Sometimes mistakes offer opportunities. Recently I was cold-forming a leaf-form from silver-plated copper from a recycled small tray. I thought the metal was 'soft' enough to fold and unfold - wrong - it split after the forming process as I opened it. So I thought what could I do with two half leaf-forms? Well I decided to beat them around a rod and created these neat spiral cylinder earrings which are about 75mm long.
 |
| ©2012 Barry Smith - Spiral cylinder earrings |
 |
| ©2012 Barry Smith - Spiral cylinder earrings |
Fiona said they reminded her of the curled bark that we see on the side of the road on our walks along Treehaven Way. The bark comes from a particular Eucalyptus tree. The bark often has marks on it from both growth and insects.
 |
| ©2012 Barry Smith - A cylinder of bark |
So now I think I have a new nature inspired form - the bark-spiral.
 |
| ©2012 Barry Smith - Spiral cylinders in the rough |
 |
| ©2012 Barry Smith - Spiral cylinders in the rough |
The pair of spiral above were made from slier-plate over brass - former life a champagne goblet. And as in nature no two spirals are exactly the same. Fiona took the photos - she thought these rough spiral cylinders reminded her of nibs - could appeal to calligraphers? The pieces above still need trimming and polishing etc.
super cool !!! XXX
ReplyDeleteis that a little bit of copper showing on the edges? lovely!
ReplyDeletevery terrific - and yes, sometimes mishaps make for the most wonderful discoveries...
ReplyDeletethe bark reference is such a beautiful one - though the way she shot some of those last photos, nibs definitely came to mind!
fun, they do look like curled bark and nibs too.
ReplyDeleterecently i bought some old french nibs thinking they could be earrings... i have decided the point might be dangerous, so pen nibs they remain. fun to see how mistakes inspire new art!
These are lovely, wouldnt mind a pair of those to go with my almost always worn leaves!
ReplyDeleteDelightful, Barry, and so like rolls of bark! Nature is the best provider of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteN, V, MJ, TL, P, & C - glad you all liked the new nature inspired mini sculptures. N - cool is right - nature with a modern twist. V - yes it is copper - recycled silver-plated copper tray. MJ - at times I think there are quiet a few creative mishap aspects to our work. TL - I think the nibs would make great earrings - if it is ok with you I might fashion a pair for F. P - I love the fact that you love your leaf earrings - it makes me smile to know they are given an outing regularly. C - correct - nature is such a great creator. All go well in 2013. Peace. B
ReplyDelete