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goran konjevod’s organic origami

Written on February 2, 2012 by Susan Lomuto in Featured, Paper

For years I have been fascinated by mathematician-turned-artists who delight us with their complex pleated tessellations and they often show up here on the pages of Daily Art Muse.

Towards A Torus

Dr. Goran Konjevod, a mathematics and computer science professor, creates lovely curving waves with paper using pleated tessellations. The abstract shapes form naturally by the tension of the paper “when multiple layers of paper are arranged according to regular or irregular patterns.”

Peeking Over

Big Yellow

Improvisation

Double Fluted

Slow Twist

Most of my pieces so far are abstract shapes naturally formed by the tension of the paper when multiple layers of paper are arranged according to regular or irregular patterns. In that sense, they could almost be said to be discovered, rather than invented or designed. In particular, the pieces shown in my pleat tessellation gallery pages have been developed from a single urform discovered by Paul Jackson.

Organic Origami, Goran Konjevod’s website

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kevin reaves automated humanity in polymer clay and metal

Written on February 1, 2012 by Susan Lomuto in Featured, Metal, Polymer Clay

Lately I feel a bit like a robot. I’m on the computer an average of 10-12 hours a day as I develop another online class (coming soon) and work on an exciting new feature for DAM. I get up, turn on the computer and go. Day in and day out. Although I LOVE what I do (really!) there are moments when I feel like a Kevin Reaves Automated Humanity robot.

End Of The Week, polymer clay, copper, wood

Primarily a metalsmith, Reaves also works with a variety of media including polymer clay. His life long love of science fiction and toys clearly influence his work.

Obsolete, polymer clay, 17″ tall

Adam, polymer clay, 18.5″ tall

Expendable Youth
copper, brass, silver, acrylic, polymer clay, plastic, steel, 19″ tall

Exit, polymer clay, copper, wood

Bellicose, copper, brass, bronze, wood, 7.5″ tall

“I use robots to create a narrative, representing people in society performing tasks or caught in situations with serious connotations. My goal is for people to look past the facade into the mirror and establish an understanding with the figure and its plight.

Sculptures are presented with recognizable items such as school chairs to allow the viewer to make connections to real world experience. The pieces are approachable, derived from simple design and geometric parts.”

Hornet Ring, copper, brass

Check out this ring – it consists of 75 parts that he connected using silver solder – the helicopter blade spins. He calls it a “finger riding automation.”

Kevin Reaves website

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virginia mckinney: clay and steel

Written on January 31, 2012 by Susan Lomuto in Ceramic, Featured, Metal

Primitive. Modern. Minimal. Complex. All are words that can be used to describe Virginia McKinney’s clay and steel sculptures.

Cable Hung Disk

McKinney creates the work in two studios – the artist starts in her ceramics studio and builds the forms, then moves to her blacksmithing studio to forge the metal components and back again to the ceramics studio when it is time to glaze. The materials belong together in these sculptures – they serve each other well. A true partnership.

Small Habitats

Small but critical elements distinguish the habitats – doors and windows are almost a suggestion – leaving the viewer to wonder and possibly move closer to peer inside. Ladders lead us into some of the sculptures – perhaps bridging the gap between known and unknown territory?

Tall Ladder Small Disk With Bird

Double Arch Doorway

Detail

I often contemplate the definition of home. What is home? Where is home? Is it an internal state or a physical space? McKinney’s work offers a gentle resting place for my eyes as I ponder these questions.

Virginia McKinney’s website

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joanne russo: contemporary baskets and sculpture

Written on January 30, 2012 by Susan Lomuto in Featured, Fiber

Some people just know what to do with the seemingly disconnected objects that they collect – I envy them.

Exposed

Exposed, detail

Contemporary basket maker Joanne Russo collects a variety of materials, “from acorns to zippers” and expertly combining traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, weaves them into decorative baskets that offer a subtle narrative:

“A view of human nature expressed through a plaited form. The story is the same – we have a tentative hold on life, wanting to appear all together but always aware there’s a thread ready to unravel.”

Frond

Russo’s new work, materials woven into a collection of fronds, pods, flowers and buds, is more sculpture than basket – but equally engaging and appealing.

Bell Flower and Buds

Blue Bud

Blue Bud, detail

Red Bell Flower Frond

“In this new series, each one-of-a-kind piece is woven tightly and precisely, with added elements thoughtfully chosen to display order and harmony. For one, I may use rows of hooks and eyes to imply that the basket’s construction is carefully held together, while on another, a zipper adds an illusion of function. For the finishing touch, spiraled, thread-wrapped rows define the basket’s top. On some baskets I’ve left the last few rows twisting out into space, reaching, as a tendril, for a safehold.”

Joanne Russo’s website

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mauro fuke: wood in motion

Written on January 27, 2012 by Susan Lomuto in Featured, Wood

Part puzzle, part kinetic wonders, part sculpture, all genius. Using mathematical concepts and 3D modeling software to generate his ideas, Brazilian artist Mauro Fuke hand carves wood – sometimes one piece, often many, many pieces that he assembles into moveable sculptures.

Snakess 2

Snakess 2 reconfigured

Spend some time scrolling through the pictures on his site, he has an extensive portfolio that dates back to 1983 – I had a hard time choosing pictures for this post.

Octaedro

Pounn

Pounn in progress

The website has a slideshow of Pounn in progress.

Rings!

Love this collection of Fuke’s rings – I don’t wear jewelry (weird, right?), but I would wear these – what a statement piece!

There is nothing particularly exciting about this video, but in my opinion that’s the point. The work is laborious and slow-moving, however, the results are exciting. Yes.