Saturday, March 20, 2010

Sea Dragons, CraftEdu, and Facebook...

It seems that the intense experience called Synergy II is finally soaking in and settling down. I've even managed to get into the studio for a few hours lately. I have nothing new from there to share - yet - but I do have a few very cool bits to (hopefully) brighten your weekend...

Sea Dragons!
These critters are simply amazing. I picked up this clip from Olly Steeds' Facebook page, and I'm guessing that anyone who reads my blog might enjoy the video too. Romance, stalwart parenting, and simply crazy looking creatures. All things I love!

This is just a little taste from the BBC program called LIFE. I highly recommend you find a way to watch it. I've had to resort to getting it in bits and pieces until I either move to the UK, or iTunes offers it (unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath for either).

From the Wonderful Resources Desk:
There's a new and wonderful resource called CraftEdu.com that's building momentum in the cyber world of virtual education. It's still in Beta mode, but stay tuned. The collection of outstanding artist being signed up is simply... well... outstanding. While you wait for the sites completion, check out the CraftEdu Facebook page and Blog. If you're like me, you will be blown away by the faculties' level of craftsmanship. Oh... and... um.... I'm part of the faculty too. Heh.

Speaking of Facebook...
It's official... Hell has frozen over and I have a Facebook page. I know, I know, I should have done this sooner. But... well... I'm the kind of gal who likes to see how things turn out before committing. What can I say.... except... it's a real time sucker, and a bit confusing, and... Ok, ok... I am enjoying it. There. Happy?

News Flash!
Just came across an artist's cane work that is simply scrumptious! Take a good look at Malsarts wonderful kaleidoscope canes (scroll down to December's posts)! Oooolala!

Beautiful, and very inspirational work! She's making my muse want to go make some right now! (Down, muse, down!)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Folds, Craft becoming Art, & New Piece

When I work in my studio, I often listen to online programs. I find it entertains the part of my brain that tends to wander. (Sorta like that Beatles song, "I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in...") One of my favorite web sites to stream is the Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) video collection. There's plenty of engaging programs that make me feel like I've learned something after listening. (Sorta like eating an Avocado... Yummy, and good for you.)

Yesterday I watched (and yes, I can watch TV while claying) a program called "Between the Folds". It's an independent film, by Vanessa Gould, about origami... And it blew me away! (Above, Mother and Child, Christine Edison.)

This is not your kindergarten origami, my friends. This is craft turned art! (Above, a magnificent piece created and folded by Vincent Floderer.)What I found most compelling about this program is that it stressed the many ways individual artists took a simple craft and turned it into an expression of the artist's vision. (Above, Bowl, Joseph Wu.)

Then, in the middle of the program, it hit me... This is exactly what we are doing with polymer clay!!

I strongly recommend this film for anyone who loves to explore other mediums as a way to stimulate their own creativity. Heck, I think anyone who loves eye candy will love this film!

A New Piece...
For those of you who just want to see more polymer... I finally managed to photograph a new BioBangle I'm calling Sun Star.

For those not familiar with what a sun star is, here's a photo of one of the many kinds found under the sea... They are huge beasts that will try and eat anything that will stand still long enough (including smaller star fish!).

I'll do my best to post a little more often. Synergy, while very inspiring and fruitful, took way too much out of me... And I've been dropping stuff right and left. (Oh, and a huge apology to all those who haven't gotten a reply from me. Please know I love all the emails I get! It's just that I can't keep up with them all.)