Polymer PTSD
It’s a Tom Taggart sort of day. I’m beginning to share his point of view. He’s in touch with something.
Election PTSD? Give us some time to settle. It’s his “monster-a-day” series.
Textile tones in polymer
Massachusetts’ Liz Stephano (Lizardlooks) layers Egyptian imagery and crackled surfaces on these contemporary shapes.
My head started rummaging through my closet, picturing them with winter jackets.
You probably want to know how she made them but I have no idea. Silkscreen? Transfer? Enjoy the mystery and the rich ancient imagery in fabric-like tones.
Liz moved from the west coast to Cape Cod to get back in touch with color.
Off-kilter polymer
Ohio’s Katie Oskins (Katersacres) asks if anyone’s been feeling off-kilter. Who hasn’t?
You may identify with the haggle-toothed, bug-eyed face vase Katie made to illustrate her point on Instagram.
Katie has characters like these dancing in her head and flying off her fingers. If you (like me) don’t have a brain inhabited by such creatures, you can still follow along on her tutorials and join her club of sculptors.
This guy would look good with tools and pencils sticking out, creating frazzled hair.
Polymer as stress reliever
Minnesota’s Layl McDill says she’s reducing this 13-pound giraffe cane as a stress reliever. What a way to absorb some of the election shockwaves!
Luckily she uses the soft Prism&Pro clay but still, it’s a major challenge.
Layl’s teaching online these days and she takes a most unusual, carefree approach to clay. Browse through her gallery of fantastical creations.
Putting the puzzle together
Italy’s Marko Lovrenski puts together a circle made of smooth and subtle blends. It reminds me of the television news playing in the background as I listen to election reports trickling in.
Marko’s assembly is much more soothing so I’ll try to concentrate on that. He has scads of videos YouTube.
Too close to call is making me too jittery to write so I’ll send you to Marko’s Instagram to explore on your own.
Centering with Peace Pebbles
You thought I’d be all about VOTE today, right? But we’re fried and frazzled and these Peace Pebbles from UK’s Lizzi Holt (Bizzi Zizzi would feel like silky smooth soothing charms in my pocket.
There’s something magical about being able to control the swirl of bicone beads and Lizzi has mastered it.
“Take a moment to be present and become aware of your surroundings, thoughts, and your breathing. Use a Peace Pebble™ to center yourself and anchor positive memories whenever you feel anxious or stressed, when meditating or in prayer,” Lizzi advises.
So chill right after you vote. And if you want to make a bicone swirl, take a look at this little video of mine where Carissa Nichols teaches you the basics.
Justice for all polymer
This 9″x12″ tarot card Justice from California’s Laurie Mika suits the serious mood today.
Laurie assembles her sumptuous mixed media mosaics from polymer, jewelry parts, and found items. The phrase from the pledge of allegiance and other words and imagery are stamped in. Rich colors and golden highlights add gravitas.
“My art continues to be influenced by the world we are living in. This is a way for me to mark this historic time in our lives,” she says. She hopes her art brings some solace.
See more of Laurie’s mosaics, reliquaries, and jewelry on Etsy.
Halloween scream and pats on the back
UK’s Karen Walker (Clayground) perfectly captures Halloween 2020 with her rendition of Edvard Munch’s Scream in Cernit. No gore necessary! We get the picture from this sleek, simple, wide-eyed character. Here on Facebook.
If you’re feeling ready for a cheery diversion, stop by tomorrow’s StudioMojo where we’ll be encouraging you to pat yourselves on the back for accomplishments great and small during these scream-worthy times. BYO Halloween candy.
The joy of voting
High fives to the dance parties and parades and celebrations at the polls. In the midst of terrible news, it felt good to be standing in line being proactive with lots of fellow voters.
I took apart a very old necklace to bring you today’s graphic. Isn’t it amazing how stars and stripes can be combined and recombined? Even the tail ends can be made into what looks like fireworks. There’s joy at the polls. Join the party.
Scraps of Autumn
Before the leaves fall and the lawn turns white with frost, let’s breathe in some autumn colors from Ireland’s Liga Valge. Sometimes scraps tell a story of their own.
Halloween will collide with voting this week. A real mishmash. It’s hard to focus. Let me know if you create something inspired.