eadoma1

Contact Information

2009-05-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Website should have stuff available by the end of June:)

Final Pieces for Senior Project

2009-05-10T20:39:00.001-07:00

Secondary Sketches for Senior Project

2009-05-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Joseph Hyde Photoshoot 2.28.09

2009-05-10T20:20:00.001-07:00

I found Joseph's shoot very pleasurable. He was easy to conversate with and really has a great eye. Ill definately be going to back soon to shoot the rest of my work:)

Assigned Reading Craft Inc. IIasco pp. 86-101

2009-02-16T06:01:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5-Marketing and Publicity Strageties

-Be an active agent of your work
-let people know you exist
-business cards, web sites, press and ads
-wear your item
-doesn't have to cost alot, introduce yourself to everyone-make connections
-make sure logo is on everything and looks professional
-make a catalog or look book (change annually or seasonally)
-prior to working on a catalog, figure out your needs

Tips for taking good photographs

-don't use a flash
-use indirect light
-diffused lighting
-daylight, tungsten or halogen bulbs
-know your camera
-use a tripod
-be inventive w/surroundings (or use plain white)
-take multiple shots, reposition objects and change perspective
-learn photoshop

Websites increase a company's visibility

-use a simple domain name
-good photos
-update often
-offer mailing list or automatic email updates
-store locator
-bio

-Be your own publicist, a press mentioned is approval from specific audience

Press Kits

-include catalog
-line sheet w/product number and wholesale prices
-bio
-press clippings/releases
-product sample
-contact info. on bottom of each page
-be creative
-keep package flat (other than samples)
-no loose articles

Advertising

-If you are already going to spend thousands on advertising, hire a graphic designer to assure visual aesthetic

Create a Marketing Plan

10 artist websites

2009-02-16T05:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.shawnadomanis.com/
http://www.kellynedderman.com/
http://www.lianakabel.com/
http://www.amytavern.com/
http://www.aux.uwm.edu/Union/events/gallery/e-announcment/Hearing%20Aids/hearingaids.htm
http://www.abraxasrex.com/
http://www.katherinekalafgallery.com/
http://www.made-in-hanau.de/
http://www.knap.se/start.html
http://www.kamolpornwijit.com/

sketch senior project preliminary design ideas

2009-02-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Kelly Nedderman

2009-02-02T22:07:00.001-08:00

I like that kelly uses alternative materials, like hip-replacements sockets down below, but I was originally attracted to the pieces with convex glass and images undernealth. The convex glass is actually from real eyeglasses.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellynedderman/

Francisca Kweitel

2009-02-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

I was draw to this woman by her bandage pieces on klimt02, but wasnt able to import photos.
http://www.klimt02.net/jewellers/index.php?item_id=859
They are cocoon-like and helped me visualize a few changes in my own work I might want to make. http://www.looksur.com/index.php?section=designer&aId=18

Marta Mattsson

2009-02-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.klimt02.net/jewellers/index.php?item_id=11480

I am not able to import any images without permission, so go to the site to check them out.....
After investigating the stages between egg to butterfly, I found some wonderfully creepy pics of caterpillars and larvae and such. Mattsson made some pretty awesome pieces reflecting caterpillars and maggots, among other creative pieces.

Senior Project Images

2009-02-02T20:55:00.001-08:00

My theme for senior project is 'metamorphosis', although other topics like change and growth will be portrayed. The following pictures are the focus of change in nature--I will post sketches tomorrow....zxgirl @ Flickrartour_a @ Flickr teejaybee @ Flickr

My photos--Niagra Falls

I would like to include imagery from a photo of my son into a necklace including glass. Originally, I was going to use stained glass, but after todays design review I got the idea to find something with demention and try breaking and soldering it into a finished piece.

This image of 'growth' will be used as cut out circles all treated differently. Piercing, hammering, enameling, electroforming, etching, and chasing & repousse are all options. Id like to try making it into something to hang off the waste.
www.botit.botany.wisc.edu

This image will be used to create an 'emerging' piece--most likely from the neckline. I want to experiment with a copper mesh form wrapping around the neck with something emerging from it. Have to work the details out with this one more than the others....might save it for last and get started on the rest.
pageofbats @ Flickr

Ruudt Peters

2009-02-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

I like his combination of smooth and textured materials. I would like to experiment with aluminum foil and copper mesh in the enameling class. The bottom of these pieces remind me of crumbled foil or paper and the smooth portion provides interesting contrast.

http://www.ruudtpeters.nl/

Iris Bodemer

2009-02-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

Im not crazy about most of this womans work but I would like to attempt to take something antique--make wax copies of it--and electroform it and the resist the real object into it. This is just kind of how I pictured it in my head.... http://www.irisbodemer.de/main.php?siteid=7&lang=E

Artistic influences--enameling II

2009-01-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

Natalya Pinchuk

http://www.charonkransenarts.com/artists/Pinchuk/artist_pinchukN.html

Carla Nuis http://www.charonkransenarts.com/artists/Nuis/artist_nuis.html

Mirjam Hiller

http://www.charonkransenarts.com/artists/Hiller_6_2005/artist_hiller.html

Liv Blavar

http://www.charonkransenarts.com/artists/Blavarp_6_2005/artist_blavarp.html

Carola Bauer http://www.charonkransenarts.com/artists/BauerC_6_2005/artist_06.html

Enameling Ideas

2009-01-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Origami Wolf @Flickr

One small crease @Flickr

Sarako@ Flickr

Nanimo@ Flickr

I am really excited about enameling this year...and it might be because we are starting with electroforming. I feel we quickly ran out of time after just getting into it last year. I have some ideas I would like to try. My main thought is to try electroforming origami shapes. I have found plenty of paper origami jewelry,
http://www.oricraft.com/origamijewelry/
and even some folded metal origami pieces....but have they been

electroformed? Is rice paper 'OK' to burnout? I certainly want to

try something other than the origami crane--it seems like that is the only shape people experiment with. I found some other interesting origami shapes that caught my eye.....

http://nanajewelry.com/Earrings.html

Some other ideas I might want to try involve crumpled paper, aluminum foil, screen, wood shavings, broken glass, mirror, and making wax copies of antique jewelry and then also imbedding the original antique piece into the electroformed piece. More research needed......

Stained glass window portrait

2009-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

For xmas 2008, of course, I wanted to share some type of family portrait of the three of us. I was going to etch copper plates and then patina them as an ornament, but since the chemicals were too inconvenient to obtain, decided to make that a project for a later date.
THEN...I tried pouring resin into candy molds with one of our photos to make ornaments. After trying a few different combinations of things, I wasnt really that into it.

SO...I decided to use some of the many scraps of glass I have from a stained glass class I took previously.

I took our photo, simplified it in photoshop, then created a window pattern. I colored several different color combinations since I wanted to make six 8x10 windows and wanted them all to be unique color combinations. I made two with primary colors (blue, red, and yellow); one secondary colors (orange, green, and purple); and three complimentary colors (purple/yellow, red/green, and orange/blue). After lots and lots of work they all turned out great. Pictured is an example of one of the blue, red and yellow ones. Dont ask me how I did this with a newborn. Oh--I know, my mom occupied him a few times:)

World Ice Art Championships

2008-04-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Just some examples of how ice can be used as an art form. Below are photos from the Alaskan Ice Art Championships. http://www.icealaska.com/

WIRED magazine article on making ice trays

2008-04-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

In researching casting water and freezing it into solid forms, I came across an article posted by a contributor to Wired Magazine. Moldrite 25 by Artmolds and Ease Release 200 are the two materials this individual used to make his LEGO ice tray molds. He goes into detail on how easy it was. This process may be an option for testing the ice portion of my project.

http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2007/06/diy_lego_ice_tr.html

Design Proposal--Project #3--Alternative Materials

2008-04-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

The idea for this project is to pick a form and express that form through various materials. As an expectant mother, my mind is constantly on what it will be like to raise a child. From 'will they take to breastfeeding?' to 'will they get a date to the prom?' to 'will they live a long and happy life?' are thoughts I can't seem to shake but will really only discover through experience. This is what brought to my attention the many stages of life and how I might communicate them through material and form. I would like to carve a wax rendition of a baby pacifier (sketches and models to come), to cast out of multiple materials. This form is striking to me. Its clean, simple and strong, and an abstracted version of it will work well with my ideas. A pacifier is one of the first possessions one has. The nipple shape is symbolic of that of mother and her nurturing relationship with child. There are limits to what can be cast so I am choosing materials relative to my ideas I can only imagine will work. I may need advice and practice runs to test them.

Butter. Chubby newborn stage. Pure. Innocent. Simple.

Crayons. Playful infant stage. Creative. Colorful. Melted down able to be colored with once cast.
Metal. Teenage years. Cold. Hard. Distant. Frustration. Rebellion.
Rose Petals in Resin. Romantic years. Love. Heartbreak. Joy. Disappointment.
Ice. Old age. Weathered. Vunerability. Deterioration.
Since ice is a temporary material, I would like to include a hard substance to remain once the ice has melted. Something left behind, as we all do once we exist and exit our life cycle.

Pomegranate Seeds.

Lemon Peel.

Assigned Reading-McCreight Ch. 4-Burnout and Melting

2008-03-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the burnout is to evacuate the mold, cure the mold, and heat the mold to the proper temperature.

Allow 2-3 hours for mold to dry before burnout. The steam removal method is practical for soft waxes.

Burnout Equipment-kiln, long tongs, thick work gloves, high temp. nichrome wire, ventilation system, flask hook

To burn out in a kiln-remove when wax stops dripping out, then turn kiln up to vaporize any remaining residue.

Prep.-take off base, clear sprue area if not already visible.

Position-raise the flask slightly off the mesh with nail or coat hanger wire.

Burnout-set kiln to medium.

Fast Method-check every half hour until complete (when sooty black stain is gone)

Right Method-3 hour cycle 5 hour cycle

1@ 300 deg 2@ 700deg

1/2@ 700 deg 1 1/2@300 deg

1/2@1250deg 1@1000 deg

1/2@ 1250 deg

Do Not Overheat

wax vaporizes at 1250 degrees and at 1300 degrees the gypsum begins to break down.

Melting

It is important to avoid oxides from forming to prevent pits and staining-flux works well to protect the metal.

A larger torch must be used for larger amounts of metal-wear ultraviolet sheilding goggles.

Metal should be melted in small pieces.

Blood Diamonds Project Sketch

2008-02-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Blood Diamonds Visual Map Focused Ideas

2008-02-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

Blood Diamonds Visual Map

2008-02-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

Dave Grohl Podcast

2008-02-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Dave Grohl, from Foo Fighters, is interviewed and several songs from their new album is played on the air. I enjoy older Foo Fighters songs, as well as listened to Nirvana in my teen years, but was not crazy about the last Foo Fighters album. Liking some of the songs played on the 'Fresh Air' Podcast, from the new album, I also learned alot of new things about Dave Grohl himself. A multi-talented musician, artist, and poet he is and, as I highly believe in music as an inspirational tool, I think Dave had much to contribute to this art form and has changed many lives. I thought it was great how those miners were near-death and requested their music to get them through their frightening experience. Dave explains how he overcame much pain and many struggles to eventually make it big doing something he absolutely loved. Exposing his child to music at a young age is smart--he sings familiar words for her to sing along to, trying to divert her attention away from the television and into a more unique learning experience through song. In conclusion, Dave Grohl reminded me to keep using music as an inspiring resource and always aim high in your life's goals and dreams.

Assigned Reading-McCreight Ch. 3 Investment

2008-02-22T06:29:00.000-08:00

Investment-'to cloth, cloak or surround (Latin root)
Can withstand high burnout temps.
Made of gypsum-a white mineral, calcium sulfate, responsible for the hardening of the plaster; silica-white and colorless mineral, quartz, to cushion while expansion and contraction (this is the main material that is harmful to breath in (wear a respirator) ; cristobalite-pure silica, enables to withstand the high temps. Some investments contain fiberglass for strengthening.

Store in resealable bag to avoid being exposed to moisture--use within 6 months or less.
If you suspect it has been exposed to moisture, measure it against some investment you know is fresh. (throw out if its more than 20% heavier than the new)

Never pour investment down the drain and use rubber mixing tools that the investment will easily crack off of to be thrown out.

Mixing
When mixing, you want to get a proper ratio between powder and water, mix it evenly, make sure there are no air bubbles, and do it within a specific amount of time.

Before mixing, make sure the model is clean, renove all dry investment from flask and mixing container, check to make sure the the fit is watertight, make sure the sprue is in tact, paint the model with debubblizer-denatured alcohol can work too but a debubblizer is not neccessary.

Investment has a working time of about 9 1/2 minutes. Hardening too slow will not give the investment time to properly settle around the mold. Hardening too fast will cause the investment to separate and bubble.

Use water of consistent temps.

Mix investment in a ratio of 38-40 parts of water to every 100 parts of powder by weight. Always add powder to water and not visa versa. Mix for about 4 minutes. Consistency should be a little thinner than sour cream.

A vacuum machine can be used to shake out air bubbles. Prepare this ahead of mixing. Tape a piece of paper to the top of the flask to catch any investment that might spill out while in the vacuum. Bubbles can also be vibrated out by a massager.

Assigned Reading-McCreight Ch. 2 Sprues

2008-02-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

Sprues
A rod that supports the model while making the mold; provides passageway for wax to leave; entrance for molten metal; positions the model
Round soft wax wire is preferred for the sprue.
Plastic sprues are not recommended.
Attach to the thickest section of the model; where they cannot damage surface texture and can be easily removed.

Orientation
Leave 3/8" clearance on all sides of the flask; for several models leave 1/8" between them; leave 1/2" between model and investment.
Try to get your model situated to flow completely downstream to avoid air bubbles and backflow.

Recrystallization
As metal cools in contracts.
To avoid pits make sure to attach the sprue at the thickest portion and make sure there is enough molten metal supplied.
Choose a flask just the right size--too small can cause it to burst and too large is wasteful.

Attaching Sprues
Use a sprue wax slightly heavier than the average section of the piece.
Heat the wire and lower to attachment site--hold there until it hardens; check the joints and trim the wire if needed.

Fillets
Enlarge mass and round off opening at joint for smoother flow.
To thicken, heat needle with wax and drop off at joint.
Electric wax pens work well for this.

Determining amount of metal needed
Weighing-calculate ratio between gravity and weight of the model and the metal being used.
*Multiply weight x gravity of metal*
Use pennyweight or gram scale.
Weigh model with sprues.
If scale is not available, use the water displacement method (not as accurate)
Submerge wax in jar filled with water; mark how high the water rises with wax; take out wax; add metal until reaching the same point and maybe add a little more for the button.

Art of Innovation-Chapter 6

2008-02-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

'Prototyping is problem solving...' That pretty much sums up the focus in Chapter 6 of 'The Art of Innovation'. It is encouraged that you jump right in and from one prototype make another that is even better. I like that idea. The 'build to learn' technique is something I am very fond of. Personally I can understand something and how it will work by molding with clay or a maquette. IDEO is expressing how many times it has worked for their team when they need to figure out how a mechanism will perform or be controlled. Take chances. The story about how the dot-com company started was inspiring. I did not know it all began by taking chances. I agree that models are tangeable and are more convincing than flat drawings. It makes since to throw the bad ideas on the table first. If ideas arent coming to you and all you have are ones you may not love, getting it out in the open allows room for others criticism which might help you make the next idea better. It is inspiring to hear how all the big companies 'got big'.

Art of Innovation-Chapter 4

2008-02-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4 in 'The Art of Innovation' is on brainstorming. I have to admit I had not looked at this subject the same as I do now after reading the literature. I see how important it is to observe everyday people and events and how we interact with them. It is important to stay up to date with what is going on in the world around us. When it comes to brainstorming--don't take notes on every word but highlight important ideas. Contribute as a group and don't be afraid to voice your opinion even if you doubt it a little. Be playful and visual. A physical example is better than one just in words. Help the group visualize your ideas so they can add advice more efficiently. Warmups are not a bad idea as long as they are quick and highly energetic. Sketches and diagrams are also ok. Try to stay away from negativity. I personally wasn't sure what to expect from the brainstorming sessions we had last week, but once the group got going some really wonderful things occurred and much was accomplished. I am reviewing my own ideas in a different fashion and am not afraid to speak out or ask for assistance.

Skills List

2008-02-13T11:48:00.001-08:00

Current Skills
sawing
filing
riveting-basic, tube, spacer, flush, nail head
polishing
liver of sulphur patina
dap forming

MIG welding

small scale steel welding

plasma cutter
solder inlay
lamentation inlay
roll printing
sweat soldering

basic enameling

champleve

basse-taile
medium-scale glassblowing
pop-up technology
chain-making-sailor's chain
cold forging-aluminum, silver
hot forging-steel
casting-aluminum
hammer texture
stamping texture

etching silver/copper

chasing/repousse

stained glass

electroforming

fabricating

bezel setting stone

soft crystaline wax

hard wax working

Future Goals
lampworking glass beads
stone-cutting
diamond/gemstone identification certification

various patinas
various stone setting techniques

hinges

filigree

plique-a-jour
neon
chain-making-chainmaille, double loop in loop, etc.
casting-silver, resin

Blood Diamonds Imagery

2008-02-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

Bullets
I thought I would look up bullets because of the relationship of the diamond craze serving as ammunition or 'fuel' for war. It turns out there are some really lovely shapes accompanying the bullet image. I was considering making a bullet referenced neckpiece with a noose going through it and also binding the hands, touching on the slavery issue--maybe with some interlocking wrist braces.

Kimberlite Pipe

I think the kimberlite pipe is an interesting scientific discovery--I just havent found a way to tie it into a project idea. The only thing I could come up with was veins erupting with diamonds....

Maps

There are some nice patterns and shapes happening here.

Mining Carts

I like the antiquity to these old mining carts. The first one looks secretive because of the trunk-like shape to it. The various gears and wheels in the second one are nice, just not sure how I would work these into a piece yet.

Prosthetics/Amputation

I noticed toward the end the claw-like prosthetic hands that one of the blood diamond victims had been given so they could take voice in politics again and live a more normal life. I wouldnt want to use this image so representationally but thought about what something other than an arm or a hand might look like amputated.

Scar Tissue
In researching scars I decided to investigate a more dramatic type of scar--a keloid. Keloids are overgrown scar tissues that have regrown abnormally outside the boundary of the original wound. I like the imagery here in that they are 'deeper' scars so to speak. Something more unforgettable. I would like to use this as texture detail in my piece.

'Green' Materials

2008-02-06T12:09:00.001-08:00

http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Green_Building/green_Materials/index.htm

I will come back to this...

Second life

2008-02-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

I started reading a little on this but am still unsure how I feel. There are probably other computer programs I would rather get into...I like Rhino so far. I know they are both very different but I can only dedicate so much time to a computer screen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

Ideas for historical study on jewelry

2008-02-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filigree

Id like to investigate filigree's past in relation to jewelry as well as incorporating it and new stone-setting skills into the studio piece.

I would also maybe like to research the history of a specific stone and design a project using that.

Turquoise

http://www.americana.net/jewelry_history_turquoise_article.html

Carnelian

http://www.jewelrysupplier.com/2_carnelian/carnelian_history.htm

Lapis Lazuli

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapis_lazuli

Assigned Reading--McCreight Ch. 1-Models

2008-02-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

An ingot mold became an object mold--discovered was that an almost complete form could be poured.

China-->7000 years ago-->Egyptians-->Greeks-->500BC (blast furnace)-->Indust. Revolution

Mold-the negative impression into which a softened material is pressed, poured, or injected to acheive a specific shape

The melting point of the material restricts the choice of mold.

Piece Molds-can be separated and consist usually of only two pieces.

Waste Molds-made in one piece then broken to relieve the piece being cast and only used once.

Lost Wax Process

1. wax model

2. mount wax model on a sprue (wax rod)

3. mount in base fitted with a flask (watertight open-ended cylinder)

4. investment (plaster) is poured into flask; remove air bubbles

5. when investment dries, burn out model in kiln

6. pour molten metal while model is still warm

7. cool; quench in water; break open mold

Only melt wax in a double boiler to avoid it reaching its flash point and catch on fire.

Wax expands as it melts.

Waxes-beeswax, carnuba, candelilla, ceresin, ozenite, synthetic.

Resins-damar, balsam, kauri copal, shellac, rosin (all tree saps)

Fillers-talc, starch, chalk, soapstone, pumice, wood flour

Liquidus point-point at which wax melts

Solidus point-point at which wax hardens

Plastic range-an inbetween state at which the wax is easily worked

Carving wax-hard; made to be worked reductively or subtractively

To bond two pieces of wax together, both points of contact must be molten.

Best to use a spiral saw blade to cut wax-cut outside of the intended design.

It is better to dedicate separate tools for metal and wax.

Best to use a saw blade, then file, then use scraping as a technique (dental tools work well)

The metal (final product) will weight between 10 and 20 times the wax model, so don't hesitate to make the model thin. The mass can be reduced by scraping or hollowing out some sections.

Pieces of wax can be reused as long as they are not contaminated.

Denatured alcohol or Lamp fuel are the only fuels to be used for this kind of wax working.

Soldering irons with a dimmer switch are good replacements for electric wax pens and offer much control.

Make etchings to press hot wax into, through a vice, to produce an imprint.

Files, sandpaper, and steel wool are inappropriate finishing tools for modeling wax.

Dripping wax will produce interesting shapes and effects.

Pressing forms into clay, then filling them with hot wax will also make interesting shapes. Use potter's clay or any clay mixed with water. Modeling clay will melt when hot wax is poured over it.

Sandy Sanderson

2008-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

lost wax casting...

examples of wax vs. metal casting

2008-01-30T22:13:00.000-08:00

cast celtic jewelry

2008-01-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

The Kimberly Process

2008-01-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.pacweb.org/e/images/stories/documents/killing%20kimberley.pdf

This link will take you to a 12-page article about the 'Kimberly Process' which is an attempt to resolve the issue of conflict diamonds.

Response to Magazine readings

2007-12-11T03:20:00.001-08:00

At the start of the semester, I subscribed to ID, Metropolis, Craft, Wired and Fast Company. I read them when I can and will read more over the break.

Bibliography of websites

2007-12-11T02:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.skyartkarenkristin.com/
http://www.arteryuk.com/Handmade+Clocks/Sunray+Wall+Clock/
http://www.materialise-mgx.com/
http://www.siennagallery.com/artist-bio.php?artistID=34
http://www.ariklevy.fr/
www.designmuseum.org/design/assa-ashuach
http://www.within4walls.com/www.within4walls.co.uk/new/designers.php?id=JANNE+KYTTANEN
http://www.bathsheba.com/
www.mcescher.com

Karen Kristin

2007-12-11T02:43:00.000-08:00

Karen Kristin uses sky in her art...

Tracy Steepy

2007-11-19T20:40:00.000-08:00

Tracy Steepy is someone Jan had mentioned to investigate. Some nice brooches seen here...

My fav is the chartreuse and white one top right--interesting way to fulfill the hollow form:)

Design 3 Artist Statement

2007-11-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

The information I obtained from Materialise led me to base my fabrication project on the idea of mulitiple images and repeating forms. Noticing the view in my daily drive home, I decided to incorporate the sunray into my design. I pulled about 10 pictures, then tracing interesting forms from those photos. My first maquette, done as a bracelet helped me solve a few design issues and from there came a second maquette. I would like to etch in silver the top band, and stick to the bracelet format. The design for the top band came from researching lattice patterns similar to that of sunrays. Importing them into photoshop and tweeking the pattern a bit, I now have a black and white image to print onto PNP. I will try a copper etch test strip of a few different patterns. I hope to get some feedback on my second maquette tomorrow, as well as attempting a copper maquette...

I changed my piece from a bracelet to a pendant. The bracelet was out of my league, for now, as far as skill level. It was bulky. It had to fit my wrist, and every time I binded it I couldn't help but pull those ends together, making it unwearable. To start my new piece, I cut a 9 inch outside band. I wanted one band, with one scored and bent line to make it easier to solder down. I shaped and scored it to my satisfaction, but as I moved it a bit more the scored line broke. I was able to line it up closely but have two small visible gaps. I ended up leaving them alone but would like some thought on maybe filling that space with wire. The pendant is scribed on both sides, as well as roll printed. I rolled wire on one side, intending to use the other side so the wire were a sort of ghost image. On the side I was to use I rolled lightly wire mesh and fabric. I like the subtle results. They mimic the cloud form. The patina is a bluish color to also mimic the cloud form. I suspended the piece with 4 chains to replicate the idea of the sunray. Overall, I am happy with the final results, but would like to finish the bracelet in the future. I had not soldered much all semester, so the bracelet was again frustrating. The pendant I ended up creating gave me alot of solder refreshers. I enjoyed this assignment.

Podcasts-Dubai

2007-11-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

This podcast is about a writer for Fast Company magazine attending a conference in the growing Middle Eastern area of Dubai. A lot of big names in design were apparently supposed to attend this conference but ended up not showing. Their goal here in Dubai is to top everything as far as the tallest building, and largest mall. As much as they would like to take design seriously, the pace at which they are constructing their buildings and the resources they are consulting are prohibiting them from making intelligent design decisions. Mixing of styles becomes bizarre and far out. The idea of old vs. new is great but there is no attention to detail in that matter. There are some nice attractions in the historical area. One building in particular becomes an architechtural motif. The outside is elegant while the inside is abstracted. It is not typically acceptable for a male native to the area is allowed to begin a career in design. They need to work on how to shape and define human behavior through design.

Podcasts-Digital Manufacturing

2007-11-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yanni Kitani is being interviewed about Rapid Protyping. He briefly describes how they work and then goes on to explain how those machines are now being used for direct maufacturing. Plastics, metals, starch, paper can all be printed. How students can get their hands on technology like this is also explained because the cheapest commercial device is still just under $20,000. It is expected for the machines to not come down in price for a few more years. Rod McCormick gave great insight on this technology last night. I really enjoyed it:)

Podcasts--Polymer Clay

2007-10-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

This podcast interests me because I had some questions about polymer clay. I recently borrowed a book called 'Faux surfaces in Polymer Clay'. It caught my eye purely for the interesting surfaces I might mimic in some of my work, without really knowing what polymer was all about. I had a feeling that it was related to Fimo or Sculpty clay which I tend to think look cheesy but maybe something interesting can come out of it. The podcast went into detail about what tools are needed to start working at home like, a pasta maker, rolling pin, acrylic paint and smooth work surface. It ended with some silly commercial:)

NY Times article on Materialise

2007-10-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

This article helped to sum it up for me on how the Materialise-mgx technology works and should help anyone still confused. Click on it to read it more clearly.

Arik Levy (Materialise)

2007-10-29T20:56:00.001-07:00

Jewelry examples by Arik Levy who designs for Materialise...

within4walls

2007-10-29T20:48:00.001-07:00

Discovered this site while doing Materialise research...alot of Materialise designers are included here as well..

http://www.within4walls.co.uk

Podcasts

2007-10-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

New to the world of podcasts...although I do listen to audio books--they seem similar, but shorter like news briefs. The one I just listened to was about how diamonds are preferred over many other precious stones and sales show a lot more self-purchased products these days as opposed to gifts. That podcast was aired by the GIA. I just listened to one that was crap, so they aren't all winners. The music at the beginning of most of them makes me giggle.

Assa Ashauch (Materialise)

2007-10-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

Some examples of furniture done using rapid protyping technology...

Janne Kyttanen (Materialise)

2007-10-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

I love these lamps. The shadows and the idea of what impressions a shadow make visually is nice.

Escher...

2007-10-29T20:23:00.001-07:00

...in comparison to Grossman...

Bathsheba Grossman (Materialise)

2007-10-29T20:14:00.001-07:00

Grossman experiments with lighting ornaments.

Her stuff reminds me a lot of the great MC Escher--this is my favorite concept thus far...

Dennis W. Bernhardt

2007-10-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for venus flytraps...
the tree sculpture reminded me of Rebecca's enameling image...

Rochelle Ford

2007-10-29T17:36:00.001-07:00

Rochelle welds together recycled and trashed materials. I didn't really care for the masks she makes but the mixed media and garden sculptures are nice.

Materialise

2007-10-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

I have been starting to read about the Materialise company and see a lot of really interesting patterns in the work. Repeating forms are common and the use of CADCAM programs are highly incorporated. The website was not letting me view anything about the designers so I will have to check back later tonight...

So I was able to click on some of the affiliated Materialise artists separate web addresses. I enjoy mathematics and see many equations in the Materialise art. The patterns in some of the pieces are great. MC Escher is my favorite artist for that reason. He blends architecture and geometry with the concept of infinity.

Materialise uses a machine that can be programmed to use laser to cut out highly complex plastic prototypes. Their designers have skills in making jewelry, lighting, furniture, and more.

Aftertoughts...Design Problem Uno

2007-10-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Critique for design problem one in metals and jewelry II began Tuesday, October 9th. We spent most of the class doing peer-evaluations. Split up into groups of 5, we rated each other's work according to the criteria layed out for us in the beginning of the semester. The object was to design a product as if you were commissioned by the Droog design team out of Amsterdam. Research for this assignment was critical since most of the class had not previously heard of the very eclectic design firm. In addition to online research about Droog, we were shown some new techniques used on metal. We had to demonstrate we could master solder inlay, lammenation inlay, rolling mill textures, and etching. I had the most trouble with solder inlay but was able to get results on one of my pieces. I am now facinated by lammenation inlay now that I fully understand it and was successful in the end. My project reflected the Droog idea of using objects in more than one way, like the plant swing designed by Droog. I made 4 barrettes that also can be used as a necklace pendant or bracelet center piece. I had the most trouble with the safety clasp on the back, but Jan helped by drawing a diagram further explaining how to be more successful with the craftsmanship of those parts. When I get my project returned to me I would like to fix that part because it will add greatly to the piece. I would also like to photograph it and post it up here. I really enjoyed everyone else's projects and interpretation of my project. I learned alot during the past 7 weeks. I understand how important it is to dig in right away and starting hashing out ideas. I jumped right in to this next project, not only because it has an earlier due date but because it just made sense. I am happy to have learned about the new techniques and look forward to pushing those even further.

GIA

2007-10-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have been looking into the GIA for several years now. I actually considered moving to Carlsbad for 5 years to get my gem certification. I settled on either traveling to New York or taking a distance learning course to get my degree. They have alot to offer and I highly recommend this type of education to anyone who is interested. Getting to New York is not hard and can be fairly inexpensive. The New Jersey transit out of Trenton is my favorite:)

andrea wagner

2007-10-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is an artist out of the netherlands who specializes in brooches if anyone is interested...

10 words I like...

2007-10-08T21:38:00.001-07:00

synergist

ossicles

carnelian

ischial tuberocity

sonic

mirror

genes

tempura

hyjinx

parallelogram

Plique-a-jour

2007-09-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

To my understanding this is a technique considered as 'miniature stained glass'. I currently am taking stained glass and like the idea of incorportating it into jewelry or other small-scale sculptures. Tell me more about this plique-a-jour......

Boo Poulin

2007-09-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

She is from New York. Thought her ideas were simple and sweet. I like the cold feel of her work. Alot of it reminds me of Hematite.

Ann O'Brien

2007-09-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

Ann O'Brien is a designer from the east coast. I am not too crazy about her earrings and necklaces but since I am working on pieces for the hair, I thought hers were interesting. She also makes bubble blowers which I thought were a new idea.

Response to 'Designer in Training'

2007-09-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

I am a little confused with what is meant by a 'digital sketchbook'---is this it? Is blogging our digital sketchbook? Please clarify. I have tried to post sights I have viewed and it is not working. The book that is mentioned is no longer being published. I do keep a sketchbook and have always been a collector of magazines and agree they are useful in many ways--current events, random eye-catching patterns. I agree with the jewelry vs. object aspect in that the process is similar. I almost always invest in recommended books, but I just recently subscribed to 4 new magazines and 4 new books, so the Bird By Bird book might have to wait. I need to dedicate more time to newspapers but am very busy as is--I will try.

Urbanglass

2007-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed my time at this school and plan to go again, they offer glassblowing, lampworking, neon and more--check it out. http://urbanglass.org/node/256

skills list

2007-09-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Current Skills

sawing

filing

riveting-basic, tube, spacer, flush, nail head

polishing

liver of sulphur patina

dap forming

solder inlay

lamentation inlay

roll printing

sweat soldering

vitreous enamel

medium-scale glassblowing

pop-up technology

chain-making-sailor's chain

cold forging-aluminum, silver

hot forging-steel

casting-aluminum

hammer texture

stamping texture

Future Goals

lampworking glass beads

stone-cutting

diamond/gemstone identification certification

stone-setting

neon

etching

chain-making-chainmaille, double loop in loop, etc.

casting-silver, resin

Droog Design Firm

2007-09-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Droog is a company of collaborated designers established about 1993 in the Netherlands. Their goal is to continually conjure fresh ideas to touch consumers in unique ways. Their projects and products are blasting with emotion, are sometimes expressed as a narrative and always intended to evoke thought and never be forgotten. They test materials from the past, present and future. The influence and feed hungry artists and individuals internationally. Pictured above right is a 'beehive vase' created by Tomas Libertiny and is currently on sale.

There are 8 pages of designers affiliated with the Droog design team listed in alphabetical order and reflecting numerous countries. There are 4 pages of Droog outlet stores across the map from France in Europe to Thailand in Asia, New Zealand to the west and closer points in Canada and even New York City.

Droog believes strongly in organizing exhibitions worldwide. They see this type of visual display also as a 'cinematic' experience bringing their ideas to life. An exhibition just ended in January of this year in New York at the Museum of Art and Design. It basically covered Droog's 13 year history and archives. This was a traveling exhibit named, 'Simply Droog'. Pictured above left was one example included in most recent Droog exhibit in New York.

Droog gets commissioned for work from other companies, as well as putting forth their own suggestions. The British Airways branch of London's Heathrow airport commissioned designer, Frank Tjepkema to creatively cover the big hole of air conditioning in the first-class lounge. From this he planned a sort of 'tree' with branches swirling down to add some appeal to the dull and uncomfortable area.

Droog is currently leading the Masters Design course IM at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, NL and has been doing so since 2001. They hold lectures, seminars, and workshops often. Droog's headquarters, located centrally in Amsterdam, display work from new students every two months. They occasionally hold luncheons, dinners and public events. Droog has had several articles written about their empire. We can all learn something from this outstanding organization.

Droog has a newsletter to subscribe to via email.

http://www.droogdesign.nl/

Who's Who @ Tar-get

2007-09-04T20:21:00.001-07:00

Isaac Mizrahi is the main designer for Target merchandise. Mizrahi is from Brooklyn, New York and attended college at the Parsons School of Art and Design, 5th Avenue, NYC. In 1987, he got the 'Designer of the Year' award. He introduced his line of home furnishings to Target in 2005 and men's sportswear in 2006. In 1996, he received a special award for bringing fashion to the movies. He is currently working on a television show and a magazine, as well as already being involved in Broadway.

Michael Graves is another top designer for Target stores. Though an architect with his own firm in Princeton, New Jersey, Graves has a special collection of life-enhancing home decor in areas of storage, cleaning and kitchen supplies. He has received a gold medal from the American Institute of Architects as well as one called the National Medal of Arts.

Other Target designers include Liz Lange, Mossimo, Thomas O'brien, Amy Coe, Victoria Hagan, Sonia Kashuk, Sean Conway, Isabelle de Borchgrave and Rachel Ashwell. As students we should care about these designers because they are established and well-known. Their creations and talent are recognized world-wide. We should strive to acheive the same accomplishments, notations and awards.