by Cynthia Tinapple on January 26, 2009 · 1 comment
Two Finnish polymer clay artists, Petteri Leppikallio and Pörrö Sahlberg (Hiidet), have launched monthly challenges for themselves that they’re posting on their site. Their blog posts (this is just a small sampling) are becoming an online sketchbook and a visual glossary that they hope will inspire others.
This month Pörrö has been using two colors which she shapes into basic shapes using basic techniques. Petteri, a woodworker, has been exploring textures.
The ground rules for the year-long project specify that the ideas are more important than results.
“I need to study simplicity. There are tons of techniques available in the literature and the net, however I feel the simplest things and themes are somewhat unstudied. There must be lots of new ways to do old things and probably some new ideas rise from repeating the old ones,” says Pörrö.
With their studious and structured approach, their collaboration will be a fascinating one to follow.
by Cynthia Tinapple on January 23, 2009 · 4 comments
Utah’s Heather Campbell uses simple polymer clay techniques in layers that she builds up into a rich pastiche of cane patterns, texture and color. The pieces draw the eye in to study the detail.
Heather’s sculptures are also dense with meaning and deliver complex messages such as “Enlightenment” (pictured here), “Glorious Struggle” and “Off the Deep End.”
It’s no surprise that two of Heather’s sculptures were named winners in in this year’s IPCG’s Progress and Possiblities Exhibition.
Thanks to Annie Hooten for sending us to Heather’s updated PurpleDoor site.
by Cynthia Tinapple on January 22, 2009 · 3 comments
New Mexico’s Misha Malpica transforms polymer clay and fibers into haunting portraits of Native Americans. Her mixed media figures stand from 32″ tall to life-size and are dressed in soft leathers, luxurious furs and exotic beads and feathers.
This shaman sculpture is entitled, “All Things Sacred, Praising the Spirit.”
A self-taught sculptor, Misha has been working in polymer for 20 years. Her work has won many awards and is sought by collectors. “My work is about a fleeting glimpse into someone’s life, a memory of a journey,” she explains.
The link comes to you from Beverly Smith whose life on the road as a state park volunteer and polymer clay artist sounds idyllic.
by Cynthia Tinapple on January 21, 2009 · 8 comments
The polymer clay root faes by Candice Cinque are, I’m quite sure, the kind of creatures sleeping under our winter snows.
Their delicate poses make them look so lifelike that they seem more like some newly-discovered species of insect than a doll. Thin polymer clay blends seamlessly with roots and stems.
Candice’s sculptures range from 1” to about 12” tall and often take the form of tiny furred creatures and Faerie. She is trained in children’s book illustration and her work shows the influence of classical illustrators. See more on her Deviant site.
(via NeedleAndClay)
