Friday, January 13, 2012

An outrageous bowl for Friday

Though it has been a hectic day with varied stuff I did keep to my aspiration of getting into the studio for a little creativity on Friday. In the main I was cutting and annealing metal for a series of 'leaf letter openers' etc. But I also wanted to test if I could make a bowl with eight leaf forms incorporated into it.  As you can see from the photo below I was able to do it.

Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl
The foldforming of the 'leaves' required 4 separate annealings. And the rough and burnt bowl has its beauty. It almost looks like a big single dead leaf curling at the edges.

Barry Smith © Eight leaf bowl in the rough - in the fire pit
However, I did polished the rough edges off; and then polished the whole bowl with a brass wire wheel. The brass wheel deposited brass on the copper as it polished so the bowl has hints of copper and brass.

Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl - side on 
Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl - top view
Barry Smith © Eight leaf foldformed bowl -nestled in the rusted bower
I was not able to beat the bowl to the level of beaten finish I wanted as I don't have a long necked stake that can go up inside a bowl that curves inwards.  The bowl was made from a recycled copper plate that was given to me. The finished bowl is about 125mm in diameter and about 50mm high.

17 comments:

  1. Simply stunning B a true work of art. F

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  2. Mamma mia che meraviglia!!! Le tue foglie sono strepitose e questo supera tutto!

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  3. Well, Barry, I was going to say "stunning" too, but Fiona beat me to it.....so I'm going to say spectacular!!! Amazing form.....just beautiful! Bravo!

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  4. Excellent composition! I like it for its beautiful forms and lights so beautiful that reflects good job. Greetings.

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  5. wow Barry...I'm blown away.. what a gorgeous work of art!

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  6. That is SUBLIME! Truly stunning. You are on to something there. It really is fantastic. I can even figure out how you did that... hum... More More More!

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  7. This seriously lovely. I am going to add stunning as have so many others.
    Wish I could get some of the stuff I have collected up to you, still thinking I may have to bring it in my luggage when we come to Qld in late June!

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  8. Whoops - meant to say I "can't" figure out how you did those.

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  9. Love the bowl!!!! Brass brushes will deposite brass on the copper - if you want to avoid that, better to use steel brush/wheel. I am wondering if this bowl was inspired by your pumpkin blooms...

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  10. F, M, MB/P, VA, L, LJ, SZQ, P & S/R - thanks for the very positive feedback - I'm really tickled by the stunning, superb, marvellous etc feedback - it always good when an idea turns out OK and others like it. SZQ - ver simple really but that can keep for another time. LJ - thanks for comment re work of art - sometimes the simple ideas can look startling. S/R - I think the curled petals of the pumpkin flowers nudged me in the general direction. Agree re the brass wheel. Go well. B

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  11. ~barry...it is always exciting to see what you are going to bring forth and share with us...i would say i am in awe and amazed with each visit but alas the talent you behold and have presented here just prove how creative you are...brilliant mind and a beautiful leaf bowl my friend...a piece that i am sure you and fiona will treasure...be well and much love light and blessings shining brightly upon you and yours~

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  12. O.M.Goodness!! this is AMAZING!!! Gorgeous!! what a beautiful shape!! i am so going to tumblr this one!!

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  13. Barry, this bowl is really amazing. I love the way it glows on the edges. It looks like a bowl the elves in Lord of the Rings might use...

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  14. B, L & WEK - this bowl seems to have generated its own interest. Love that sometimes the simple ideas can work and appeal. B-Fiona tells me this one will be staying in our place b- so you are right it will be a treasure. L - I'm stoked that you thought it was good enough to tumble - thanks. WEK - thanks for your visit and comment - the 'gold' glow does add a bit of a magical touch - elven - I like that. Go well. B

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  15. Now THAT"S an extraordinary and beautiful piece Barry. You wont own it for long I'll bet.

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  16. JM - glad you liked it - I think it will stay in our house collection - it has already been installed. But I have done about .75 of the work on a 12 leaf bowl. It will see light of day in a few weeks. B

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.