Friday, October 9, 2009

Learning a new language

I haven't been in the studio much these past two weeks. The rest of the things that I am responsible for in life seem quite pressing (homeschooling, peeling apples, buying new pants for boys who seem to grow over night). Then there have been days when its just so lovely...that I go here instead.


I think thats ok though. Seeds of inspiration often get planted on days such as the one pictured above.

I did start making lots and lots translucent "shell" beads, as my friend Natalie calls them.



They made an appearance in this necklace that took me months to complete. ("Why?" I ask myself because it isn't really a complicated piece in any way.)

Mentally for me though it was a departure in that being trained as a metal smith I often still design/think in metal. Then I translate to polymer, modify and moved on. This is the first piece that, in my head at least, I felt like I thought through the process in the new language (polymer). I designed it to lay asymmetrically against the neck by stringing, trying on, stringing, trying on. I'd like to be able to get a little more control over that process.

9 comments:

  1. Great piece!

    I love the colors, textures, asymmetry, ...just everything! It is so wonderful.

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  2. The finished project is beautiful! I do quite a bit of trying on and modifying...I think it's a good thing to have the connection of the wearer as the designer.

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  3. I think it's wonderful! So much textures and interest going on there but in subtle muted colors that let the beads speak for themselves. As far as the trying on, I don't think that should ever not be a part of designing OOAK pieces. You must always take into consideration how it will feel on the wearers neck, the weight, if there are beads that are too sharp or uncomfortable, that kind of thing and also where it best lays on a person. Things you can't see on your bead board. That is unless you want it to be a show piece and not wearable art. Yours looks like it has just the right balance in all respects!

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  4. Thank you all!
    I think especially with a necklace with so many elements I just couldn't imagine how it would look like or hang like whereas earrings (sometimes) its easier to anticipate what they will look like on.

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  5. I love your necklace. I have been trying new concoctions as well. I'm fascinated right now with clasps...should they be part of the design, etc. Autumn is the most wonderful time for contemplation, in whatever form.

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  6. I absolutely adore this necklace! the colors speak to me. I love grey with red. And the shell beads add that little bit of texture. Great work Genevieve!

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  7. Waouhhhh....I like your necklace...So much textures....very nice !!

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  8. This is gorgeous, sophisticated tribal!
    Did you like the Weltman book? I haven't seen it yet but the rings on the cover were to die for!

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  9. This necklace with colors and asymmetry is wonderful. Great work !

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