No matter how sophisticated polymer art becomes, the color and simplicity of basic canes is still one of its most alluring and enduring charms. This week I stumbled upon this Fancy necklace from Pier Voulkos. It’s twenty-three years old and still fresh and, well, fancy! Note how she used plastic-coated telephone wire to unobtrusively attach the dangles into the composition.
The necklace now resides in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Botson (donated by Lindly Haunani).
This week I was happy to find Kim Korringa (on Facebook) mixing up 19 pounds worth of her signature canes that carry on the cane tradition. Here’s a free tutorial that shows Kim’s Fairy Wing earrings and the secret to her cane methods from my Global Perspectives book.
Kim Arden’s bright canes follow in Pier’s footsteps with the addition of translucent tricks. Laura Tabakman’s muted translucent canes veer off in another direction.
After a month on vacation, I was happy to be greeted by so many reminders of polymer’s vibrant history and your continuing discoveries.
Claire Maunsell ,
Pier Voulkos was my first inspiration in polymer – and she has continued to inspire through my journey. Welcome back, Cynthia – and thanks for the reminder!
Priscilla Lane ,
I immediately thought of Kimberly Arden’s colorful work when I saw this necklace. Her style is different, but her excellent use of color is very similar.
Trina Williams ,
Ah, telephone wire! Someone donated a ton of it to our guild once. I had a 6 foot cable with about 2 dozen different colors of wire inside. I sold or gave away most of it. I still have a few bits and pieces.
Virginia Tyson ,
Talk about a blast from the past. I too consider Pier Voulkos to be my polymer clay muse. During a benefit auction at one of the Ravensdale gatherings, I got into a bidding war for one of Pier’s necklaces similar to this one. Alas, I lost. I remain in awe of her work.
Cassy Muronaka ,
I miss Pier’s work.