Polymer Clay Daily

Quiltbook

More than 90 polymer artists contributed fabric pattern swatches to the new book by Sarajane Helm and Judith Skinner. The book is now available most easily from Lulu books and also from Sarajane's site.

The book I ordered won't arrive until nearly Christmas (note: it only took two days and came on December 12) but it was great fun to scroll through all the samples in their slideshow. Be prepared, the slides run slowly and it only seems to work in Explorer. The artists responsible for the works above are Margie Drake, Dayle Doroshow, Nancy Osbahr, Margie Drake, Mags Bonham, Barb Harper and Leigh Ross.

With all the new techniques that have come out, I'm pleased to see that caning of this quality lives on. Congrats to Judith and Sarajane for birthing this baby.

Beyond your comfort zone

Just in case you thought that your polymer clay art was too safe and tame and boring, take a look at the work of Art Institute of Chicago grad student Peter Goldlust. As he says, "These environments explore the gray areas between seemingly distinct states of being: the alluring and the repulsive; the playful and the threatening; and the natural and the synthetic."

No flower canes here, just absolutely fascinating imaginings. This polymer and prozac piece is particularly intriguing.

His carved crayons may give Maggie's tutorial students some ideas as they contemplate their new crayolas. Thanks to Barbara Forbes-Lyons for passing this link along.

Carlson New Work

Congratulations to Maureen Carlson on her new work which is being shown in a Minneapolis gallery. As we come to the end of the year, it's the perfect time to follow Maureen's lead and dig deeper, venture outside our comfort zones. Here's how Maureen explains her bold leap.

"One of my goals for 2006 was to create some new artwork that explored my feelings about making art, taking risks, opening doors and exploring less familiar paths. I've loved what I've been doing for nearly 30 years now, but I felt that I had more to say that needed to be said in a different style than with the whimsical, smiling faces for which I've become known.

I wanted to explore the full spectrum of emotions and moods and expressions in my work – even if some of that work wasn't pretty or cute or easy to understand – and I needed to make a break from those sweet little people in this new work."

Maggie’s Launch

Maggio Web Page

She'll say she's not quite ready….it's not quite finished…wait, wait! But I say it's December 1 and time to unveil Maggie Maggio's site. You'll just have to come back again and again to see the class listings and tutorial updates. 

In the meanwhile, luxuriate in the galleries and get a taste of the color classes. Look at those stunning pieces. Sorry Maggie, I've held this under wraps for as long as I can stand it. Happy launch.

And while you're luxuriating, consider a trip to Italy next summer to study with Maggie and others at Louise Fischer Cozzi's studio. Have a lovely weekend.

 

Weidler

Jack Weidler sculpts amazingly detailed wildlife and fantasy creations hair by hair, feather by feather from polymer clay. He's an Arizona artist with physical challenges who loves his work. This kind of detail is beyond my comprehension. Be sure to thumb through his portfolio and enlarge to appreciate the detail.

Thanks to Susan Rose for the link.

It's time for me to stand on my soapbox and encourage all our readers to join the National Polymer Clay Guild. There's a new energy and vitality in the guild and you'll want to be part of it. Online voting for new officers is going on now. Join, volunteer, help further your art and craft.

Small Business


No big production work on today's site! Liana Turnbull embellishes skulls from her Colorado ranch with polymer clay. Baking bones and polymer clay has made for some nasty smells and at least one ruined relationship.

Liana describes her process in detail. It's a fun read and will stretch your imagination. Take a break from your tame Christmas earrings and visit these exotic sculptures.

Big Business

I spotted Viva Beads in a local shop and had to explore further. Their beads are carried in a dizzying list of stores so I’m assuming we’ve got a big production going here. They carry a short list of patterns and their beads are all identically sized. Though the address is Northbrook, Illinois and the company was started by Lori Mottlowitz and Jill Manzara, I doubt they’re operating out of their kitchens.

I laud their success (nice color palette) and at the same time lament the fast food approach. Anybody know the story?