I wrote to Ohio artist James Lehman whose work we looked at over a year ago to see if he had some new polymer clay work. He wrote back to say that he is currently focused on laser/computer work. His laser work looks very much like his polymer and I thought you might enjoy the comparison. 
Polymer clay art attracts a fair number of computer programmers, graphic artists, medical researchers, botanists, biologists, physicians and other scientists who love to touch the colors and translate the patterns they see in the lab into three dimensional art.
Thanks to Jo-Anne Bartley who prompted the follow-up.
What I look for in polymer clay artwork is authenticity and passion and sometimes it pops up in the strangest places. Wisconsin’s Joshua Knuth has a passion for fish and wildlife which he recreates in polymer clay, resin, wood, bronze and taxidermy.
This Black Crappie is painstakingly crafted from polymer clay and faithfully replicates nature’s palette. Thanks to Susan Rose for sending the link along.
It’s hard to keep track of Heather Powers and her Humble Beads. This Texas artist has been blogging for so long that her blog sprouted a blog. Check out her most recent offering. A multi-talented artist/illustrator, Heather posts to Humblearts, Humblebeads and elsewhere.
Heather’s palette is soothing and distinctive…lots of copper and olive. She does a masterful job of mixing seed beads and polymer clay and metals. Her polymer clay sea urchins and embellished felted beads are a marvel.
No squinting for details here. I am grateful for the clear, bright pictures of her stunning work. Take a look.
Laura Balombini shows some new lovelies on her site. She credits Tim Burton and Shakespeare among her influences!
Laura is one of those polymer clay artists whose works are often emulated. Donna Kato addressed the issue of unauthorized copying on her blog this weekend.
It’s considered good manners to tip your hat to your muse with a mention in print or a link online. Before you benefit financially from teaching a technique to others, be sure to get approval from its originator. Most artists only want credit for their ideas and innovations.
While there are gray areas in matters of design, it’s best to err on the side of politeness and to make apologies and corrections where necessary. I’ve suffered a red face and offered a mea culpa or two myself.
The polymer clay community has a long history of generosity and sharing. We can help sustain that spirit by minding our manners and acknowledging those who have worked hard to blaze a path ahead of us.
Swappers are gushing over the works they’re receiving in the mail. I find that I’m a better viewer than participant. For those of us who prefer to watch, there are sites like Dorothy Greynolds’ and the two links from yesterday to satisfy our curiousity.
Michigan’s Dorothy shows a sampling of luscious polymer clay work she’s contributed to swaps over the last few years including the "pretzel beads" shown here. Dorothy’s graphic style translates well into a delightful mask formed over the back of a teaspoon. Take a look at her creations. Have a lovely weekend.
Ponsawan Sila is on the move and she faithfully records her progress on her blog. She includes pictures of her workspace and step-by-step tutorials on this method, a twist on mokume gane.
What this generous artist takes for granted is her color sense and her knack for pattern creation. No muddy colors or uninteresting patterns on her worktable! Take a look at her homemade texture plates. Thanks for letting us look over your shoulder, Ponsawan.
Recent Comments