Author: Allyson and Kristin

“Marking tools, burnishing tools”

After setting up the photograph to support the text for the previous post, “Burnish to Reflect”, we went on to rearrange the subjects.  The challenge was how to photograph burnishers without making it look like an advertisement for the tool manufacturer.  The compositions that appealed to us the most had both tools to make marks and ones to burnish.  Since the article can be read as about life experience as well as an art technique, having more props still makes the photographs work for the theme.

For the backgrounds, oxidized copper seemed to have so much more character than brightly polished.  Also, it helped cut down on reflecting the light TOO much!  As it was, we used a lot of bounced light rather than direct lighting these compositions with so many flat and curved metal surfaces.

 

Photography note:  the plate is lifted off the background to change the way the light caught the edges.  The range of warm and cool highlights in the reflections was brought out with multiple lamps each with different watt bulbs.

 

Photography note:  Not all “hot spots” are bad, we like the bright reflection on the burnisher’s top surface since it reinforced the idea of bright light playing off shiny spots.  The shape of the hot spot also echoes the shape of the bird’s beak, a happy accident that didn’t show up through the camera lens.

“Plate in progress with burnishing tools”

Metal, graphite, leather, clay and paper all by the nature of their wayward exterior molecules take reflected light and cast it away from view giving the impression of dullness.  Heavy repeated pressure aligns those surface molecules to create a glossy plane to shine light back and reveal the full form and character of the shape under the surface.

For artists, pressures from deadlines, wants, and both internal and external expectations can be rough to go through.  A positive take on this is to look on the bright side.  See the process as a chance for the artist’s character to shine.

For us, playful creativity is the light that shows the polished places.  Self-discipline and a stern sense of professionalism can carry a project from the drawing board to the display pedestal.  Bouts of playful creativity are what make artists rush with eagerness to peek in the kiln or delight in a fresh sketchpad.  A heap of leftover fiber can become an idea for a series of blog spots (oops! spoiler alert).   Even dull or mundane activities can become inspiration for artistry when there is playful creativity at some point in the process.

Creativity also strengthens our foundation and core, but those are topics for future blogs!

We hope readers feel encouraged, when life feels lackluster or pressured, to look for their own ways to bring playful creativity into their studio  life.

“Rhinestone New Year!”

This is really a pep talk about reengaging creative joy during times of stagnation.

How many of you have boxes (or drawers, sacks, heaps . . .) full of art and craft supplies that are being saved for that special, ultimate project?  We have treasures in our supplies.  Some are waiting for the time or additional supplies to carry out that blast of inspiration.  Some are received from artists who have cleared out those boxes (or drawers, sacks, heaps . . .)  Occasionally, those articles seem glued to the original idea or plan.

One way to revitalize enthusiasm for art supplies is to unpack them for a play session.  This is what we did with these strands of rhinestones.  The background is hand-dyed silk velvet and made a wonderful contrast to experiment with lighting on the metal and glass.  The velvet was also a surface that let the strands be smoothly pulled and swirled into new images.

Without the pressure of a finished project, ideas flowed from one to another.  We have the photographs to spark future projects.  Plus, we still have those strands to carefully pack away until it is their turn to make the special, ultimate project!