Tuesday, June 28, 2011

ArtBliss Update: Like Putty in My Hands

In case you were sitting on the fence about signing up for a class at ArtBliss in September, I'm going to be writing a series of blog posts relating to the class I'm teaching there. These aren't tutorials but little snippets about what we'll be doing in my class “Whimsical Blooms” and the journey that my concepts have taken to finally coalesce into a teachable format.

I work a lot with found objects-- I have never called these “junk” as they are in the category of relics for me, the fascinating detritus of our civilization—past and present-- either iconic in their meaning or splendidly weathered and patinated with time and the elements and worthy of inclusion into my artwork. But they don't come in duplicates. So I make molds of them and then I have them forever, at least in shape. The part of me that enters into the mix then is in how I color these copies and antique them and arrange them into wearable art. They are transformed by what I add to their history and their story becomes part of my story.

I don't have to find each and every “found” object. People give them to me sometimes, my husband finds them on our property, a friend actually loaned me an interesting piece that he wants back eventually.

So here's the important tip: you don't have to use the whole image. You can use a mold you've made of an antique button but use a piece of polymer clay that's larger than the impression so you have a “relic”-- an irregular shape that looks like it has disintegrated somewhat in the aging process. You can flatten edges or texture them with a tool or a texture sheet. I like to thin the edges out to create the illusion of disintegration even more. Polymer is very strong so even very thin pieces are quite strong. This allows you to stack a number of layers without creating a lot of weight or depth, just a showcase for color, texture and pattern.

Little layered experiments

Solstice necklace detail

Solstice necklace detail

Solstice necklace detail


Solstice necklace

9 comments:

  1. What a beautiful necklace, I love all the colors all swirling around from one to the next so soft and pretty! Kristi
    http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/

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  2. Beautiful antiqued effect. Very bohemian.

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  3. Christine,
    Don't know what I love more, the solstice shapes or your beautiful colors. I'm always caught by your work and so wish I could take your class. Some day I want to try polymer.

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  4. This is a stunning piece, like wearable art! Fantastic use of colour and texture, very inspirational, makes me want to get my clay out!

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  5. I so wish that it was the fence I was sitting on! But I blew my wad at the earlier Art Bliss not to mention the Bead & Button so I just can't hop into this class. But I really want to! So someone, please, take the spot that I want so desperately so that I can live vicariously through you! Thank you for a glimpse into your process, Miss Christine!
    Enjoy the day.
    Erin

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  6. Congratulations on being published in Polymer Clay Daily! Of course well deserved. Your work is fantastic and unique.

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  7. Love your beautiful new art pieces, I know your class will be a hit, can't wait to see your art in print!

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  8. Christine, what a nice feature in Polymer Clay daily - so glad to see your work highlighted there. Each and every one of your components is really incredible... my favorite just might be the top floral piece in the "little experiments" picture. I cannot wait to see you at work creating your gems at ArtBLISS!

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  9. Having held your work in my hands, I can say it's triply amazing up close. Can't wait to meet you!

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