Polymer Clay Daily

Finnish artists create visual glossary

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.

Campbell’s polymer pastiche

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.

Malpica’s polymer portraits

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.

Cinque’s polymer clay roots

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)

Squire’s polymer Obama from UK

I like that this polymer clay Obama by Rosemary Squire comes from beyond our borders as people all over the world celebrate with us on inauguration day.

Squire is a UK-based illustrator who creates three dimensional illustrations. In 2008 she received the British Association of Illustrators’ Critic Award. Her models are created using polymer clay, wire, found objects, and cloth, which are then digitally photographed for illustration.

Rosemary’s work is influenced by her close observation of people and their quirks and her politically inspired pieces in particular add a light hearted touch to otherwise serious subjects.

While she doesn’t toot her horn very loudly on her own blog, others like Lost At E Minor sing her praises. Enjoy the day.

Wolfe’s hopeful polymer story

It’s going to be a heartwarming, celebratory couple of days here in the U.S. and in that spirit read River Wolfe’s story about her Obama jewelry made from the polymer clay cane pictured here. River has been making and selling jewelry in Ohio for 15 years.

“When you wear a bracelet, or a necklace that shares the message of hope, peace, victory or love you just feel good inside,” she says. Serendipity surrounded her art. The story includes sales to celebrities, a gift for Michelle Obama and a hug from the President himself.

Thai flower arts

Tarapat van Gulik, from Thailand, and her husband Hans have just launched their website, ThaiflowerArt.com and I thought a burst of spring color could be rejuvenating – like the seed catalogs that arrive at this time of year.

The Guliks’ site showcases Tarapat’s realistic works which are produced in the Netherlands where the couple now live.

Most flower artists use Luna clay from Japan, an air-drying version similar to Lumina clay. The Guliks’ sell their own clay and their site contains pages and pages of techniques, tools and tutorials that apply to polymer clay as well.

While I have not often featured clay flowers, there’s a growing audience for this craft and you can see more at several additional sites like Suphattra and LilyCharter. Earlier I touched on Ravivan Petchprepa’s work as well. Have a warm weekend.

PCD’s mission and Friesen’s hearts

You’ve probably noticed that I’ve been crazy for hearts and steampunk lately. Christi Friesen has combined those two themes into one free tutorial on her site. I couldn’t resist bringing it to your attention.

I’ve spent the day watching the snow and fretting about Noblesse Oblige Award that Valerie Aharoni bestowed on me. Rather than be embarrassed and shy (my aw shucks mode), I’ll share with you what this blog is about and give you some tips for getting your work noticed online.

The Award

Over 15 years ago in a seminar, I off-handedly came up with my personal mission statement which is, “Find beauty, share beauty.” Since a mission statement is supposed to consist of seven words, someone suggested that I add, “and accessorize well.”

There you have it. My simple blog intent was composed on a whim before blogs were invented. All sorts of plans were set in motion with that mission statement. Finding and sharing beauty is my bottom line. Read more about the award…

Reid’s polymer clay minerals

New Jersey’s Kathryn Reid (aka PendulumStudios1) has bounded onto the Flickr and Etsy polymer clay scene with beads that beg to be touched. She’s attached names like mineral, earthen, lichen, and moons to her smooth pod-shaped creations.

Colorful translucent cane patterns are applied over glittering base beads as with the “Day and Night” beads shown here. See more of Kathryn’s work on her Etsy site.

Her secret? “I believe that my jewelry is inspired by the freedom that comes from not thinking about what I’m trying to do.”

Aharoni’s hearts toggle

This polymer clay heart toggle clasp comes from Valerie Aharoni. Her blog and flickr site are full of new concepts and experiments.

On her blog you can see the results of her tranfers made using ink jet prints on baking parchment paper. A bit of a buzz is growing about this process. The ink pooled when I tried it with my Epson but other printers seem to have had better luck.

Here are previous posts (1, 2, 3) we did about Valerie’s innovative designs.