Mysterious Layers and Views
So, I’ve been staring at this piece and the several other views of it, as well as similar pieces by Lorraine Vogel of Wired Orchid Jewelry, trying to figure out what she might have done to achieve this effect. The layers are both in the slightly raised form of the imagery as well as in the application of color. I can usually figure out the basics, but I’m a bit stumped. Is it stencil? Purely impressions on clay? Did she use liquid polymer for the translucent effect, or oil paints, perhaps?
I think what I like best about a piece like this is that the look transcends the material, so you are admiring the look long before you stop to consider what it is made of or how it was accomplished. My brain jumps to how it is done pretty readily, no matter what the piece, but work like this makes me stop a moment before I go there. As always with Lorraine’s work, I’m first struck by the quiet, rather unassuming beauty she imparts in her pieces. This is aided by muted tones and limited palettes, as well as simple forms that just happen to be canvases for intricate applications.
Lorraine also has a very interesting eye for photographing her work. Take a tour through her collection on Etsy and on Flickr and look at the angles and set-ups she uses to show off her pieces. Her photos alone are pretty inspiring, but take a close look at her work and you’ll notice that flawless finish on every piece. There is something so admirable about an artist who considers every aspect of their work down to how us online viewers get to see it.
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A beautiful discovery ! I love the delicate and subtle tones, the rounded shapes and her very creative pictures. Gorgeous !
My guess would be that it is a very beautifully done with layering of stencils and pan pastels. With using either very light applications of the pan pastels or extending with the colorless blending medium in that line. Thanks for posting it. Makes me want to experiment some more!
Her write-up on her etsy site says “permanent inks”, but, like you, I’m still saying “HOW???”.
Wow, Sage. What can I say? This write-up is incredible. You truly made my week, month, year! Such nice compliments, written SO well.
I’ve been using stencils a lot lately, as well as inks. I plan to create a tutorial one of these days, which will have all the secrets. 😉
Again, thank you so much for your generous blog post. It was a very nice surprise!
Lorraine