Parts, pieces, problem solving polymer

Don’t be fooled by this little quilt-like image of Heather Campbell’s mixed media assemblage that includes much sculpted polymer. You must envision it full-sized – a 4-foot square!

And be sure to look at Heather’s in-process photos like the one below to get a better idea of the size and complexity of the piece.

The heavily encrusted circles and spirals join into one piece called Keep Circling. This story speaks about the need to, “Keep searching for that space and place that gives you meaning and purpose. You are the only one that can recognize and identify your center as home.” she explains.

Heather says that, “All my assemblage pieces have a story, and it’s so much more fulfilling to me to work on something with parts and pieces, and problem solving.”

Heather refers to her style as Bohemian Nouveau, combining the free spirited characteristics of the Bohemian lifestyle with the decorative motifs of the Art Nouveau movement. Learn much more on her sites on Pinterest, Artful Home and Artists of Utah.

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• November 25, 2015

Polymer and hardware

Spain’s Fabi Perez Ajates shows off these pendant samples for her new classes. Great shapes and unusual hinges set off her rich textures and colors.

Like yesterday’s Patti Bannister, Fabi is a mixed media artist who jumps between painting and polymer. You can watch as Fabi smoothly shifts gears on her site.

I’m latching onto fast food wifi to post today as I travel for the holidays. Here’s hoping for good weather and safe travels for all of us.

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• November 24, 2015

Polymer with nine lives

North Carolina’s Patti Bannister considers herself a painter but when a tactile mood hits her she returns to polymer…and cats.

These mosaic pieces will make their way as jewelry on her Etsy site. See Patti’s whole range of work on Flickr. Patti’s example makes us appreciate our accommodating medium that allows us to stay flexible and switch gears whenever the mood strikes or the situation changes.

On the road again

We’re back on the road heading to family for Thanksgiving. Still itching from poison oak but happy to be driving east.

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• November 23, 2015

Op-art polymer

This March we looked at Bridget Derc’s polymer-covered bottle. This time the UK artist tackled a kleenex box, applying  crisp stripes in punchy colors and geometric patterns that tease the eye.  See more of her op-art polymer on Pinterest and Flickr and read about her on this gallery site.

Mojo tricks from the archives

Dayle Doroshow learned one of her favorite techniques from Kathy Amt at the 1996 Ravensdale conference. You can still see those collaged mokume gane steps in Dayle’s current work (as in this 4″ tile for the FIMO project).

She shares the instructions with the StudioMojo folks in a video this Saturday. Dayle also added a free Shoe Brooch video on her website.

There’s still time to join the StudioMojo fans for a look back at historic tricks that you might not be familiar with. Sign up now.

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• November 20, 2015

Day off

A run-in with poison oak has me itching to get home. Taking a day off. See you tomorrow.

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• November 19, 2015

Batik revealed

This new polymer batik tutorial from Lorraine Vogel (wiredorchid)  makes my mouth water and takes me back to Bali without the jet lag.

You may have guessed some of the tools she uses to achieve these very fluid and fiber-like effects. Now Lorraine has gathered her well-researched techniques into a stunning and comprehensive tutorial. (No surprise that she’s a professional graphic artist.)

Lorraine responded to readers (PCD last featured her in June) with 15 pages of well written and beautifully photographed step-by-step examples.

When you’re tired of winter and the holiday frenzy, breathe in the tropics and summer with some imitative batik on polymer. There’s more on Facebook and Flickr.

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• November 18, 2015

Big and small designs

Maine’s Bonnie Bishoff prepares for show season with new jewelry designs including these openwork Wireline pendants. if you look at her Pinterest page you’ll see that the polymer tubing is wire-filled and catch a glimpse of her inspirations.

You’ll have to go to her Facebook page and website to see more.

Bonnie shifts her designs from jewelry to furniture to wall art (like Sprung below) with ease and expertise. What a feat to move from big to small and back again with confidence and success.

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• November 17, 2015

Dever moves mid-century

Jeff Dever revealed some of his newest works at the SOFA Chicago show in November. His style has taken recent turns too as he explores new ground.

Fascinated by modern art and mid-century modern design, Jeff created these pieces in response to that curiosity. He intends to continue evolving in this direction.

At the left is his nod to Matisse called Land and Sea, the Third Day.  The brooch at right leans more toward Alexander Calder and is called Alexander’s Orbit.

All of Dever’s series of brooches are meant to be arranged by the wearer. He calls them his “p’installations” and you can see them gracefully winding down lapels and peeking out of pockets.

See more of Jeff’s new designs on Facebook and his site. Be sure to read about his pieces that are currently on exhibit at the Beijing International Contemporary Metal & Jewelry Art Exhibit 2015.

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• November 16, 2015

Contained exhibit

Canada’s Rachel Gourley designed these polymer Doodles to be seen in an outdoor landscape where they pose the question,
“Are they real or are they not”

In her November-December exhibit sponsored by the Craft Council of BC, her creations have been brought in from the wild to be tamed and confined.

See both the wild and tamed versions of Rachel’s polymer vegetation on her website and read the Craft Council interview and exhibit information here.

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• November 13, 2015