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| ©2016 Barry Smith - Textured metal heart - about 35-40mm wide and about 10mm thick. Texture, created by the rapid cooling of the poured molten metal, almost looks like fabric |
I have polished a number of the pieces we formed during our
metal melting day last week. I guess there are always going to be some folk who prefer the pieces in their raw state. The polished pieces will appeal to others as the process can bring out the beauty of the metal and also highlight texture.
I think some of the pieces have turned into small solid metal sculptures.
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - Both the metal and the glass shine in this block (about 35-40mm long) of metal |
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - Block of metal from a different perspective |
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - Reaction to some plastic inclusion in the plaster mould this lace like metal surface. - this pyramid is about 50mm high |
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - A pyramid group - the smaller pyramids have retained the texture of the sand moulding |
Others like the heart simply become beautiful pieces to hold and feel.
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - Mould side of the heart - polish but not ground |
And others can become interesting, though heavyish, jewellery such as the pendants below - one from the first metal melt and the watch inclusion from last week. The rubies in the watch body are still intact.
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - A pair of heavyish metal pendants - small one weighs about 39 gms and is about 25-30mm long; and the watch one is about 54 gms and about 45-50mm long |
And the good thing about the melting is that there can be two or more faces to the pieces - the smoother face, with bubbles and inclusions, that was in the mould and the surface face that was exposed to the cooling air. So the pendants are reversible - two for the price of one!!!
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - Reverse side of the pendants |
The magic of these pieces is not only in the fact that they have come about by melting small fragments of silver-plated brass; but also the colour that results - the amalgam of silver gives the brass a luminous silver hue; and that each surface gives a different image and texture. I certainly will continue to develop this technique.
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| ©2016 Barry Smith - A shiny little group |
I love these raw hearts.
ReplyDeletesuch interesting forms.
wow - you've been busy - what a great technique to work with. your boldness inspires me to think about trying! many of the pictures aren't loading for some reason, but what i see, looks terrific. your lamps are so beautiful as well. i love the bulbs you choose to pair with them.
ReplyDeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant works.
Thank you for your visiting always.
I wish You all the best.
Greeting and hug.
From Japan, ruma ❃
Treasures, Barry! Really enjoying this process.
ReplyDeleteR, MJ, Ruma & C - always good to have fellow artists check out new work: and thanks for your comments. R - like the idea of raw hearts - two sides - one raw - one smooth. MJ - you know how it is - always pushing the boundaries - not sure about photos. The lamps are turning out to be popular - quite a lot sold and a bit of demand - trying to avoid them becoming too much of a process - takes away the joy. Ruma - thanks for your support. C - they have a gem like quality - feel great to hold. All - go well. B
ReplyDeleteTruly so amazing to see the transformation. I can find the beauty in both the before and the after.
ReplyDelete