i have a good shape - round is a good shape

My fellow polymer artist and talented sculptor, Dawn Schiller, sent out a picture of her newest witch. She was very shapely; round in all places, which elicited not a few comments from her colleagues. I said I was reminded of myself; Dawn quipped that, indeed, round is a nice shape.
I tend to use a lot of female forms in my jewelry and fiber art work, and my females are always rounded and well endowed (look back to my post and photo from the SLK workshop in Seattle).
So, for today's post, I dug out a (partial) photo of a piece I did last year - entitled "women of a certain age"
It's not necessarily a pretty picture, the lumpy roundness so many of us seem to find ourselves in, but it is real and it is us. So, rejoice and be comfortable.
Later this weekend, I promise to take pictures of the results of today's labor in my studio. So, stay tuned.
s

a sign of a sick mind?

They say a clean desk is the sign of a sick mind. Well, my mind is certainly very healthy, by those criterion. Too many different project running through my minds and hands at once. I tried straightening up a bit, but that never lasts for long.
The beginning of the week is always devoted to work, but I'm hoping to get back to my studio before the end of the week. Maybe I can get some more projects completed.
Otherwise, heads may roll!

pinned to my workspace...

In the spirit of keeping my fingers in art more consistently, and in getting ready for the Talmadge show (for those of you here in San Diego, that's Nov. 23), I'm still clearing up those previously unfinished projects that have been haunting my work table. While most people would say that the beading on these pins is the tedious part, I'm fine with all of that. It's sewing on the darned pin backs that gets me. These girls have been sitting for a couple of months now, just waiting to be pinned. I finished off a couple of pendants, too (no pix, yet).
I'm gearing up for a class with Laurie Mika next weekend. I've been brewing up some ideas of how to work her interesting mosaics into my dolls and their assorted parts. So, stay tuned for those.

one last seattle memory

Here's a picture of one more project I worked on in Seattle. On the last day I wanted to try one last technique for attaching objects. I pulled out a small ammonite I had brought with me, an interesting metal disc I had found in Portland a few years ago, and copied the curving shape in a sheet of silver. Add a little movement to keep it interesting, and - a pendant.

A little closer to home - I used the same technique to attach this polymer faux bone fish carving to a sheet of textured copper. I wanted to use the toggle clasp bars to attach the chain through the chinese coins, but the toggles wouldn't fit. So, a small change in plans, but I think it works. I'll take it to the Talmadge Art Show next month. I haven't done a show in a long time, and need to have some fresh jewelry to show. I'm also going to be taking some dolls for the first time.

I have a lot of ideas for new dolls. I keep laying awake at night planning out various ideas; figuring out how things will work, whether they'll work.... Now, I just need time in the studio to make them work! Also, need some sleep....:)

fill me up with creativity

The first project in Susan's class was forming a vessel shape. She is very into forming shapes and negative shapes and thinking about the relationships. So she had us start with this neat conical vessel shape. Of course, everyone's turned out differently. I had some fun with patina (which doesn't show in the photo so well), and added an old polymer bead I happened to have with me. I'm not too happy with the tassel - I had a fine Artistic wire, but not a silver I could hit with the liver of sulfur, so it's too bright. I'll have to change it now that I'm back to my whole studio.
It was interesting working with only a limited supply of "stuff." I had a bead box with some odds and ends of beads, found objects, and Susan and Linda had a stash for us to use, but while it was nice not to be overwhelmed with wanting to look through everything I owned for just the right item, it was also frustrating knowing I had exactly what I'd want back at home. But, you do push your creativity when you're forced to limited choices.
s

leave a woman hanging....

I had a fabulous time in Seattle with Susan Lenart Kazmer a week ago. Lots of creativity, lots of polishing up techniques, lots of good food. We played with forming, enameling, riveting, pouring resin, connecting, dangling, and more.
Since I find myself using female forms and faces in so much of my work (even the jewelry, not just the doll making) I made a pendant that incorporated much of what we covered.
After cutting out the piece, I formed the shapes of her, added a resin face (molded from a polymer face I had sculpted) in her womb (using tube rivets and a rusty washer), a piece of ancient Roman glass Susan and Linda had brought, a piece of torch fired enamel with which I had experimented, some found objects and flowing silver wire and copper mesh hair. Lots of fun. It's a theme I want to explore more, and I already have plans for more pieces - perhaps a bit smaller.
As to the food, we ate out well at night. I hobbled to the Pink Door one night, and had nowhere to put my cane. Thankfully, a helpful young fellow helped out. One of my classmates took a pix.
Hope he brings a smile to some faces.
s

i'm a basket case

In the spirit of finishing things (for a change) I also finished a doll this weekend. basket case started as a wire basket found at a thrift store. After working with Dawn Schiller on polymer faces, here I had this huge space just asking for someone to peer out of it. She's looking, and reaching, but just not quite getting out of this spot she's in. Sound familiar?
Here she is. I've already got my next doll planned. Just need time to start.
s

tick one off the list

Well, one more project accomplished! I'm sending off one of my doll jackets to the Textile Center show - Nothing New: fiber arts from household materials. Quirky as I am, I chose to use feminine pad wrappers; hand dyed and painted, hand stitched. If it doesn't get accepted into the show, I guess I'll just have to design a doll around it. Can't let it go to waste, now can we?

jumping into art & technology

now that technology pervades my professional life, i guess it's time to add it to my art side.
i'm hopeful that talking about my art will help keep me moving and producing.
i have lots of projects planned and, as always, just need the time.
i did take last week out to attend a week-long workshop in seattle with susan lennart kazmer. it was exciting and got the ideas flowing. she really pulls the creativity out of you, and it was wonderful to have the time to work with no deadlines or interruptions or obligations.
i need more weeks like that.
pix to come....
s