Former NPCG president,
Carol Simmons has figured out how to bring control to the chaos of polymer clay kaleidoscope canes. These samples were all generated from one base cane.
Just as Judith Skinner saw polymer clay color gradations as a math problem to be solved, Carol has seen kaleidoscope canes as a system to be reassembled and explained. A scientist and researcher, Carol took a methodical approach to the problem and came up with an elegant solution.
Obviously this is more than science, however. It takes artistry and a fine sense of color to come up with these powerful combinations.
Thanks to her for sharing her new discovery. We’ll have to wait to hear how Carol decides to publish or teach her new technique.
And this seasonal polymer clay treat is from Illinois’ Scott Mizevitz, a multiple winner and now a judge in the "Bottles of Hope Challenge." Enjoy his photos and have a lovely Easter weekend.
Kim Cavender ,
I’ve always been a big admirer of Carol’s work and these kaleidoscope canes are FABULOUS! Gorgeous color, pattern and precision make this one of my favorite posts on PCD.
Scott’s egg is great. He has a wonderful knack for realism and his miniature food pieces are incredible.
We’re so lucky to be treated with such fabulous eye candy every day. Thanks Cynthia and Happy Easter!
barb fajardo ,
Just beautiful! These make me think of Sarah Shiver who also morphs one cane into varying designs.
And what can you say of Scott’s darling little ducky? Adorable for sure!
Christie Wright ,
I’m so pleased to see Scott Mizevitz’s “baby” egg featured. What a talented artist he is. I will echo Kim…his “knack for realism” is astounding. I look forward to ALL Scott’s future artistic endeavors. He’s to be admired for his talent as well as his kind, sharing spirit. The polymer clay community is much richer because of people like Scott.
Mary Fassler ,
I’m very interested in seeing how Carol disseminates her technique to the PC world…hope you do a follow up if she offers a class or does an article or book!
jana roberts benzon ,
Simply beautiful….I love Carol’s work and want to see more! She obviously is very talented and has a wonderful eye for patterning and color….I could get lost in looking at her creations..
And, congrats to Scott for being featured!
Sarajane Helm ,
WoW!! Gorgious, complex, precise and fabulous colors. Thats ALWAYS a halmmark of Carl’s work, and certainly true here.
Thanks for getting us all a look at it Cynthia!
darleen bellan ,
wow scott, you are so creative with the clay and like a lot of techniques as do I. Thenk goodness the clay is such a “chameleon”. Keep up the good work! darleen
Jan Frame ,
Yes, these kaleidoscopes are reminiscent of Sarah Shriver’s beautiful & fascinating cane manipulations. However, Carol’s kaleidoscope cane system is very different from Sarah’s. I’ve taken Sarah’s classes & I’ve seen Carol’s system. I think Cynthia’s “Skinner Blend†comparison is right on point because I find the “Simmons’ System†to be more like the “Skinner Blend†in that it takes kaleidoscope cane manipulation beyond what others have done. Just as Judith Skinner created a new, systematic way of blending clay which went beyond previous mixing methods, Carol Simmons has developed a particular cane design and a systematic way of cutting slices from a single cane and rearranging them to produce literally dozens of different kaleidoscopic veneers. She has developed templates which use geometric principles to facilitate the process. The veneers that result are inter-related in color and design.
barb fajardo ,
I didn’t mean to imply that Carol’s kaleidoscope caning isn’t different from Sarah’s! It certainly is and just as beautiful IMO. Sorry if it sounded like that :o)
Dede Leupold ,
Very inspiring! I love the idea of making such different designs from the same cane, I look forward to working with you at the same table!
Carol Simmons ,
Thank you all, for the positive comments. Barb, your comment didn’t imply anything negative. I think Jan just wanted to make it clear that what I’m doing is really different from morphing canes as Sarah does. Jan is the only one who has actually seen me doing it and she’s excited about it. We actually made 60 variations from one cane! I’m teaching a test class to Jan and a couple of other people in June to help me decide if I want to go on the road with a formal class.
barb fajardo ,
Well, Carol…I for one (probably of many) may take a class from you if you decide to teach it. I don’t take classes as a rule, but your variations are definitely sparking my interest. Keep Albuquerque in mind if you do. And thanks for the clarification on my post…it’s appreciated!
Polymer Clay Daily » River Rocks ,
[…] It’s fun to see polymer clay pebbles from another perspective. Carol Simmons’ river rocks may look like the ones Kim Cavender taught me to make using embossing powders. […]
carissa nichols ,
i am so lucky! my mother presented me with one of carol’s awesome pendants this christmas. it’s the same color family as those listed above…..truly truly awesome. i hope someday to learn her technique if she is so inclined!
carissa
Simmons winning pendants at Polymer Clay Daily ,
[…] a color palette derived from Korean embroideries, Carol Simmons created this series of kaleidoscope pendants which won first prize in the Bead Dreams polymer clay […]
farida ,
Carol’s kaleidoscope canes just grab they eye. A salute to Carol for coming up with a kaleidoscoping technique where you can actually come up with more than just 3 or 4 variations to one cane. 60 variations…WOW Carol!!! I live in the Fort Lauderdale area,and would love to take a class with you, buy a dvd, or a book. However Carol decides to teach her techniques (classes, books, dvd’s), I think all who are admiring her inspirational work will greatly appreciate it.