Bugs are back

Gael Keyes mimics Mother Nature with her bugs on PolymerClayDaily.com

Spring in this hemisphere means that creepy, crawlies are gathering. New Mexico’s Gael Keyes has taken note with her own series of marvelous creatures that wander across lapels and collars.

Gael’s versions are made from her cane bits and scraps but there’s method to her madness. She cuts slices of leftovers into patterns that match, much like Mother Nature. Here’s more explanation on Facebook. 

Well-dressed grasshopper brooch

Debbie Jackson captures a grasshopper in a glorious brooch on PolymerClayDaily.com

Get up close and personal with this polymer grasshopper brooch from Ohio’s Debbie Jackson to appreciate the patterns and the colors. The piece was a commission.

Don’t get too close. The creature is based on a species from India (Poekilocerus Pictus) that spits a jet of liquid at those who come too near (Debbie didn’t include that feature).

Even if you’re squeamish about bugs, you’ve got to admit that these guys really know how to dress in stripes and dots. Debbie has captured him in all his glory. Here’s Debbie on Instagram.


Debbie Jackson assembles a grasshopper on PolymerClayDaily.com

Oh wait! The bug at the right is real! Debbie had posted her in-progress shots in a Facebook group and I missed them. Thanks to Debbie for the clarification.

There’s a fly in my clay

Edith Fischer Katz captures a fly on PolymerClayDaily.com

Forgive the pun. It was just too easy to smile and wince and admire this ambitious and detailed cane from Israel’s Edith Fischer Katz.

On her Instagram, she has compiled several in-process shots that document how she built the components for this large complex cane.

Edith uses these components in sculptures that are often edgy and alarming. See how she used an earlier crow cane here. Who knows what plans she’s hatching for the fly?