It's been a long time since I've last posted and I wanted to share what I've been working on since my last posts. Took some time off from traditional metal work to give a shot at working with the metal clays. Your thoughts are welcomed:

 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking. Merci

 

The texture and lines in the second piece scream kimono to me, even though there is no tie-wrap (obi) and looks like a casual t-shirt but so much more.... I assume it is a pendant to be threaded through a necklace as there are no other clues. Of the three pieces, this is my favourite. They are lovely pieces and if these are your beginners attempt at PMC, I look forward to seeing your continual evolution with the material.:)

Hello,

Firstly, thanks for the nice comments. And yes, I'm a 'newbie' with the metal clays and these are my first pieces. All together, I think I've only done 6 or so items. But, I'm working feverishly on some new rings and pendants in combinations of bronze and silver and copper and silver. 

Yes, the second piece is just a plain T-shirt where the snake chain runs through the sleeves to form a pendant. The T-shirt is a design idea that I borrowed from Hadar Jacobson.  I did do a kimono though, with 22K gold and enamel. This is it:

I still have a long way to go with these new materials. Here in France, it's a fairly new discipline that is just beginning to be available to us.

Again, thank you for your kind comments. Merci.

 

Things are the same in Australia, Kenem. Metal clay is simply not as readily available and there are very few places that teach using it, particularly in country areas.

The enamelled kimono is simple and lovely. I think it is far too easy to over embellish the entire piece, rather than highlight specifics areas. Leaving the kimono plain and detailing the sash and open folds of the robe is what makes this piece stand out.

Thank you for your kind comments on the KIMONO. Your right about keeping it simple. I actually first had enameled the parts that are now covered with the 22K gold but, it was just too much. I ground it all off and then added the gold. I like it much better than the original idea that I had.

I know what you mean about classes. I'm an autodicact by force as there are just no classes here in France. In fact, I'm coming to the States for the month of November and I found a few classes here and there that I jumped on. It may be my only chance to work with some "qualified" teachers. Actually though, Gordon Uyehara will be teaching in Cannes at the end of September and I got into that class. But, other than that, that's the only class offered here. Really looking forward to studying under Gordon. So, to all you teachers there in the State, France is an open market for you!!

Again, thanks for your kind comments.

 

Hi Kenem, Beautiful work! I have seen a lot of metal clay work and yours is some of the best! You are right up there on my list of metal clay idols with Gordon Uyehara (www.honudreams.com). You may be a beginner but you've got a natural talent!! Nancy

Yes, I'd agree you do have natural talent. -- the word newbie never came to mind. You have a nice sense of design and balance and your craftsmanship is much more advanced than most newbies for sure. It's nice to get a sneak peek of your work and bump into you before our first class in France. What a nice virtual introduction even though we have not met yet. You'll have to bring these pieces along so I can see them. ~ Holly

Hi Nancy,

 

Thanks so much for the comments but, oh no, I'm NO WHERE near to the talent of Gordon and can only hope to one day have as much talent as he does. Gordon is one of "idols", along with Holly Gage and Hadar Jacobson, and I'm finally going to get a chance to take workshops with all three (not at the same time but, 3 different workshops). I have to go to the States for one and the other two workshops, well, they're coming to us here in France! Finally...

 Anyway, thanks again Nancy for your comments.

Coming from you Holly I'm definately humbled. Thanks so much for your kind comments. Yes, I'm definately a newbie and since the beginning of my journey with metal clays I had been wanting so much to take a workshop with you but, all your classes were in the States. Now, I finally will get my chance when you  come here to France in March. So looking forward to it and yes, I will definately bring the pieces along to get some very much needed feedback. It could only help.

 Again, thanks so much for the comments, and I'll see you in March!

Beautiful Pieces. Keep up the good work. Fantastic artistry.

 

Christine