Had a few frustrating weeks not being able to get in the studio for various reasons.  Waiting for porcelain pieces to be fired, although some are so fine they are crumbling when air dried.  Holding them together with wire, which is giving some beautiful effects.  Varnished some parts before firing - the contrast between the varnished and non-v is obvious - some subtle tones. 

Also fine-tuning wax bricks - making in layers, plunging them into cold water before pouring hot wax - trapping lint between, then piercing with soldering iron.  

Spending more time in the studio - running between wax pots and porcelain pieces - in different rooms so getting lots of exercise as well.   Intend making two exhibition pieces with a common thread.  Embedding lint in wax blocks, then working into them with soldering iron. Can't do this in the college as the fire alarm will probably go off from the wafting wispy smoke.  Not much better doing this at home, but at least I'm not poisoning everyone with the fumes.  Differing opinions as to whether paraffin wax is toxic - but I'm not taking any chances.  Face mask constantly on.  

Porcelain pieces coming along nicely - getting some good effects from firing with wrapped wire.  Exciting to see the results - different each time.  Just need to take some good photos which will appear on here eventually.

I've spent the past few months experimenting with wax/wire/lint/porcelain/  - mixing various elements of my life into my work.  Starting to fine-tune pieces that should be in the final exhibition - although I usually get waylaid discovering other uses for 'bits'. Getting used to the look of horror on technicians faces when asked to fire unknown/untested materials (although they are a fantastic help with advice and support).  Images to be uploaded shortly - if I can get them small/clear enough.   

I had a really good time in the jewellery workshop in the first few weeks, I have done loads of test pieces and enjoyed that kind of time to just explore. Its very quiet down there on Mondays so I am looking forward to the lecture for some feedback etc. I am not very good at blogging, as it feels like writing a diary which I never do, I use my sketchbooks to record my thoughts. I am up loading my latest drawings etc for the project, I am calling it 'Field Studies'

Trying to do some work at home - got a nasty bug. Playing around with bits of wire/wool but would rather be in the college (or preferably in bed). Notice that a few other artists on the AA2A also enjoy playing with 'stuff' - inspiration comes at the strangest times.  Making a collection of obscure things that might be incorporated into a hanging sculpture.

I'm not very good at uploading (downloading?) images, mine appear to be enormous but think I've finally got the hang of it.   Hope I can convey the obsessive rolling of paper/wire that goes into my work.   Spent a good few hours in the workshop stirring wax and generally dipping whatever came to hand.  Fascinating to see the way wax adheres and dries on different textures - quickly on wire and paper - hours on lint/fluff. 

Working on small wire sculptures/pieces intended for further experimentation in the workshops.  Packing my bags for a few weeks away - don't know what security will make of my wire/

As a sculptor I don't seem to be getting very 3 dimensional! but I have made progress through sketchbook work and drawing. I think this might link to some of my work - 

http://marieroberts.wordpress.com/

I would love to hear from any AA2A sculptors!

trying to be organised... so I have written myself a guide

Jewellery project October 2009

- Research ideas–

1.      the qualities that the relationships between jewellery and wearer suggest

2.      close physical, personal and emotional association

3.      a place on the body, protection, decoration, a hidden content, status

4.      people and their emotional and sensorial interaction with a piece of jewellery/piece of art

- Source material -

landscape, nature and history –  the people there (place)

1.  for example estate maps, local history, land use, discarded materials flints and pottery

2.  colour and texture, layers

- Development –

a new collection of jewellery/objects through

1.      drawing and visual research,

2.    technical development and materials research.

3.      new ways of approaching my making and recording my results through technical investigation, including looking at the significance of materials and form

4.      production techniques and assessing the results.

5.      different combinations and positions of elements within an idea

6.      scale – larger scale pieces with potential for more commercial ideas/elements

7.      responding to the nature of the materials and design problems.

Finally managed to upload a photo - this is not my forte. The second step can't be far behind.