by Cynthia Tinapple on November 23, 2009 · 4 comments
Grant Diffendaffer begins his new textured tube beads by making blanks. He explains that, “Any time I’ve been away for a while from the practice of making beads, I find I need an easy re-entry to get things moving again in the studio. These beads are perfect. I roll out a batch of core beads to start with. It’s a straightforward task with zero creative demands.” A good Monday tip?
The depth and texture that Grant achieves are the result of texturing and carving the color layer applied to the blank base beads. His style is agressive, sculptural and distinct. You can see more textured tube beads on his Etsy shop and his Flickr stream. Thanks to Leila Bidler of Germany for the link.
Perspective
Seeing the pictures from Heather Campbell’s show opening put her polymer clay/mixed media artwork in better perspective for me. Judging from the visitors standing beside works in her exhibit, the art is much bigger than you might have envisioned. The pictures are stunning and the show is impressive. Congratulations, Heather.
by Cynthia Tinapple on October 27, 2009 · 8 comments
The applique technique is picking up speed. Jennifer Morris, one of the first to popularize the style, gives solid colored polymer beads a distinctive look with sumptuous embellishment (front and back) and extravagent colors. Her finely crafted beads fly out of her New York based Etsy shop.
Germany’s Eva Soehjar gives her appliques a more contemporary twist with shaped bases and more graphic flowers. Eva began painting delicate scenes on polymer beads and has recently added this more dimensional line.
Rome’s Marina Lombardi (Ali di Libellula) enlivens simple polymer clay lentil swirl beads with romantic appliques of color-coordinated leaves, flowers, micro beads and crystals.
For these artists, the devil is in the details. Precisely placed teensy petals require patience and skill.
by Cynthia Tinapple on October 19, 2009 · 6 comments
To keep everyone up to date on the growing interest in polymer clay in Europe, the UK’s Christine Dumont has launched a new site called Voila! that gathers works and news from around the EU. You’ll want to sign up to get all the information. (Those are Christine’s own butterfly beads at the left.)
Reporting on the recent Euro Clay Carnival in France, the Voila site shows this pendant from Holland’s Saskia Veltnaar (Sassy & Co.) which tweaks Bettina Welker’s etching technique by undercutting, shaping and bending the layers.
Thanks to Marjon Donker for sending the link. My Minneapolis meeting was a success and I’m processing all that I learned. More on that later this week.
by Cynthia Tinapple on October 14, 2009 · 7 comments
I’m feeling clumsy and in a rush. Polymer clay works that exude a light touch and a delicate sensibility inspire me and calm me down.
The bracelet is from Enkhene Tserenbadam from Switzerland. Offsetting the comfortable textured shapes makes them more touchable. The oversized jump rings on her new necklaces add an element of surprise.
The glowing hollow translucent bead is from France’s Céline Charuau (GrisBleu). She has a little tutorial on her site that shows you how she assembles beauties like these.
Austria’s Eva Ehmeier (Hoedlgut) shows her refined elegant Black Meadow Necklace on her Flickr site. Ok, breathe deeply. Back to the studio.
