Improvement!

Improvement! There has been much improvement when it comes to my metal smithing project! I am currently working on a 2012 personal charm bracelet.  I am using copper wire and pieces to do so.  In my last blog, I explained the process I have to be completely finished.  So far I have 7 pieces of copper.  They consist of 2, 0,1,2, and 3 lightning bolts. I have them sawed out into the shapes I need, sandpaper the surfaces and sides smoothed to perfection.

 I cleaned all the oils that were on them with a sponge and cold running water.  I have enameled all the 2, 0,1, 2, and 2 lightning bolts pieces.  My chain has been made and just needs to be soldered.  Then I need to add my pieces together once the enamelling process is complete.  Then BAM! I'll be finished!  But so far I am about 60% or so complete.  I'll keep you posted till my completion! Thanks!

Metal Smithing Anyone?

My Personal Metal Smithing Project:

Currently I am working on a metal smithing project that is going to be great! Since it is 2012, I thought I would make this a memorable year for me. I thought I could make a charm bracelet using copper pieces and wire.  Here's the directions for it and my future plans.

1) Draw my pieces out for the charms. 2, 0, 1, 2 and a few lightning bolts are the pieces.

2) Tape them to my copper slate and saw them out with my small saw blade.

3) Next, file the edges for nice smooth edges with a rat tail file.  

4) Use sandpaper to smooth the surface of each of the pieces.  Clean with running cool water till it sheets of the pieces. Drill the wanted holes for each piece.

5) Then enamel both sides of all the pieces. Starting with the back first.  Then the front.  I will need Klyr Fire, a paintbrush, magazine papers, a trivet, sifters, and the enamel colors themselves.

6) Then I would need to make my wanted pieces for the bracelet themselves and attach them together for the bracelet.

7) Attach the enameled pieces of 2012 and lightning bolts.

*Sorry for no images uploaded.  I am currently having server issues uploading them.  I will fix this problem as soon as possible. Thank you!

Euphoria

Impressionist Way Back?

By: Kayla

There were may influential impressionists during the late 1800s to early 1900s, but none like this woman.  Who? Are you asking?  Well Mary Cassatt of course! She was born May 22, 1844 in Pennsylvania.  She is a distant cousin of Robert Henri.  She spent 5 years of her life in Europe.  Visiting many artists from such cities like London, Paris, and Berlin.  She is best know as a American painter and printmaker.  With this, Cassatt often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular focus on the intimate bonds between mothers and children.  Her art is quite stunning, if you look below.


Source: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Cassatt

Boating Party
By: Mary Cassatt

Summertime
By: Mary Cassatt

Euphoria

How to Create a More Powerful Painting

Article by: Ian Roberts

Summary by: Kayla

When I read this article, it really hit me.  You don't have to create the world around you specifically when it comes to your art.  But more of your own perception of the world around you.  It is very important though to have a design concept in mind.  Then you need a roadmap (an idea of where you are going with this).  Careful take time for every mark in your artwork.  Every mark matters.  Thumbnails are a must!  Use a view finder. 

(yes Stamper he's said a viewfinder!) This is to isolate or crop your design idea!

Stand back and evaluate your progress and think of more ways for improvement.  And finally have a good design concept in mind!  It makes your artwork more appealing! 

Not Bad!

But this is Better!

Article: http://www.artistsnetwork.com/articles/art-demos-techniques/use-design-to-create-a-powerful-painting-by-ian-roberts

Euphoria

Egyptian Jewelry

By: Kayla

As we all know Egyptian jewelry was a big part of their Egyptian culture. Glyptic art which is ancient Egyptian gem carving was really popular back then and its purpose was to show off one's power, glory, and possessions.

Colors were important when it came to their jewelry and the gems on them.  Red resembled life & power.  Green was for fertility.  Blue was symbolic for joyousness.  Their jewelry was also used for such religious significances such as for special occasions for mummification.

The types of jewelry the Egyptians wore varied from coral pins and chunky glass bracelets to ankh cross rings, gothic pewter pendants and silver thumb pharaoh rings to vintage bead necklaces.  Although precious stones were not attached to their jewelry,  they still were quite valuable.   A vintage bead necklace can cost up to $130.00 or more!

Early craftsmen used gold when making their jewelry. Amethysts, garnets, opals, topazes, and quartz are several gemstones that were used in such jewelry. 

Any thick glamorous rings represented real Egyptian royal lines.  Egyptian jewelry was often etched with the present pharaoh, pictures of crowns,  Egyptian inscriptions, images of animals and ancient symbolic representations.  Some of their jewelry they wore for luck, also.

With this idea of Egyptian jewelry reflecting on my concentration of culture I would like to create with my metal smith project some Egyptian jewelry as well.

Article:  http://www.abcarticledirectory.com/Article/History-And-Facts-About-Egyptian-Jewelry/785090

Euphoria

Culture Influences?

Russian dolls

By: Kayla

"All real things in Russia are done in the villages". -Ernest Poole

There are over 6,840,507,000 people in the world right now.  Each with many different cultures.  Americans, Hispanics, and Africans are a few to name.  My concentration is on illustrating different cultures of the world some commonly known and others not so much.  My ancestors came from Ireland and Russia.  And I wanted to know more about specifically Russia since not many people know much about this huge country.

Russian families mostly are proud of their country and try to pride themselves on being able to prosper under such conditions.  They have great respect for the elders and guests in their homes.  Most of their families live in small apartments with 3 or more generations sharing 

what little space they have.  

I am brainstorming some ways I can express in one of my artworks, my ancestors' Russian culture.  I am thinking about a young Russian girl in a grassy field and in the middle ground her mother lining clothes on close line with a small cottage in the background behind her.  There are a few more ideas, but I really like this idea.  

Russian Villagers back in 1800s

Typical Russian toy

Source: 

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/russia-country-profile.html

Euphoria

The Breadth of History in One Bite Article

By: Kayla

Man with Crossed Arms
By: Paul Cezanne
(Lauder's Collection)

For 10 years the Neue Galerie has had one main mission.  That is to showcased German & Austrian art and design for the early 20th century. This was determined by the 2 founders Serge Sabarsky and Robert S. Lauder.  Lauder mainly showcased art revolving around territory, medieval art, French impressionist drawings, etc.

With this article that I have read,  I have learned that you could have a breadth with your artwork or have a certain concentration as well.  I have a certain concentration with my artwork.  This would happen to be different cultures now.  It's hard to keep to such a concept for your artwork but by reading this article, it has made me realize that that's the best way to go towards your artwork.  In my opinion you look more professional this way.

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/04/arts/design/ronald-s-lauder-collection-at-neue-galerie-review.html?ref=design