New Jewelry & Inspiration
I have worn the prototype of this necklace for about the last 6 months now, and get a ton of compliments and requests for duplication. I have a problem though, I have a high amount of breakage during the making and firing of the piece since it’s so delicate. Anyway, 2 survived my last firing and I may have figured out the secret to making these successfully.
The original necklace was inspired by this sculpture that I made in college my last semester. I love the organic shape and have been meaning to do more work in this direction but wince when I recall the cracking and baby sitting of this piece during the drying process. I never did glaze it, because I couldn’t decide how to do so – but have some ideas now. I just need to do a little sanding and will most likely glaze it the next time I fire to ^6. I don’t know about any of you other ceramic people out there, but glazing doesn’t come easy for me. Sometimes I need to think about it a few weeks – sometimes years.
Meanwhile, I’m recovering from a nasty cold that struck the state of Colorado and am feeling much better today. I am also not scheduled to sub this week and will most likely turn down all offers. I really want to spend some QT in the garagio this week. Because of my teaching affiliation with Anderson Ranch Arts Center this coming summer, I received an invitation to submit work for possible inclusion in a fall show at their gallery. I need to get cracking – the deadline for application is fast approaching and I’d really like to submit something new.
Have a good week everyone,
~Cynthia
The Lone Beader
February 4, 2008 at 7:05 pm //
Wow! That’s wicked cool!
chaetoons
February 5, 2008 at 12:02 am //
My favorite word anymore is AWESOME !!! Cynthia – those are great.
Know exactly what you mean about “glazing”. To the point where i have a whole table of stuff – waiting – until i understand glazing better!
Best of luck and skill with your glazing endeavors.
Hugs
Chae
Mary Timme
February 5, 2008 at 1:00 am //
The necklace and sculpture are a rapsody. I have to get one, soon!
JUDI TAVILL
February 5, 2008 at 1:21 am //
cynhia… i’ll have to post some photos of my “wall sculptures” that are a ight mare for me… vey similar look and drying/firing nightmares… that’s why i go down that path do a few… get frustrated and back off again… my friend bought 3….but i hate the cracking and breaking apart issues.
i love the look…
check out eva hild’s work- different but similar…
Cynthia
February 5, 2008 at 1:44 am //
Thanks Diana – it’s hard for me to be objective sometimes…
I try to glaze a kiln load a time, Chae – and to allow myself 2 whole days to glaze. It’s helped – that and I use such a limited palette.
Thanks so much for the link, Judi – I visited her website and just book marked it to look at further. You’re right, her work is similar yet different. She uses stoneware though and this was porcelain – maybe that’s why I had such issues.
Janvangogh
February 5, 2008 at 2:22 am //
This is a very lovely piece. I can see why it gets lots of attention.
Lynette
February 5, 2008 at 3:32 am //
Ooooh Cyn what a beautiful and delicate necklace and what yummy colors in the glaze!! Your sculpture looks as delicate as rose petals! Just beautiful!
I hope you’re feeling better now, hopefully spring will be here soon and everyone will get well.
JUDI TAVILL
February 5, 2008 at 4:32 am //
mine are porcelain too… can you say nightmare… maybe I will post tomorrow… tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow….packing for beaver creek… leaving sat.
Cynthia
February 5, 2008 at 1:18 pm //
Thanks Janet & Lynette! I hope you’re feeling better now too, Lynette – it’s been a nasty cold/flu season in our household.
You’re in for lots of snow, Judi – with more on the way tomorrow. The mountains are getting hammered, which I suppose it good for all the skiers, snowboarders and other winter sports enthusiast. Have a great time!
JUDI TAVILL
February 6, 2008 at 12:38 am //
Thanks Cynthia…. Check out my blog…
dun dah dah dah……(drumroll please)…
new post.
Tales of an Artist & his Travelers
February 6, 2008 at 4:03 am //
Those shapes look like a nightmare to fire. Do you stilt them? I really like the ribbon like form, very free flowing yet structured.
How are your bowls drying? I`ll race ya with my travelers!!!
Chi
February 6, 2008 at 6:11 am //
Cynthia, that sculpture is breathtakingly beautiful! I wonder how you managed to dry it.
Cynthia
February 6, 2008 at 1:38 pm //
I wire the little pendants for my necklaces, John, and hang them from some nichrome wire to glaze. The sculpture was a different story.
I dried the sculpture in a box, Chae – which is also how I formed it. I just remember how tedious it was… It’s been a few years. I think I will try to stilt it when I glaze it though.
W. J. St. Christopher
February 6, 2008 at 9:04 pm //
In pictures, your glazes always look luscious, Cynthia. Hard to imagine they don’t come easy to you. Just look at that pendant, and the “warped” bowls. Lovely!
Glad you’re feeling better, and congrats on your “Guild”ing!