The Never Ending Double Loop-in-Loop

I knew that i had been working on my chain for quite some time, but i did not expect it to be this long. Before i drew out the chain we measured in and it was around 40 inches. After drawing the chain out it came to be 51 inches long.

The length of the chain is perfect for the project. Now i have to continue working on the second chain. The second chain will be a bit smaller, around 30-35 inches long once drawn out.

Another focus during this semester will be on copper vessels and improving my metalsmithing skills. Last semester i took Metalsmithing I and fell in love with the techniques and the processes of turning a flat sheet of copper, or various metals, into a raised form. Continuing my focus on organic work i will be trying various stakes and raising techniques to create more free flowing forms of metal. I would like to see how far i can push the metal. During a learned lesson last semester i know that even a mistake can turn into a great piece with potential, but i am hoping to not have anymore upsets (pun intended).

Chains expanded.....

During part of this summer semester I will be focusing on variations of chain techniques and designs. I am still a fan of the double loop-in-loop chain design. But, I am looking forward to introducing other materials into my designs. Particularly cable wires and metal rope desin. Along with the chains and forging techniques. I am hoping to build a large body adornment using the fine silver wire and cable wire to create an intricate and delictae piece.

 

Eyewear

The second project of the semester is an eyewear concept. In class we looked at a range of practical glasses to eyewear that was worn for show. Eyewear does not have to be functional, or in this case aid the wearer in anyway. Stcking with my theme to the semester i am playing with the idea of 3D glasses. The molecular structures are normally shown in a three-dementional view and many use the colors blue and red specifically in showing carbon structures for flourescent tubes. I would like to create a design that can be functional, but that is not the most important design element for this particular project.

The chain is just about complete for the first project! Ive decided to create a tapered chain pattern. Starting witth a single, single-double, and then a double-double. Then reversing the process towards the end.

Ze beginning of ze chains....

The beginning processes of the chain construction involves making hundreds of tiny jump rings. We used .999 fine silver 22 gauge wire and wrapped the wire around a dowel with the measurements of 5/16". Once a good amount of wire has been wrapped, you carefully slide the wire off the dowel. Using extremely sharp scissors, you cut the wire down the center of the circles created, making the jump rings. Instead of soldering the jump rings together, we fused the ends with butane torches on solderite pads (it was a difficult process to get used to, many jump rings melted). Then, you use needle nose pliers to stretch the jump rings and pinch them at the center to get your jump rings ready for the chain construction. The fused end should always be in the center of the jump ring.

I found this chair design, by Dohoon Kim, to be so inspiring. The complex, yet breathless movements of this 'tension bentwood chair' has allowed me to create many new design for my silver pieces. More specifically the first project of this semester. I have been able to find balance between this design and the more structured look of the double loop etruscan chain in my sketches.

Carbon Nanotubes for Fluorescence

This semester we are beginning to learn how to construct chains. Our first chain project is to construct the Etruscan double loop chain. When searching for a theme this semester i came upon the molecule structure for the carbon nanotubes. The formulas and patterns that can be created with said molecules is inspiring. I plan to develop my ideas from these patterns to construct a structured, but yet organic series of chains and jewelry that stay true to my style, but also give a more formed piece.