Have you ever noticed how something abstract is rather like poetry in motion? Instead of words or sentences. color, texture, form, shapes, lines and patterns all dance together to make up the stanzas (verses) of a particular piece of art. It is filled with mystery and intrique. Its heart dances freely to the tune of its own drummer. It speaks to the non verbal parts of us. The experience of art is very often more important to us than the "understanding" of what a particular piece of art is "supposed" to represent.
This past couple of weeks I have been playing with paint, chalk, gesso, etc.. as well as clay.
Here's a piece of background paper I created that I particularly like...
I have tons (well, a big old suitcase full) of background papers I have done over the years... I love playing around with different mediums and experimenting with different techniques! Who knows what I will use them for GRIN. It's just fun, free wheeling, satisfying and I positively adore the mystery/intrigue in not knowing what I'll get until it's done. I hate surprises but I sure love mystery!!!
I get the same deeply satisfying experience creating faux Mokume Gane with polymer clay. Mokume Gane, if you are unfamiliar with this term, is an ancient Japanese mixed metal technique for creating laminate metal with multiple distinctive layers using various metals. It was originally used only for sword fittings during the 17th century but later was also used for decorative art pieces.
Polymer clay artists "adopted" this technique of layering sheets of prepared clay with metal leaf to simulate this process. The result is positively gorgeous! It's something, I think, you have to actually see in person to really appreciate the beauty.
In the photos below, the patterns were created from a stack of 18 ultrathin layers of clay. Micro thin slices were shaved from the "stack" and placed on a "receiving" sheet of background clay. This sheet was then hand formed into the tiny bowls below. After they were fired, they were sanded smooth, buffed and multiple layers of glaze applied to protect and enhance the beauty of these small pieces of art.
Fortunately, I had enough to also make some beads and a couple of pendants after I completed a number of bowls! Don't know why I had so much trouble getting a photo of the necklace... I must have tried at least 20 times to capture it. It is really very, very pretty.... and to see it in person is to appreciate it even more!
And, of course, the most wonderful news about these pieces... they have all been accepted by the Coast Collective Gallery for sale in their gift store. I am a happy camper!!
Hope you have a wonderful week... I'm going to go play with some paint!
Sharon