Outside Influence: Outlines in Metal
Todays outside influence comes from metalsmithing: Two Element Pod Pendant by Barbara Bayne
Barbara explored a number of mediums before finding metalsmithing, and jewelry in particular, was the area that she felt allowed her to create the work she envisioned. I like her description of what she does. It reminds me of the approach of a lot of polymer artists and her forms are definitely within reach of polymer as a medium that can reproduce such quiet and stunning work:
“The jewelry designs stem from interests in natural organic forms and geometric shapes that are combined to create unique outlines that I than use as a basis for my work. Surface texture is also of great interest to me when I am designing. I attempt to develop new and intriguing patterns and textures to enhance and embellish the basic forms of the jewelry. It is my hope that by combining different shapes and outlines with various textures and patterns I can create jewelry that is interesting as well as innovative.”
I have quite a number of metalsmithing books on my shelves. I don’t do much metal work but between the construction, colors and forms, there is a tremendous amount of inspiration. Check out my two favorites:
Making Metal Beads by Pauline Warg
The Jeweler’s Directory of Decorative Finishes (Serious texture and color eye candy!) by Jinks McGrath
Have fun exploring metal inspirations!
Exquisite work! Metal work jewelry is a tremendous influence in my own polymer work. I have been exploring the more limited colors of metals lately. Oxidation, coppers, gunmetal and brass and find it helps me focus on form and structure. I have also been taking metal work classes this year and have found the thought processses that go into working with metals has definitely changed my way of approaching polymer. it’s my goal not to make faux metal but to combine it with polymer in a way that shows off the best of both worlds.
Amazing work the color make me look twice to see the beauty of her work.