In the lead up to Christmas Fiona and I had planned to have another Open Studio for people to visit and maybe purchase unique handmade gifts. But with the work-work and community commitments as well as reclaiming the block it is just not possible. So Fiona sent out a very brief newsletter to say that while we would not have an Open studio event we would be willing to open up if people wanted to visit; and of course people could ring or email if they were interested in purchasing pieces. If you want to receive our occasional newsletter you can sign up under Newsletter which is on the right hand side of my blog.
So we have turned our minds and hands to creating more pieces that might appeal - need to increase the work on hand. Quite sometime ago I did a prototype 'letter opener' with leaf - functional art. Whilst I did not get time to do art on Friday I did get a couple of hours on Saturday and another hour or so today. I had set myself the task of making four leaf letter openers. I achieved my goal - and my favourite of the four is below. It is a bit like two leaves morphing into each other. The 'handle leaf' has a lovely 180 degree twist to it.
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| Barry Smith © Leaf letter opener 1 |
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| Barry Smith © Leaf letter opener 1 |
As usual the roughs do have an appeal with their burnt and patina surfaces and ragged edges.
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| Barry Smith © Leaf letter openers in the rough on fire pit |
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| Barry Smith © Leaf letter openers in the rough |
But to sell they need to be finished so people won't cut themselves on the hammered edges; and though artists like the natural look many of the public go for the polished look.
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| Barry Smith ©Brass leaf letter openers - polished |
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| Barry Smith ©Brass leaf letter openers - polished |
I also have a bit of a thing about creating small leaves or seed pods - so as part of the creative weekend I made a small pair of open seed pods from EPNS - they are about 45mm long. Could make quite a nice set of earrings.
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| Barry Smith © Small open seed pods |
I always feel refreshed when I have had the chance to heat metal and hammer away - it is very meditative in its own way.
Wow! Those turned out great! I think those will sell out quick. Truly a beautiful piece. One of those letter openers you don't mind to just leave out. Better get busy with more of those and quick!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful AND practical... what more could you want.
ReplyDeletethose are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeletethis letter knife designs are lovely--this time i like the finished pieces best!
ReplyDeletedelightful!!! really cool works Barry.. your mind is always working on new ideas and I love the designs you come up with!
ReplyDeleteBarry, these are wonderful! I love art that is also functional, that means i get to enjoy it more often by using it. Plus i love artful things all over my house. I wished i lived close enough to come shopping.
ReplyDeleteLove these so much, Barry!
ReplyDeleteYour leaves continue to delight me, Barry. These are fabulous - the letter openers are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSZQ, JM, E, V, L, TL, MIA & S/R - I feel good knowing that fellow artists think that the design stands up - thanks. SZQ - good to think they might sell - hard in the current market. Am planning an online gallery-shop for next year. E-glad you thought gorgeous. V - ha! finished sometimes is good - thanks. L- It is true we all have our staples but it is good to seek the new - these are a slight variant - but glad you liked them. TL - we could always talk about a trade!! MIA - good to hear from you and glad you were slightly intrigued by the new form. S/R - well that is a good compliment from a fellow leaf maker. Love what you are doping with the detail on your scrolls. Go well. B
ReplyDeletethe letter openers were such a natural progression in terms of design - and truthfully, i could see them for sale i a museum gift shop... they are that unique and beautiful... the seed pods are gorgeous and will be fun to see how you explore them further...
ReplyDeletethese are just beautiful B! organic yet industrial ... what an amazing juxtapose!
ReplyDelete