Polymer Clay Daily

Polymer Sculpture

I'm just flabbergasted by the polymer clay sculptures of Maria Brito now on display in the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery in Miami, Florida. In this show, 20 white polymer clay tableaux depict in three dimensions the themes from Los Caprichos, the "black paintings" of Francisco de Goya from the late 1700s.

Says Brito, "I began to work with polymer clay making small figures. And the more I worked with it the more I got to know its pros and cons. I was able to achieve a degree of detail that I was really enjoying."

Thanks to Susan Rose for sharing this link and introducing us to these marvelous sculptures.

Buckeye Fever

True to her word, Sharon Sahl has launched her new web site so that her loyal Columbus, Ohio customers can continue to get their annual "fix."

Sharon's small polymer clay ornaments are crafted with such loving detail that she naturally drew faithful fans who crowded her open house shows every fall. Some of her customers now have huge collections and were worried that her move to Kirkland, Washington would end their acquisitions.

Not so! You have to call to order and a wide selection is available. Sharon's gingerbread houses bring me joy every season. She's not offering them this year but may in the future. And don't miss a look at her canes!

LA’s Potter

She's listed in the most recent issue of Los Angeles Magazine as one of the best things about the arts in LA!

Carolyn Potter is a multi-talented textile, metal, polymer clay and gourd artist. She's got a whole list of classes scheduled at the Barnsdall Art Center. (Here's a .pdf file of their fall brochure.)

Carolyn's polymer inlaid gourd looks like the epitome of fall to me. And if you're a Day of the Dead (or Halloween) celebrant, you'll love this link that Carolyn passed along. These sugar skull molds could certainly be adapted for polymer!

Polymer Books

On Geraldine Newfry's blog, she shares the slides of her newest handmade books (scroll way down on her page). She's submitted them to Lark for inclusion in 500 Handmade Books. This one's called "Beloved" and is single sheet coptic bound with pages and covers made of polymer clay.

I loved reading through Geraldine's blog, going on virtual retreat with her then looking at all her Flickr pictures. There are so many cool artists with great stories on the web. It's a wonder I get anything done.

Thanks to Margaret Donnelly for the tip. Be sure to check out Margaret's "Sampler."

American Style


Let's finish out the week with a bit more sculpture, American style.

Utah's Lori Follett has an elegant, sensual series of sculptures and then there's her wacky, witty side (see the trophy wife). Her story's a good read too.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Katherine Dewey again. Jodi and Richard Creager's work (thanks to Christine Kozicke for the link) is simply stunning. I can't believe my eyes. Their sculpture is amazingly lifelike and engrossing.

If you've got the weekend to web surf, you can even take a look at the National Institute of American Doll Artists. I'm sure I've overlooked lots of polymer clay sculptors. We'll revisit that side of the craft from time to time.

Envy

So that's what envy looks like! Visit Chicago sculptor Jill Willich's site to view all sorts of faeries, goblins and polymer clay sculpture.

You won't want to miss the spoon doll tutorials…scroll way down the page for the complete effect. Jill makes the process look easy (the mark of a professional) and tempting to try.

This week's illustrators and sculptors remind us that polymer clay isn't just for jewelry and purses and frames. There are many creatures waiting to emerge from the clay.

Thanks to Alisa for the link!

Bliss Out

It's hump day….bliss out by taking a look at French illustrator, Sylvie Perrin who uses polymer clay to make fresh, witty scenes.

It's fun to compare cultures reflected in the Japanese sites from the post a few days ago to the French today to New York's Marcia Rocha (well actually, she's from Brazil) from a few months back.

The French site of illustrator Sylvie Perrin (aka Queen of Clay) shows characters and scenes that come alive with humor and a finely honed craft.

The tip comes from Véronique H. whose site is also a treat.

If you're challenging yourself to look beyond an altoids box, a votive or a frame to cover with polymer clay, take a look at this site for ideas. 

Anime

There's a big contingent of artists in Japan who are using polymer clay for anime-like characters. The work is finely crafted and very cartoon-like. The whole movement is baffling to my very western mind and I'd love for someone to explain it more fully. It was Kiwis Belgium site that led me to Japan. Visit these sites and prepare to be intrigued. 

Polymer Books

Chicago’s Geraldine Newfry is crazy for books and polymer and collage. It all totals up to some wonderful artwork. I won’t pretend to understand how she does the binding but it’s impressive and quite nicely explained in this series of pictures.

Read more about her work and her classes on her web site. And as a bonus there are some pictures of her studio (I love to look).

Robin Johnston unearthed this web treasure! Thanks!