Polymer Clay Daily

Lam’s recent work

Loretta Lam’s recent work was featured on the Halstead Jewelry site a few days ago. When I saw her work, I instantly breathed a deep sigh. How is it that a necklace can calm you down?

Loretta’s colors and shapes are soothing. No wild techniques or fancy footwork but colors and shapes in a combination that feels authentic and comforting.

Between repairing blog code (thanks for your suggestions) and preparing for a trip to Colorado, I needed some calming.

Skinner submissions

Sarajane Helm has a bit more explanation of the book that she and Judith Skinner are publishing and they’re looking for submissions from you. Here’s the lowdown.

Name West’s bio creation

Melanie West’s newest polymer clay life form needs a name. This undulating orange pod is the newest in her Bio series which has been inspired by nature’s extravagant forms, colors and patterns.

Perhaps this piece appeals to me because it looks like a psychedelic soft serve ice cream cone.

Click through the rest of Melanie’s flora and fauna inspired collection (plus her Trunkt gallery here) and help her name this baby.

Tabakman’s robotic polymer

Laura Tabakman’s latest creation contains 10 mechanisms and computerized polymer clay shapes that undulate, grow and spin on a 3’x6′ base.  See the video here.

Her robotic piece, called Flora, resembles a moving Monet and won best of show at the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s exhibition.

Over the past few months Laura’s been developing organic shapes both in her installation art and in her jewelry (as in this “Cascade” necklace) paying special attention to how the pieces move as they’re worn or approached.

The chronological organization of Flickr gives us a snapshot of an artist’s progress and I think it’s safe to say that Laura’s having a growth spurt.

Thanks to Susan Lomuto (DailyArtMuse) for the link. Have an invigorating weekend.

Gazzera no-holds-barred polymer

Just what we need for the weekend, a bit of saucy, no-holds-barred polymer clay jewelry from France’s Sandrine Gazzera. It’s been three years since we visited her site which is filled with great fashion shots and dazzling color. No translation needed!

I’m ready for my show this weekend but it hasn’t left me much time for you, dear readers. Ronna Weltman sent me the link to Sandrine which was just the thing. A creative breath mint!

Understanding Russian polymer

These watermelons from polymer artist Natakorneeva are from a Russian site that translates incomprehensibly and muddles my brain. All I know is, “Me likee.” What more can I say?

Some days sorting out the best, the most interesting or the cleverest polymer clay art from around the world feels like trying to drink from a fire hose.  Try me tomorrow and enjoy Natakorneeva’s summer fruits in the meanwhile.

Surprises from Gourley and Katz

I was ready to check airfares to Vancouver when I looked at this beach photo of sand dollars from Rachel Gourley. I must find that beach!

Upon closer inspection (click the image), I was surprised to see that these are Rachel’s polymer clay sand dollar canes. Clever, colorful aliens. Rachel brings a delightful sense of humor and curiosity about the natural world to all her polymer clay work.

She’s not on the web yet but mark your calendar, Rachel’s been selected for a July-September 2010 exhibit at the Craft Council of British Columbia.

Play-doh surprise

There’s quite a buzz in the polymer community this week about using Play-Doh to wrap an irregularly shaped cane. Israel’s Idit Fischer Katz (Idit Zoota) developed the technique and it’s translated to English on Naama Zamit’s site. The theory is that once the wrapped cane is reduced, the Play-Doh can be peeled away and even washed off the polymer.

If you don’t have Play-Doh on hand or are allergic to the wheat in it, you can use this recipe according to Yonat Dascalu who sent the link.

Where Benzon takes it

Benzon's stone garden brooch

Jana Roberts Benzon has tidied her website and added new polymer clay works that draw upon her past life as a florist.

Dustin pod earrings

Inspiration from a post in the DailyArtMuse got her started. A picture from BlockPartyPress moved her further. It’s a perfect example of last week’s buzz about source materials. You can read more about where Jana took it from and see where she’s taking it to on her site.

And speaking of new things, DaMuse also found some wonders in Kathleen Dustin’s new pod series on Kathleen’s site.

Powers sells polymer seashells

Powers urchin necklace

Heather Powers and I are in the same “seashells by the seashore” state of mind. A weekend at the beach will do that to you. Her polymer clay urchin beads captivate me and I finally have a chance to take an impression from the real thing here in Florida.

The seashell beads by Norway’s Flowermouse and more sea creatures from Tina Holden caught my eye as well.

Powers urchin bead

This is not the work I “should” be doing but I’m on vacation and going with the flow. Perhaps this is the start of a go with the flow week for you too. Here’s Heather’s Etsy site.

Williamson’s cool polymer

williamson_ring

Pennsylvania’s Genevieve Williamson (Jibby and Juna) loves gray and muted colors for her polymer clay designs. Her cool, organic designs have a very modern sensibility and you’ll want to soak up the ambience at her blog and on her etsy gallery.

williamson_ring2

I’m soaking up the ambience of this coffee shop, my wifi oasis in Florida. My in-laws long ago opted out of technology and are baffled by my need to drive off to get a daily hit of caffeine and electrons. I’m writing fast and trying to remember that I’m on vacation.

Today’s link comes from Eugena Topina’s PolymerClayChameleon site. I’m headed for the dock to watch the porpoises.