Maquettes

2 of my Project Object Green maquettes:

Rendering of Project #1

Today's production class was AWESOME. Heidi Lowe spoke and gave us a lot of vaulable information on multiples and production and the difference between the two. Rebecca Dortzbach also came and spoke to us about rendering. She showed us how to take into account where the light source comes from and how to blend with markers. I have always hated drawing but after today's experience using vellum paper and prisma colors I couldn't wait to get home and finish.

I did have a really hard time picturing the brooch in my head and rendering it in color so Rebecca suggested that I go home and set up the brooch with a light source pointing to the top left of the piece. So that is exactly what I did, and here it is. A render of one of my maquettes. It is supposed to be the bottom of a soda can cut off and it is filled with rocks. The end result is supposed to be a brooch.

die forms and hating parking at Towson

So I finally figured out after years of denial that in order to find a parking spot at Towson and make it to class, you must arrive at least an hour ahead of time. I drove around for over an hour and half and I'm beyond frustrated that I had to miss class because I couldn't find a space. From now on I am going to have to embrace mornings and wake up extra early! >:-/

I wanted to put up pics before I leave to go back to school, this time much earlier, to show the progress I've made with my first die. I chose to use a shape that had a sharp point first because I wanted to see just how crisp I could get an edge like that. These four weren't as successful as I would have liked them to be. I pressed 2 in 24 gauge and 2 in 20 gauge. My die has a piece of plexiglass on one side and a piece of masonite on the other. I pressed 3 on the side with the plexiplass and one on the side with the masonite so I could see the difference in the edges. Only one blew out in the end, but I think that's because I was a little timid with the hydraulic press. I didn't really push the limits to see how far I could go.

So I'm going to make another die. This time I want to then play around with a form that has smoother edges and push the limits a little bit more to see what the metal is capable of doing. I looked at pictures of vintage clock hands and took those forms and rounded them out until I came up with one that I liked. I am about to cut out that die and start pressing this evening.

Here is a picture of the information I recorded for my first set of pressings:




die #1 and pressings:







Here's die#2:


this still needs to be rounded out a lot more and filed

<3

I came across this bowl, "Bronze Nest," made by Heather Palmer and fell in love. All I know about this glass vessel is that it was formed in a kiln, it comes in small, medium and large, and it is TOTALLY my aesthetic.

ACC experience

At the American Craft Show in 2008 presented by the American Craft Council the leading artists in this country display work in every possible medium. The show was unbelievable, overwhelming, inspiring, and exciting. There were booths as far as my eyes could see.

As I slowly made my way down each aisle I was overcome by the unfamiliar and new techniques that I could see in some of the pieces, the wide array of designs and the quality of craftsmanship. There was so much to look at. So many pieces were so intriguing that I had to touch at least one work of art at each booth I stopped at.

One jeweler in particular that I liked is Dana Melnick of Dana David. Her pieces are very simple, looking like they are made up mostly of thick gauge wire. I really like the organic feeling of her work and the small bezel set diamonds that seem to float on her pieces.




Some of the most unique furniture I saw was crafted by Gaylen, Null and Null Designers. They create kitchen and bar counters that are gorgeous. When I have a house one day I'd love to own one of these! The tops are shaped like puddles and carved out of either what appears to be stone or wood. The bases, which look to be made from steel, have thin arced legs that mimic the curves in the counter tops.




My favorite artist that I saw was Ed Branson. He creates brightly colored organically shaped vessels out of blown glass. His shapes are very unique and he pays close attention to detail - two qualities I absolutely love about his work. I would love to own one of his Calla or Bulb vases one day.



Overall I loved my first ACC experience. I can't wait for this year!

Top Design

I was sitting here just now "wrecking" my journal thinking that I really should go over to the studio when the show on TV in the background caught my attention. It's called Top Design and it is AWESOME. It's on Bravo, and I'm sure I'm the last to know about it since I don't watch much TV.

I caught the show while the contestants were divided into teams and their task was to decorate a NY loft. The teams were at junk yards and thrift stores because their budget was only about $2,000. It was so cool to see them running around grabbing things I would usually pass by and brainstorming how each piece could be restored in simple ways to create something beautiful.

A mini-challenge came in the midst of this where there were a bunch of boxes laid out on a table and the contestants had 30 minutes to grab a few of them and use whatever was in the house they were staying in to make beautiful shadow boxes. I loved watching the contestants under pressure and how each person handled it differently. I also loved all of the different outcomes.

Just a fun fun show. And it's back on now!

Bluehouse - a really great place!

Bluehouse is a great place, a healthy space and high-end stylish retailer for the upscale environmentalist in all of us. I really really really enjoyed this outing!!

The whole store is environmentally conscious and friendly - from the natural and organic food and drink they serve (which by the way I sampled - an italian cream soda and organic brownie - and loved), to the sustainable wood floors and cabinetry (some really gorgeous bamboo), to the reclaimed dishes (that come in some amazing organic shapes and beautiful colors), to the recycled bags, boxes, napkins, stationary, etc. (all of which are super cute and so much fun!).

They clean their shop with non-toxic products, offer their coffee grounds to customers for use in their composts and gardens and provide their boxes and packing materials (all made from recycled materials) free of charge to customers for their personal use.

What I haven't yet mentioned are all of the products, furnishings and interior knick knacks they sell, made from renewable and sustainable materials. These include items for the living and dining rooms, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, along with many accessories. And all of this is presented with a clean, beautiful and comfortable grace. A really great place!!!