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.

Almost done....

Eye Patch!!!

Etching and acrylic

These are just some of the parts that will be making up my final Junior Studio project. I etched into the copper by first drawing up my design on  regular white computer paper. I then had my design photocopied onto P & P paper, blue paper specifically used for etching onto flat metal. The copper must be sanded down to either 400 or 600 grit sandpaper and must be kept clean with alcohol. The P & P paper is then applied ink side down onto the metal and transferred by using a grittle set at the temp 275 degrees. You must be careful not to burn the P & P paper. Once applied peel off the paper and put the metal into a Feric Chloride bath, taping the metal so it is not fully submerged and the back and sides of the piece are protected. I let my copper piece sit in the bath for close to 4 hours to make sure i had a deep etch. Once done you put the metal piece in a deactivator using normal water and baking soda, then rinse the piece and put in the pickle to clean it up more. 
The acrylic is going to be used to puff out the eye patch design once it is cut out. 

Student Sale!!!!

SOOOOO excited!!! Sold my very first jewelry piece today!!! A very momentous day! Thank you to those that purchased one of my celtic pieces at the Buffalo State Student Sale!

Laser cutting!

These are my laser cutting designs for my pendants. I used the company Ponoko and chose a light blue clear acrylic. The cost is pretty fair, but the shipping is what will get you. But for any artist wanting to find a new material and technique i strongly suggest trying laser cutting. Its clean and you can use a wide variety materials to accompany your design. 

Chasing and Respousse

Oh chasing and repousse. Learning this new strategy of design, although can be wonderful in creating new and detailed pieces, is not without its share of complications. First, you have to be careful not to burn your pitch. Second, and i am completely guilty for doing this, you have to be careful not to pierce the metal from hammering into it too hard. I made this mistake and pierced my first project, but luckily was able to create a stronger design out of my mistake. I have become very familiar with this process now and can say i am quite the fan of chasing and repousse. I recommend it to any metal worker trying to take their piece to a higher level of design.

Ring!!!

I finally was able to complete one of the rings ive been working on during the summer. It reminds me of buried treasure. It has a very oceanic coral theme and set on the top in a concave is a pear shaped garnet. I was able to create a worn effect, but many agree that adding more of a petina will give the ring a more desired effect. Im looking forward to seeing how it will turn out in the end. Pictures soon!

Tools....

Ok so ive discovered that hammering your steel to make your pitch bowl tools is a lot harder than filing. Pent up agression is not helping me with this one. Three tools complete just gotta bang the heck out of the last two. Im sure after work  ill be able to get those tools perfect.....

Reading.....a nice break from the "real world"

A nice break from the so called "real world" this summer has been curling up with a good book. And ive read about 7. Sometimes life just gets too hectic and you need to escape into someone elses world and head. In high school i read the classic gothic love story of Heathcliff and Catherine in the famous "Wuthering Heights." I didnt apreciate it when i was younger, but after reading it again i developed a sense of understanding and could even relate some sections to situations around me or ive dealt with. Ive become inspired by the setting of the story and the main characters themselves. The gritty and earthy scenery and H and C's place of solitute of the moors and the nature has inspired me for new designs and project ideas in several mediums, but for now ill focus on my metal.

Raw

Well it took forever to upload that picture. But here it is. This is an image of a raw diamond. The other day one of my friends in class showed me images of this amazing jewelry being made from raw uncut diamonds. In my opinion they are way more beautiful, if incorporated correctly in the jewelry, than a faceted gemstone. Its so real and organic and is the way the stone was meant to be seen. Granted that doesnt mean that im not going to use faceted stones in my pieces because lets face it a small portion of individuals, women mostly, arent going to want something that doesnt sparkle. Its all about the bling right? But i talked about using crystals in my pieces and maybe, when i have a bit more than a part time workers/students salary, ill be able to incorporate theses elements. Its almost a nod to the age of the depresion, when yes not many people could afford to buy diamonds. But, if you look at some of your grandmothers pieces you may notice a bit of sparkle. Those are probably tiny little flecks of diamonds that the jeweler incorporated into your relatives ring. Of course the big question is "how the hell did he get those tiny little shards of "diamonds" into that band in the first place?" Ah the craftiness of a jeweler. We have out little secrets....and we plan to keep them that way!



Pondering a more organic feel....

I went back down by the lake a few days ago and was looking at the rock forms and the crystals that appeared to be in the cracks of the large boulders. I found a few white crystals, i think they were crystals, possibly quartz, and pondered the idea of using them in some of my larger pieces. Currently in class we are learning about different settings and the easiest...and probably the only way to set them would be in a prong setting....not the easiest of settings. But i feel incorporating theses different element could really give life to my jewelry, at the very least make an original piece of work.

First Blog Post

 I made an interesting discovery the other night when i was at the lake, sitting on the boulders that line the shore, that i have this facinatination with birds. I knew that i always enjoyed watching them, i obtained that characteristic from my grandmother. We swear she has been reincarnated into a cardinal that always seems to pop up at the most appropriate time. But that is besides the point. When i sat down to draw i looked through all of my designs through this past year and all of them have this flow and effortless curvature to them. Then looking at my jewelry it seems to have the same theme. I enjoy making pieces that have a complication and uniqueness to them, but also seem to have a form of effortlessness to them. This is the theme i want to explore more of. An organic, delicate compositon, but with a strong sharp edge to it. "I might seem dainty and delicate, but i have powerful edge to me, and force behind me."