patience is a virtue

And one field that requires it the most is metals and jewelry. Especially when enameling. First you must wash the enamels (if transparent) and prepare your metal, then fire, fire again, etc.
the past 2 weeks I've been working on the pendant above. I hope to have it completed by next week, which I should, in time for my cousins wedding.
It's the first time I did the saw and solder technique, from which I wrote in the previous posts.
nonetheless my hands are feeling the action of stoning the enamel. I've learned from working with enamels to be patient and be completely thorough in the process. Because if you aren't you can see all the errors!
And here are some more sketches from my drawing class.
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mentors and supporters

since I'm not really taking any metals courses...drifting on my own; it's been somewhat difficult to know if I'm on the right path or could use a different method with my pieces.
I've found great support and a good friend in Molly Strader. She's an MFA candidate in ECU's metals program.
She's incredibly meticulous and detailed with her work - traits I greatly admire and aim to possess.
Check out her website and work. I love the orbits brooch and theme around constellations and the solar system.
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why yes, this is yet another piece I'm working on. I write that with sarcasm because whenever I begin a new piece, something comes up to stall me. No ferric nitrate, no screws, the incorrect silver wire, I could go on and on. I know that these pieces (the ones that need the aforementioned supplies) will get done but it frustrates the hell out of me! argh!!!!
So, to pass the time or 'in the meantime' I do what I can. I began working on a piece to try champ-levee, utilizing the 'saw and solder' technique. I read about it in Linda Darty's Enameling book.
It's funny but I am almost more pleased with the copper and silver than the silver sweat soldered to silver.
I really love the contrast and have never combined silver and copper this way. So I'm NOT going to enamel it, and instead oxidize the copper to really play up the pretty silver.
And the more I look at it, the more I find it even more appealing for the fall.

The inspiration for my almost completely different pattern! I got this picture from my beloved older issues of Domino. Sadness :-(

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fundamentals

Yes, I'm taking fundamentals of art school. on one hand it can be tedious and somewhat boring on the other hand, I look at it as another outlet of jewelry and metal practice. I've certainly taken these courses in high school however they're not from a credited university, or whatever you want to call it.
So here is one of my first 'gesture drawings'. I think it's pretty decent. I do enjoy working with charcoal and this class, drawing 101 is so much more enjoyable than my other...design. And above you see the easel we use to prop up our newsprint. Whenever I begin to think how 'tedious' it is....I recall 2 months ago, sitting at my old job, answering the phone or doing data entry and well, this is 100% better!
So on to jewelry and metals; since I don't have a job most of my free time is spent in the studio.
I finally finished filing my raised bowl and pierced it! It really was a chore piercing out the feather designs, but so pretty!Yes I know, the bowl isn't perfectly centered - I'll get it right the next time! This will be a lovely piece to place on my corner stand.
oh and here is a photo of my new bench set-up. Since I'll be at the school's studio most of the time, I'm bringing in my own bench, and with a cushioned, adjustable seat. I'm beginning to feel my 30's in my lower back...no fun!

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submerged in the deep art world

that's how it's been since I got here. buying art supplies, setting up my new bench, doing fun art projects, meeting all the other art students.
I LOVE it! granted I'm not taking any metal classes yet but that doesn't mean I'm not working in the studio.
this is going to be a short entry. I don't have any fun photos of my bench or any current projects.
For now, check out this lovely music blog I found via another blog.
I'll post more next week on current projects.
till then, toodles! Pin It