Polymer Clay Daily

Remover of obstacles

Doreen Gay Kassel’s polymer triptych shows Lord Ganesh, one of the major Hindu deities. Doreen creates her “Remover of Obstacles” with bright colors and with all his mythological trappings. Maybe you have a few obstacles that need removing today.

Most of Doreen’s characters (here from dogs to dinosaurs) are built over round forms and sold as ornaments.

See her complete cast of characters on her Etsy shop , Facebook and on Flickr.

She says, “My creatures & stories have grown out of my many years of children’s book illustration and have taken off, almost on their own!”

Polymer bowls and tiles

It’s been a while since we’ve visited polymer bowl (and tile) maker Emily Squires Levine from Philadelphia.

Emily’s bowls usually include a thread of solid color among the cane slices to lead your eye along and to give the pieces a touch of whimsy. This 11″ tall pot includes a shock of grass along its rim.

Emily has also developed a way of arranging cane slices on a flat square and then coating the assemblage with resin to create accent tiles that can be used in kitchens.

These 3D accents with their smooth rounded edges beg to be examined closely. Oh, and don’t miss her egg collection.

Jeannie Havel (pcPolyzine) decided she needed to toot Emily’s horn and sent in the link. Thanks! Remember to find a deck of cards and measure some clay this weekend.

Polymer sculpture in bloom

The newest polymer sculpture from Germany’s Angelika Arendt reminds me of the colorful hillsides here in southern California where I’m visiting. Angelika’s steep landscape draws you in and doesn’t disappoint.

On the sunny slopes the orderly rows of cane slices have budded. Other patches are awaiting their turn to bloom into bigger color and texture. I’m tempted to run my finger down the side of this dazzling polymer mountain.

Look closely here. Have a colorful, blooming weekend.

Western themes

We’re off to California and Arizona which gives me an excuse to feature this cactus ring from Camille Young and to browse her assortment of polymer art that includes everything from barbed wire to video game themes.

The breadth of her interests is evident in the works that appeared in this 30-day art challenge. She moves from artichokes to stones to pixilated fantasy with enviable ease. What’s on her mind flows directly to her fingers.

Spring flowers

Romania’s Ana Cerniciuc has a way with polymer spring flowers that heightens our anticipation of the season.

Her snowdrop earrings are simple constructions that capture the essence of these early blooms. Her tulips are similarly simple yet we know that the curl of the petals against that tight bud is accurate.

Ana uses Facebook and Pinterest to show her characters and flowers. These two sites have become increasingly important places to find new work from around the world. Have a pinteresting weekend.

Polymer in nature

Polymer has never played quite so nicely with nature as it does in Rachel Gourley’s hands. Her new website is a delight.

This Vancouver artist takes polymer rocks back to the seashore where they look completely happy. Her clay fungi and early shoots jump out of the surrounding wintry woodland foliage.

You might think that her alien artworks are complete abstractions but if you examine her gallery of photos, you can see that her keen eye is drawn to nature’s own bright palettes and outlandish patterns as she’s traveled around the world.

PCD has featured her before (check out these polymer sand dollars and 2004 spondylosis) and it’s great that she’s made herself a home on the web where we can visit her more often. Thanks to Lindly Haunani for the link.

Beach property

A bit of sunshine and the UK’s Pippa Chandler is already envisioning a hamlet of beach hut beads.

Her tiny polymer cottages measure 2cm high x 1cm wide with caned doors and windows and textures accentuated with acrylic paint.

With the kids back in school and the house quiet, Pippa’s muse hid for a while. Read her blog to see how she coaxed inspiration out of hiding for this little seaside adventure.

Fast-forward polymer

Adam Thomas Rees’ video of his cane-covered polymer foxes gives you a look at how he creates his sculptures (he fires the bases first) and may make you consider working on a turntable (it looks so efficient).

This Utah artist doesn’t reveal how long it took him to shoot these fast forward videos. You’ll be surprised at how he conditions clay and this episode gives you some idea of the size of his original canes. Additional clips on his YouTube page show other animal sculptures in process.

You may want to set aside some time to dig deeper into these links that were sent in by Iris Mishly.

Polymer love birds

When you don’t quite know what to say, Amy Giocomelli’s small polymer shapes say it for you.

This Colorado Etsy artist stamps short messages on hand formed love birds, hearts, pears, and stones that can be lined up as pleasant reminders. Simple and sweet.

I’m resting up for Craftcast’s free online party for those who love tools on Wednesday. It’ll be big. Come as you are. You can sign up directly here.

Tea and polymer

Wanda Shum has based the design of her newest polymer tea set on The Night Circus, a popular novel by Erin Morgenstern that presents a sprightly version of 19th-century English magic.

Wanda uses ceramic teapots as the canvas for her polymer canes.

You can follow the evolution of her face cane here snd see the damask cane portion of the teapot emerge here. Zoom in close to examine the carved and drawn areas as well. What a treat!

Party on Wednesday

PCDaily doesn’t usually cover tools but that’s not because I don’t love them. Wednesday night, party girl and Craftcast publisher Alison Lee is hosting a free webinar during which five tool fans will bring out their favorite polymer and metal clay tools.

Celie Fago, Jill Erickson, Wanaree Tanner, Patrik Kusek and I will demo our secret weapons. It’ll be a fast-paced, fun filled hour with lots of surprises and giveaways. RSVP here.