Watching Pier Voulkos work with polymer clay was a sight to behold. You can capture a glimpse of those early days on the most recent post in the Polymer Art Archive where you’ll read about the early efforts of both Pier and Victoria Hughes.
I snapped these pictures at Pier’s class in 2001. She took slices from one simple cane and in a couple of minutes combined them in more ways than I imagined possible.
Her works from years ago are still fresh today and the picture of the shapes reminds me to push my ideas further.
Why, you may wonder, is this polymer clay cane remarkable?
This is David Forlano’s first cane from 1988 and it marks the start of a 20 year collaboration between him and Steve Ford. In honor of the event, the duo has updated their web site they’re selling a limited quantity of their vintage pieces from the early 1990’s. “We’ve also made an archive over the 20 years showing our embarrassing beginnings,” says Steve.
You may take some consolation in seeing others’ first efforts. Be sure to download the artist statement that explains how their collaborative process works and how it’s changed over the years.
P.S. I’ve conquered my flu bug…nasty one.
Who first started using a pasta machine for sheeting polymer clay? What persuaded Nan Roche to write a book about Fimo? The answers are at your fingertips.
On this day of giving and sharing Elise Winters presents to you a new site, PolymerArtArchive.com, which she hopes will become an essential reference for the serious study of polymer art, a resource for curators and editors.
Years ago Elise realized the value of preserving the early history of polymer clay and she began collecting slides and other memorabilia that she thought might one day be valued by art historians.
“Many of those ‘polymer pioneers’ became dear friends, and I wanted to make sure that their names and achievements would get full recognition and respect as the artists who laid the foundation for our flourishing art form,” says Elise.
“The efforts I’ve made to set up and maintain this website are in reality a bit of payback to my wide, supportive circle of friends, colleagues, and fellow artists in the polymer clay community. If, through Polymer Art Archive, I can return to my community some of the benefits you have freely given to me, I’ll feel a highly satisfied woman.”
Enjoy this gift from Elise and your fellow artists. Use it to educate and sustain your work through the coming year. Have a happy holiday.
More history from Hollie’s collection. I wonder if you can identify this artist’s early work.
The pin on the right is an early 3D diorama from a series that the artist continued for several years. And the full-size mask is covered with a delightful variety of face cane and pattern slices.
Click here to go the artist’s current site. Surprised?
Hollie Mion and I spent the day in her studio taking pictures of the over 400 pieces in her extensive polymer clay collection amassed over the past 20 years. Hollie ended the day with a digital record of her treasures and I came home with a treasure trove of pictures with which to tantalize you.
You’ll enjoy seeing early works like these Pier Voulkos earrings and pin assembled using telephone wire that fuses with the clay. And this tripod sculpture of Pier’s is one of Hollie’s favorite pieces. (Pier has returned to her career in dance.)
An introduction to our old polymer clay friends may help you appreciate the roots of your craft.
I woke up worrying today. My better self told me to "chill" and give myself a day for breathing and reflection. I found this 15-year-old silly self portrait cane in a cabinet the other day and realized I’ve been playing with polymer for a very long time. FYI, the cane sliced nicely.
Jump in the way-back machine with me and visit some of these old friends and projects (some links are outdated). A day for historic reflection and calm.
This work of Ruth Anne and Michael Grove, a husband and wife collaborative team from California, reminds me of fireworks. Unfortunately they've left the business, sold their fabulous equipment and moved on to other pursuits.
You can still see their work in the 1995 book entitled "Five Artists-Five Directions" and we are indebted to Ruth Anne and Michael for many of the ideas in vogue today. Their work is also in the permanent collection of the Cooper-Hewitt Museum.
Have a Happy Fourth!
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