans. (Check out her February posts! Fabulous insight on building canes from concept on through. Start at this link then scroll down to move to each successive post.)
Of course, Carol teaches fantastic classes on caning and her mokume gane work. I believe there are still some spaces left for some of the workshops at the Master Class Camp where she’ll be teaching along with an overwhelmingly impressive list of other artists in Maryland in a few weeks. She also has her 2014 European tour schedule up, so if you are on that side of the globe, do check out where she will be when, and get in on her wonderful, information-packed classes.
Post-holiday Mondays can feel so drab after a weekend of fun and festivities with family and/or friends. So let’s start this Monday with some rich colors and textures.
This pendant was created by Sylvie Peraud of France. Controlled alcohol inks and careful finishing make this one impressive piece.
The repetition is simple but effective … the rounded triangular shapes fall from the neck cord in a gentle curve that is mimicked by the loose strands waving at the end of it. The off-balance arrangement and size of the shapes and strands give you the impression that is may be blowing in the wind. I do wish we had a shot of it hanging on a neck to see how it balances when worn. I bet it’s eye-catching in the way it moves on the wearer as well.
You can actually learn this technique, including how to make your own molds for the forms, via a class Sylvie has on CraftArtEdu titled Pearl Crackled Bracelet & Pendant.
Read More