Author Archive for Susan Lomuto

luke jerram: glass microbiology

I picked up a virus while at the Synergy conference, so I’m laying low and studying Luke Jerram’s glass sculptures of deadly viruses which explore the “tension between the artworks’ beauty, what they represent and their impact on humanity.”

E.coli, blown glass

E.coli detail

The transparent glass sculptures “were created to contemplate the global impact of each disease and to consider how the artificial colouring of scientific imagery affects our understanding of phenomena.” Jerram, a conceptual artist, consults and collaborates with scientists, engineers and artists to actualize each idea.

Jerram and the sculptures

Smallpox, blown glass

He worked with virologists from the University of Bristol as he developed the idea for the sculptures, which are one million times larger than the actual virus, and collaborated with glassblowers Kim George, Brian Jones and Norman Veitch, who pushed the boundaries of glassblowing to create the delicate specimens.

Swine Flu, detail

The series is a reflection of my interest in how images of phenomena are represented and presented to the public. I’m colour blind and this has given me a natural interest in exploring the edges of perception. Often images of viruses are taken in black and white on an electron microscope and then they are coloured artificially using Photoshop. Sometimes that will be for scientific purposes but other times it will be just to add emotional content or to make the image more attractive.

How many people believe viruses are brightly coloured? Are there any colour conventions and what kind of ‘presence’ do pseudocoloured images have that ‘naturally’ coloured specimens don’t?  How does the choice of different colours affect their reception?

Read an interview with the artist here.

You can watch a viral sculpture being blown in the video below, and listen to Jerram talk about how they are made and why bringing the idea forward was important to him in this BBC clip.

emmy-gai-palmer’s glass and crocheted wire sculptures capture time and memory

I arrived home late last night and need some time to gather my thoughts. While I regroup, take a moment to look at these blown glass sculptures from England’s Emmy Gai Palmer. Metal inclusions in the glass draw you in and ignite your curiosity. The ‘Del Mar’ series was inspired by “translucent hues of seaweed caught up in waves and light through the sea.” Palmer, who encases layers of knitted and crocheted wire elements in the blown glass, goes on to explain that the “light projects through these pieces, creating wave like shadows.”

Large Del Mar, two layers of knitted wire encased in blown glass, 8″ x7″

“To produce the mesh inclusions I utilize hand Crochet and knitting techniques that were passed on through the women in my family from generation to generation. The textile element is integral to my work, the glass and knitted wire work together in harmony, complimenting and emphasizing each other’s qualities.”

Small Apricot Del Mar, knitted wire encased in blown glass, 3 1/2″ x3″

Layers of knitted wire encased in blown glass, detail

Del Mar on the Beach

Upright Del Mar, knitted wire encased in blown glass, 6″ x7″

“In crochet the repeated stitches and individual actions that go towards the making of the object are visible in the finished piece; I see this as symbolic of how in life small actions can build up in to something larger. I try to capture these ‘small actions’ within my glass forms. Essentially my work is about human emotion; the need to capture time and memory.” Emmy Gai Palmer

keith lewis’ mica jewelry

Today is the second day of Dan Cormier’s The Cutting Edge Evolved workshop in Baltimore. Yesterday one of the things Dan demonstrated was a mica shift technique and he talked a bit about the mineral (mica) during the demonstration.

Mica and Pearl Bangle

Dan’s enthusiasm about mica reminded me of Keith Lewis, who I met last year at a show in New York. When I first saw the work I was immediately intrigued, in part because I’ve never seen anyone use mica the way he does. Lewis laminates sheets of the mineral to create the structure and insets pearls or other precious stones, applying 23k gold leaf to complete the shimmery surface.

Layered Amber Mica Pin, Black Pearl and Ruby

After a childhood spent living abroad in Europe and the Far East, Lewis earned a Master of Fine Arts in Goldsmithing from SUNY New Paltz during the tenure of  Kurt Matzdorf and Bob Ebendorf and has been living and making jewelry in the Hudson River Valley since that time.

Redstripe Pendant

“In my work I explore the line between accident and control, manipulating the inherent qualities of natural materials. I contrast formal construction with serendipitous surface treatment such as my version of a very old Japanese patina; I heat copper to bright red, expose it to wood particles, and then plunge it into boiling water which creates an organic and unpredictable “Raku” effect. I strive to capture not only the beauty of the natural materials themselves, but the surprises that arise from working with them.” Keith Lewis

This afternoon I will head home and let it all sink in…the conference and Cormier’s workshop. Look for upcoming posts about both once I’ve had a chance to unpack my suitcase. See you soon!

torolf sauermann: evolution of genius

The conference wraps up tonight and I will stay on for a post conference workshop. While I finish up here, I have some homework for you. Torolf Sauermann is new to me. Dan Cormier referenced him in his Synergy seminar and there was a collective ‘ahhhh’ from the group. The work is full of undulating waves, geometric lines and patterns and…well, you tell me: What is the material? The process? Do you like it?

Torolf Sauermann (there are eleven pages in his gallery…take your time).

Video clip that shows the work from different angles.

The Synergy2 conference is fast paced and exciting and I will write about it more in depth after it is over, but if you are looking for pictures as the conference unfolds, Polymer Clay Daily has plenty of Synergy eye candy.

Be back soon!

kathleen elliot’s glass botanicals

I’m on my way to Synergy2 today – should get to Baltimore by late afternoon and I’m hoping the weather is a little kinder in Maryland.  The snow continues to fall under gray skies here in New York, leaving tree branches in the Hudson Valley bent in impossible positions under the weight of the heavy precipitation.  So gray, so gray.

Blue Crouching Vine With Apricot Feet, 15″ x 13″ x 12″

Kathleen Elliot’s botanical sculptures lift me up from my winter doldrums and remind me that spring will be here soon enough. The Hans Godo Frabel Award winner’s realistic and imaginary glass buds and pods are spectacular.  They all look real to me – an indication that my imagination runs along the same course as Elliot’s?  Or that I need a few days away to remember what is real?

Black Plums, 8″ x 4″ x 3″, glass, flameworked and sandblasted

I Wonder Where Castaneda Landed, Tallest: 15″ x 4″ x 4″

Rust Lantern Pods with Brown Leaves, 15″ x 5″ x 7″, glass, flameworked and sandblasted

Sun Pods, 14 x 12 x 5 glass, flameworked and sandblasted
{to see a detail close-up of the Sun Pods, click on the image}

Art returns us to a mood of wonder and appreciation, helps us stay centered in the face of our culture. Its beauty, strength and clarity can be inspiration for us in our own lives. Art reminds us of human virtues and the wonders of Nature. Its richness and depth can inspire us to rise above the mediocrity of drifting in the cultural norm. Kathleen Elliot

lisa klakulak’s strong felt

For Lisa Klakulak, hand-dyed felted wool is the ideal canvas to express her insights regarding today’s society. Drawing with machine embroidery she combines stitching, weaving and beading to create sculptural and functional pieces that reference our universal vulnerability as human beings.

Recent concepts conveyed in the work reference issues related to human vulnerability, the resulting need for physical security and mental defense and the unfortunate isolation that often results. I work primarily with protein fibers from silk cocoons and animal fleece as well as natural materials and human-made products that offer a sense of comfort and security through qualities of insulation, durability, convenience and control. Lisa Klakulak

Klakulak’s handbag and body textile portfolios are extensive.

Watch this video clip of the artist demonstrating a technique.

Electric Water (pictured above) is part of the current exhibition at Craft Alliance, HOT TEA: 12TH BIENNIAL TEAPOT EXHIBITION.

More on the Fiber Arts magazine website.

how to: make a facebook fan page

This morning we explored Keke Cribbs’ magical world of glass mosaic sculptures.  Keke doesn’t have a website, but she wants to create a Facebook fan page and asked if I could help.  Here’s an audio slide show that I quickly put together this afternoon.  Click on the image to view the short tutorial.  And look for a fan page from Keke soon!

keke cribbs’ magical world of narrative glass mosaics

Keke Cribbs creates sculptural mosaics that take us on a journey into the magical imagination of this self-taught artist – a fantastical world where the landscape is colorful, the characters exciting, the narrative riveting. Cribbs has a portfolio brimming with three dimensional glass mosaics that ultimately become a canvas for her brilliant narrative paintings and drawings.

La Ciccolina, 15″ x 11″ x 6″
reverse fired enamels on glass mosaics, wood shoe last, wood

Little Graziana ,32″ x 28″ x 1.5″
reverse fired enamels on glass mosaics, wood frame

Bingo, 26.5″ x 9″ x 7″
stoneware, glaze, china paints, gold luster, reverse fired enamels on window glass and stained glass mosaics

Eugenie, 20″ x 20″ x 2″
reverse fired enamels on window glass, Alkyd paints, gold leaf

Read an interview with the artist on Glass Quarterly, where Cribbs explains how she developed Raggedy Man Down Under and other recent characters. You can view more images of her work here.

I first became aware of Cribbs’ work through Facebook and have corresponded with her from time to time over the last year, hoping that her website would be complete so that I could write about this amazing body of work.  The good news is that her art continues to be very much in demand and she is busy creating commissions and gallery work. The bad news is that she doesn’t have the time right now to think about a website. Look for a Facebook Fan Page from her in the near future – an easier option that won’t replace a well-designed website, but it is a good way to let fans, collectors and others see her latest work, best work, links that motivate and inspire her. Keke already shares wonderful links with friends – it will be a real treat for her fans to connect with the talented artist’s inspiration.

More to come from me soon about Facebook Fan Pages.  For now, enjoy another image from Keke Cribbs’ portfolio.

Mardi Gras, 28″ x 11″ x 5.5″
reverse fired enamels on glass mosaics, fiberglass boat form, gold leaf, copper, steel

paint ring

jeina morosoff: blown and sandblasted glass forms

I look at hundreds of images of art on the internet every day as I search for artists to share with you.  When I find an image that speaks to me – powerful, beautiful, an interesting glimpse of the artist’s talent and skill – I begin my research. If the artist does not have a website or an online presence usually I move on to the next artist – often sorely disappointed.

Submerged Hybrid Series, blown glass, carved with sandblaster, metal pigment

My research uncovered no website, little information and only a few images (none current) of Jeina Morosoff’s blown and sandblasted glass and iron sculptures, but the art is compelling so I decided to feature the work and ask if anyone knows of Morosoff and where we can see more of these sculptures? {click on the images to visit Numen Gallery and Hot Studio Glass}

Submerged Hybrids

Submerged Hybrids

Submerged Forms

“The sculptures speak of the natural world, while not referencing any one thing in particular. I want the works to look like they could possibly exist (somewhere). People have described my work as looking like sea creatures, amoebic, or alien. When looking at my works, people also often question what it is they are seeing. Is it metal or glass? Is real or imagined? I find this sense of mystery very satisfying.”  Jeina Morosoff

Next week I will share another artist who I have been watching for more than a year – she doesn’t have a website either but I might have a tip that can help. Then I will head to Synergy2 and post from Baltimore. If you are looking for more art related links be sure to join the Daily Art Muse Facebook fan page where I post additional links most days. Enjoy your weekend!

morning meditation

so young park explores the cycle of life

With two Masters degrees – an MFA in metals and jewelry from Kon-Kuk University in Korea and a second MFA in metals and jewelry from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York – So Young Park explores the cycle of life in an extensive collection of jewelry and sculpture.

Working mostly with silver and gold, she pierces the metal with hundreds of small beaded pins to add texture and movement and uses tiny concave circles to represent single cells, explaining that the work expresses “hope, desire and the power of life through organic plant forms that are artistically rendered in a simplistic, geometric and sophisticated manner.”

More at Aaron Faber where So Young Park’s jewelry will be part of next month’s exhibit, Working in Metal: Three Women.

linnie mclarty’s pin-less poppi brooches

Linnie Mclarty’s collection of Poppi brooches attach to clothing with no pins, allowing the wearer to adorn even delicate fabrics. The clothing becomes part of the art, providing an ever-changing backdrop for the jewelry. This hip designer showcases her work with high drama at its best.  Eye-popping photographs highlight the uncomplicated shapes while giving us something to think about regarding body adornment.

Metal, enamel pin-less brooch

Inspired by fossils, plants and aquatic life forms, the award winning jewelry artist believes that “the right piece of jewellery can put a positive spin on your entire day.”

shibori scarf

waiting

This morning as I watch the snow falling outside my window again, the beautiful stark white blanket covering the brown of trees and ground offers no relief from this long Winter chill.  I crave the oh-so-bright-soft-delicate-shocking-neon-pastel colors of Spring to warm me from the inside out.

Waiting…for color and light…for renewed opportunity…for new community…for restoration…for openings and unfoldings…waiting for Spring.

Waiting, Sharon Lapkin on Flickr

Join me here where I will be posting more art related links later today.