Weekly Challenge - Week 20

Much like the oft cursed writers block, visual artists also get creative block... in my studio, it's ruefully referred to as Makers Block and has a myriad of inconsistent cures, and only one or two consistent ones.

There have been many things going on in my life lately that have drained my creative energy to near critical levels- not necessarily bad things- just things that require a certain level of my focus and my will. This is not unusual for a sensitive artist type person to experience- sometimes just day-to-day takes too much from us- the curse of feeling life so deeply. If we try to force the creativity when the energy isn't there, it's obvious in the work that we make. It lacks authenticity, spirit and a voice.

I've pulled designs from my archives to execute and get half way through and realize they're lifeless. and it's my fault. So, i'm going to do what i know works to get the creative batteries recharged- I'm going to spend the weekend in the woods, hunting for textures, rocks, quiet moments and memories with friends and family.

Once i come back, recharged and ready to face the world anew, i'll get my Mobile Metal Studio rewards worked on and send out my next update. I've had to back burner the project for the last few weeks even though it has pained me to do so. I found a VW Bus in Murfreesboro TN, although the rust repair may be more than i can take on with everything else as it is.

In the meantime, here's what i have been working on that i feel isn't lacking in heart because they're technical exercises, samples for my upcoming class. (the top one was made last week- the bottom one the newer, more Art Nouveau approach)

Weekly Challenge- Week 19

I misplaced my sample for my upcoming Jeweler's saw class at the Botanic Gardens, so i had to make another one :) This piece was designed, pierced and cleaned up in 2 hours, using only one sawblade and my beloved Knew Concepts saw. Those super tight cuts were all made using the saw, not notched with a file.

Here's the class description if you're interested:

Sawing sheet metal or: How i learned to love my jeweler's saw May 30th 10am - 5pm

In this workshop class you will learn all the ins and outs of one of the most basic and useful of jeweler's tools, which incidentally, is also one of the most hated. 

 

You'll learn about proper blade loading, which saw blades to use for what, how different materials respond, how to mark your material for sawing, inside cuts and more. I'll have a variety of saws on hand for you to try, including the Knew Concepts saw, which has helped turn many an anti-jewelers saw person into a sawing master!

 

Our projects for the class will be mostly about learning how to use the saw and will be technique based, however, there will be a small pendant project that you can complete in class or at home, depending on the speed at which you work, and your practice pieces can be turned into charms. 

 

If you do NOT have a jewelers saw and bench pin, PLEASE let us know when you sign up for the class. Neither tool is required to take this class, but I need an accurate count of how many to bring. I will assume you have both if nothing is noted, so for everyone's enjoyment, please provide this information. Sharing is caring, but I would rather everyone have dedicated tools :) 

 

Blades, practice pieces, and templates are provided and you will have a reference handout to take home chock full of useful information. We will be using twist drill bits, center punches, scribers, sharpies, burlife/beeswax, and adhesive in class. (You are welcome to bring your own if you have these- some will be shared in class) Some tools and extra materials will be available for purchase at class as well. 

Please contact Laurie at the Memphis Botanic Garden to register : 901.636.4128