A month or so ago attending a day of jewellery making seemed like a good idea. As it got closer and the work-work and travel started to bite Fiona and I questioned our sanity. On Sunday we attended the course (10am-3pm) and throughly enjoyed ourselves. It was like a circuit breaker. We were away from home so we could not do any work-work or work in the yard. We were participating in something where we did not have to perform or deliver. We could just immerse ourselves in learning.
The course taught by Christine O'Rielly focussed on creating jewellery from aluminium and perspex. The thing that attracted me was the opportunity to combine foldforming, the moulding of perspex and riveting.
Though I did a couple of other bits my main focus was on a prototype cuff that used recycled red anodised aluminium from a saucepan lid, black perspex and hand formed copper rivets. The finished product turned out well - rich and stark
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| Barry Smith © Cuff bracelet - aluminium, perspex and copper rivets |
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| Barry Smith © Cuff bracelet |
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| Barry Smith © Cuff bracelet |
The perspex was shaped by heating the rectangular piece in a kiln to about 180 degrees; and then rolling it onto a piece of bamboo which was the diameter I was looking for.
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| Barry Smith © Perspex and bamboo |
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| Barry Smith © Cuff bracelet |
Fiona really got into it and created some great earrings; and bits for other creations. The colour of the photo of Fiona's bits is a bit distorted - not sure where the pieces picked up the blue reflection.
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| Barry Smith © Fiona's creations |
Check out
Fiona's post for her view of and pics from the course.
B - Looked like you both had a good day of it in the workshop. I went to TAFE with Christine some years back. I'm looking forward in seeing the exhibition!
ReplyDeleteso very glad that you both got to disengage from life's demands and just 'be'... i read fiona's post and love what she did... your cuff is certainly an impact piece - it is always so great to learn something new and grow the arsenal of techniques one can turn to while designing...
ReplyDeleteIt certainly did turn out well! It's always fun to get out and learn something new. Sometimes we feel guilty when we have so much to do, but it only reinvigorates us in the end. The yard work can always wait a few days. I don't know what Perspex is, but old records slowly heated over some form may also work as a base. Very unique and lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that cuff is just gorgeous! Now I'm off to get a closer look at Fiona's beautiful creations....
ReplyDeleteThe cuff is absolutely awesome!
ReplyDeleteSometimes you need a day away to try out something new.
ReplyDeleteThat cuff is stunning Barry.
Well, you both certainly made the most of that workshop. Lovely pieces.
ReplyDeletesometimes fitting in something (like the class) is worth it anyway.
ReplyDeletewow!! tho perspex is not really my kinda play, but i do appreciate the idea of combining perspex with metal and the result is indeed stunning.
ReplyDeletei really liked what you said "We were participating in something where we did not have to perform or deliver. We could just immerse ourselves in learning." i think we NEED that state of mind more than we think we do ...
K, MD, SZQ, CM, S/R, HHB, JM, V & L - it does take other busy artists to be able to understand the need to step aside and play with the other side of the brain - so refreshing; and I think a cuff series could emerge. MD - it was lovely that Fiona and I could both participate, like Kim we knew Christine, and we could just do our own thing but in a companionable creative way. SZQ - I love your suggestion regarding old records - we have a heap of a friends stored in our shed - I think I can score a few - fits so well with the recycling - I feel better about that. CM - hope you enjoyed Fiona's post - great earrings. Go well. B
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