Shifting Shapes

As I'm sure you've noticed, I tend to make things that are "even" and match. I decided to push my personal envelope a little, and work with some geometric shapes. These pieces are asymmetrical, or use geometric shapes in ways that are a bit of a stretch for me. The copper pieces above use a mokume gane surface with copper sheet imbedded in the layers. The copper surfaces are smooth, while the black surfaces are matte and textured.

I used the torn paper watercolor technique for the surfaces of the three related shapes below. Each piece is reversible, as shown in the photos. The shapes are separated by hammered copper discs.






I've got another idea or two percolating, and hope to get to them soon. It's fun to try something a little different, and open new pathways for my thoughts.

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day

Yes, it's January - and that means February and Valentine's Day are right around the corner. I wanted to put together a couple of pieces for the Westerly gallery show, and decided to use the dimensional approach on a couple of heart pendants. One is in a true red with white while the other is in a more salmon/rose shade. They each sport a rose in honor of the occasion.

After I made the earrings pictured at the left, I realized the design would be perfect for the "swap" at Cabin Fever Clay Festival. Once again, I'll be heading to Baltimore in February for a week of learning and sharing a playing with clay. It's a simply wonderful week, and I always come away with new ideas and a renewed appreciation for the talent and artistry of the festival instructors who teach and share their ideals and their techniques with the rest of us. It's a very special event. On the last evening, everyone who wants to brings in small polymer beads or charms (about 1/2" - 1" in diameter), and trades or swaps them for others' pieces. This year, Marie Segal is being honored for her contributions to polymer art. Since Marie will be teaching a heart design, the theme for the swap is "hearts." So I'll be making 50+ little hearts for the swap. Perhaps I'll remember to pop in a photo later once I have some made.