Polymer Clay Daily

Dove of peace signals big things

Lady Gaga signals the end of small brooches on PolymerClayDaily

My son tells me that America needs a nap. Scared, excited, relieved by Inauguration Day? Now it’s time for a nap.

But before you toddle off, let’s just take a look at Lady Gaga’s Dove of Peace brooch and agree that her fab outfit spells the end of small brooches. I’m pretty sure it’s fabric and integral to the dress. Dig deeper and see the up-close pix on Daniel Roseberry’s IG. He’s the design director for Schiaparelli,

Yes, we’re moving bigger. Today I was struck by the larger earrings at Australia’s Studio 1405. Do you need to enlarge your vision? Time to go big in 2021.

Now have a good nap.

Polymer and pearls

Cynthia parties with pearls...and polymer...for today on PolymerClayDaily.com

I don’t quite know how I developed the habit, but I always wear polymer jewelry. Except for tomorrow.

I pulled these pearls out of a box of jewels from my mother. We didn’t always (ok, never) agreed on politics but I know Ruth would approve of my wearing her pearls tomorrow. They may not be real. Who cares? There’s a woman in the White House!

My earrings will be polymer…maybe from Elise Winters or Tory Hughes or some other artist who didn’t live to see today but would enjoy the festivities. I’m sure I can rifle through my collection of Ron Lehocky hearts and find something for a patriotic occasion. Wear something celebratory and join the polymer and pearls party.

Unselfconscious polymer

Nomi Isak's wonky unselfconscious earings are endearing on PolymerClayDaily.com

Uh-oh, it’s going to be tough to explain why these almost-earrings from LA’s Nomi Isak make the cheering section in my head jump to their feet and yell, “YES.”

These slabs wrapped around wire are sort of surrealist (Dali anyone?) meets pen and ink illustration. With a hint of Native American.

What I finally hit upon is that these wannabe earrings are very unselfconscious.

I decided to read up on Nomi. She’s a writer and editor who says, “You just gotta love something for what it is and not hate it for what it didn’t quite become!”

Yep, that’s clearly what these earrings are saying, loud and clear.

 

A roof over her head

Nancy Nearing uses polymer to help her neighbors on PolymerClayDaily.com

Concerned about the devastating effects of the pandemic and with evictions looming, Connecticut’s Nancy Nearing turned to polymer as a way for her to help families. The banner that festoons the pins reminds us of the importance of home.

Each of Nancy’s $20 house pins (includes shipping) raises $15 for a GoFundMe campaign started by a local group that goes directly to families in her area.

“Money to big charities takes time to reach families who need it, This is quick and direct. It’s the best way I can think of to help my neediest neighbors,” says Nancy.

Could Nancy’s idea work for you? Consider using the polymer that’s right under your nose to help others. The details are on Nancy’s special Facebook page.

Molecules and moments

Terri Powell was thinking "molecules" with this throwback bowl on PolymerClayDaily.com

You may see circles joined into a shallow bowl but scientist/clay artist Terri Powell (ArtScidesigns) sees molecules. Though this work was a throwback to 2017, Terri correctly foretold the correct 2020 Pantone colors of gray and yellow.

I’m currently fixated on dots and this piece grabbed me. We all see things differently, don’t we?

I had several “moments” this week when things seemed confusing, then clearer. For better or worse, it’s a turning point. On StudioMojo we’ll look at changes that are clearly emerging and ponder what the future of polymer will bring. Join us for the latest scoop.

Polymer intensity

Fiona Abel-Smith captures a conversation in an polymer on PolymerClayDaily.com

There are easy-breezy polymer approaches with pieces joyfully slap-dashed together. And then there are intense and enthusiastic polymer artists.

Yesterday we had intense miniature cats. Today it’s butterflies.

UK’s Fiona Abel-Smith dives deep to create When I Grow Up a 4 x 16 x 8-inch sculpture. There’s a metaphor embedded in this caned and sculpted piece.

Fiona says, “The little caterpillar doesn’t realize that she will grow into a beautiful moth and is already a stunner in her own right if only she could see herself as we do.”

Fiona documents her progress in videos and photos on Facebook and shows us the intensity required to tell her story.

 

Polymer cats to the rescue

Kerri Pajutee's polymer sculpted animals bring outsized pleasure on PolymerClayDaily

Bummed and stuck? I know what you guys need. Time to bring in the cats!

Just imagine the tiny purrs of these little guys from Oregon’s Kerri Pajutee. This one’s an Egyptian Mau. She sculpts miniatures in polymer in 1:12 scale and uses natural fibers to give them their coats. The entire process from inspiration to the final scissor clip is tedious, exacting, and time-consuming. Kerri is widely collected.

Her little creatures bring outsized pleasure. A scroll through her Instagram is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure. How does she do it?

Pursuing primitive polymer

First, let me say that Chicago’s Marina Rios (FancifulDevices) is not a child. Or a chipmunk. She sped up the video to give us super fast look.

Marina Rios show us how to go primitive on PolymerClayDaily.com

Marina gets messy and there’s not a liquid or powder that she won’t try in pursuit of the grungy, primitive, gypsy look that she loves to give her polymer. In this one minute session she pulls out paint, alcohol inks, crackle, eye shadow, and more in pursuit of just the right vibe.

We benefit from her experimenting without having to stain our fingers or clean up after her. Thanks, Marina.

Corrugated polymer

Olga Schmuck layers corrugated textures on PolymerClayDaily.com

Germany’s Olja Krueger (olgasmodeschmuck) gives a corrugated, industrial look to her many-layered brooches.

There’s a hint of Matisse cutouts in her latest works as well.

Olga Schmuck makes corrugated fashionable on PolymerClayDaily.com

What does all this stack up to? Something about the layers and repetition of textures feels reassuring.

And if there’s one thing I’d like today, it’s reassurance and predictability.

On StudioMojo we’ll be looking at old friends – the familiar techniques that artists return to when they’re stressed as we are this week. See how people you know conquer anxiety with a few simple, reliable, go-to exercises. You may be surprised.