Outside Inspiration: The Mode of Metal Clay

Since the spring issue’s theme was Diversity, there is plenty of ‘Outside Inspiration’ in this issue, but it’s focused more on how other materials can be combined with or can inspire polymer works. So, the obvious choice for this Friday was to choose one of the mixed media artists and share work that didn’t make it into the dense articles that make up that section of this issue. That was a hard decision to make since all five artists were my first pick choices for each type of mixed media work (and they all said yes to contributing! How lucky we all were in that!), but the one collection that really struck me as pushing beyond polymer more than any other was probably Celie Fago’s. Her work leans heavily on metal clay as a material but to the point that when combined, it is hard to tell what is polymer and what is metal. Which then leads to a very simple question … does it really matter what is what?

The take away I most hoped people would get from reading that section of this issue is to see that the material is not as important as the outcome. Choosing to work with another material in addition to, or even instead of, polymer is showing great respect for your creativity and self-expression. Some materials will simply deliver your ideas better than others, and if we look only to polymer to do that, we can miss out on wonderful new modes and forms of expression. I think this is where Celie’s work really draws strength; in its focus on the form and texture regardless of the material. Her work has such an ancient feel as if every piece has been through years of existence; that it was precious and valued by its creator and its wearer. The colors, bright or subtle, have some inner light that adds to the spiritual quality of them. The type of material is not a contributing consideration in the admiration of the work. Unless you come to wonder just how she creates the textures she does. Well, I won’t spoil it if you haven’t read the article yet. It’s a beautiful piece with an interesting story of her journey and philosophy behind what drives her work.

The piece here is, I believe, all precious metal clay. I just love how every single surface, edge, form and point of construction was considered and very obviously and consciously designed. There is so much going on here, so take a moment to get a closer look by zooming in or going to her website to look at the original photos. And while there, take some time to wander and check out the many other beauties on the site. Also, take a look at her upcoming classes both at the Bead and Button show in May and at her home studio. What an opportunity that would be!

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