Brilliant Color

We usually think of adding color to polymer in terms of pigment that can be mixed in or applied to the surface. But color can be added in a number of forms, including light itself.

Crystals, because of the colors they come in along with the way they refract light, can accent and splash color across a polymer surface in ways that can change as the piece or viewer moves. The grouping of crystals across Elvira Krick’s simple drop polymer earrings work off the color of the polymer (colored with inks, incidentally) by reflecting the color behind them as well as lighting the polymer up with their own refracted brilliance.

Using crystals in a tasteful, not overly garish way can be a little tricky, especially if you want them to be the primary colorant and focus of the work. I think Elvira has gotten that balance down here, keeping the polymer base simple so the crystals can shine, abandoning an evenly placed and orderly arrangement for an organic sprinkling which also speaks to a simplicity of application that helps keeps the dense grouping  from being overwhelming.

Elvira seems to be quite a bit of experimenting and playing with both color and form. You can explore more of her exploration on her Flickr pages and in her Etsy shop