Rustnstuff: 07/19

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Silhouettes and stars and a bit of light at the end

I started this morning's walk in low winter light. Whilst it made it a bit difficult to cut through the trees etc it made for some good silhouettes when one was willing to look up. More of the trees follow.

The lines of the power poles and lines in Treehaven Way were also intriguing.

The following photos are from Monday morning's sunrise - beautiful across the valley and in the clouds.

And did you see the swallows frolicking at sunrise?

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Buffalo horn folders

I saw that Velma was a working bone again making bone folders. I wanted a bit of creative play so I decided I would make some 'bone' folders out of buffalo horn because I love the black lustrous colour of it.

Fiona showed me a couple of horn folders she has; and I was particularly taken with the smaller folders that have an almond shape to them. As you can see from the photos below the starting product was quite rough; but as the process continued the beauty appeared

And the finished product is good. Thanks for the inspiration Velma.

©2019 Barry Smith - Trio of buffalo horn folders - catching a bit of setting sunlight. The top folder is the shape it is because I just followed the curve of the horn. The lustre was brought out by the jewellery polishing paste.

Out of offcuts I have made 4 pair of earring drops. I hope to finish those over the next week.

Friday, July 26, 2019

Bowl and leaf making 101

We have had visitors who were keen to try their hand out on a bit of metal work. I said I would do a couple of simple pieces with them - a bowl and a leaf. Introduction to metal work 101???? Fiona often gets left out of such activities; but not this time.

A few photos of the process follow.

And what about the outcomes - all three graduated with flying colours.

It is great to see the creative enjoyment folk have taking flat salvaged metal into new three dimensional forms.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Bits and blooms from the week

I did not walk this morning - visitors and an early morning community meeting took priority. So the post today will be photos taken over the past week.

Always interesting to see the bits and pieces that can catch the eye over a week.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

A few fragments related to the artists' book exhibition

The Compassion Artists' Book Exhibition closed today so it was the day to pick up our pieces including ones we purchased. The big etched books are on the gravel outside Fiona's studio-shed. Looking good in the early afternoon light.

Fiona and I purchased a few small works by other artists. A few hurriedly taken photos of those pieces follow.

Both Fiona and I managed to sell some of our works including pieces that are likely to go into official collections. I also managed to sell quite a lot of product including: book earrings; small metal books; peace book pendants; and bookmarks.

It was a great exhibition to be in and much thanks must go to Ken and Ardleigh for the tremendous amount of work involved in making this such a successful exhibition.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Finishing pod vessels

Quite some time ago I started a trio of pod vessels - but many other creative demands sidetracked me. Today a I got a few hours to finish making the third pod; and then polishing all three. A few process photos of the third pod follow.

The finished trio - all are made from different recycled silver-plated copper; and all are different sizes.

I am pleased with the outcome.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Who ate the moon and morning light

When we rose this morning there was a hint of sunshine in the east as you can see from the photos below.

But there was also a full moon in the west.

By the time I got home from my walk part of the moon had disappeared - and eclipsed? I had not heard there was to be an eclipse; but the photo above shows I captured the first faint shadow as I set off on my walk; and the eclipse was definitely happening when I returned. To see the eclipse set below the horizon was extra special.