Monday, April 4, 2011

Crawing Out Of The Mud

It's been another challenging Winter for me. Most of the trouble has been because of my fibromyalgia, but I wont bother you with the gory details. Suffice to say, as the sun slowly shifts toward it's Summer Solstice zenith, my body and spirit are rising with it.

And, as my spirit rises, so does my muse... finally! I have felt, at times, like a hibernating reptile... so, in celebration of those anti-freeze-blooded creatures, I've made a new bangle I'm calling Two Sides Of The Same Lizard.

Not really sure what kind of lizard I'm paying homage to... I kind of think it's more of a Winter vs. Summer kind of thing going on here, with some nice glowy gold and green inside.

Now, when I first started to climb out of my shell (another analogy to reptiles... did ya notice?) this spring, I found I had totally lost touch with my muse. So, in order to shake things up a bit (imagine lots of dust being shaken from my poor muse), I went back to a technique I haven't played with for a loooong time...

... Mokume Gane! Initially, started with beads... LOTS of beads (you'll get to see some of them in a future post), and played with a method of MG that made my beads look suspiciously like Cicadidae (you will have to use your imagination... for now). But, as I was messing about with the zillions of sheets of MG I had made, I became inspired to try a new look for my bangles. The result is above. Granted, I did use a cane for the inside of the bangle, and I'm still using the ol' "spots & dots", but it's definitely MG.

For those few souls who haven't (yet) given up on me and my blog, thank you for hanging in there. I have made a promise to myself that I will increase my "web presence" this Spring, and I think I should be able to keep that promise... baring any unforeseen complications *coughfibrocough*. Heh.

And, as a little thank you to you die-hards, I shall leave you with "Six Terrifying Ways Crows Are Way Smarter Than You Think". Note: A couple of the photos look suspiciously like Ravens, but it's such a fun article that I can let that pass. Enjoy!

12 comments:

Niviob said...

Glad to see you back. I just love the colours of the "two sides of a lizard"

Cynthia Blanton said...

Welcome back. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

Norma's Bag Boutique said...

Still following you. You are a great artist. I also have fibro and here in Puerto Rico is starting to rain more often which means more visits from the FM Monster.

Deed said...

Spring certainly improves the outlook! Love your new items - so imaginative!!! And I laughed my head off reading the crow info!!!

Raven's Clay said...

Thank you all so much!

Norma, I feel your pain, my dear (literally - lol). Here's to hot baths and a comfy bed!

Hey Deed! Glad you enjoyed the article... the last thing anyone should give up is their sense of humor, right?!

3circlestudio said...

Glad you are back. You were missed. I love your new work. Very cool indeed. Hopefully Spring brings relief. Chronic pain is no fun-drains the creativity right out of you. The article on the crows was down right creepy! Too funny. Hang in there. Laura

Lupe Meter said...

So glad that you are back...sorry you were have health problems. Love your new bangles...they are awesome!

Wendy said...

I like your MG pieces! Sorry to hear your have fibro! I have it too but live in Florida. I hadn't had an attack for a LONG time till 2 weeks ago... ugh! All over it now!
Stay well!

Raven's Clay said...

Laura, Lupe and Wendy, thank you for your caring words and support! Everyone in this amazing polymer clay community has been so wonderful and encouraging. It really helps me to keep going. You all totally rock!!

Peekaboo Bears said...

Hello,
I just found your blog, and I LOVE your work! While reading your post..I was touched to see that you have fibro. I too have been diagnosed with this awful condition. If you are interested, I would love to email you some info on how I was able to pretty much cure myself. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, like I am trying to sell or scam you. I just can relate to the severe pain, and I try to spread the good news any time I can. Anyhow, if you are interested...send me an email, and I will send you the information.
Wishing you good health,
Mira

chipotlefeedback.com said...

Raven Wallpapers Free Download HD Images

Apple Wallpapers Wallpapers HD Pictures

250 Knight HD Wallpapers

Ginschild@yahoo.com said...

I just found your site. Do you have tutorials? Your work is beyond gorgeous.