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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Industrial Chic


I can't believe that it has been 10 days since I was in Washington, D.C. for the ArtBliss workshops. While I was there, I got to meet all sorts of people that I had only known online. I got to meet and connect with teachers that have been my idols, my mentors and are now my friends. And I got to learn some really cool techniques that I suspect will be showing up in my work.

One such idol-mentor-friend is Stacie Florer of Soul to Substance. She is truly a delight to be around. Her cheery personality just bubbles with enthusiasm. She is a gifted teacher with an easy-going style that is encouraging and generous. I spent all day on Saturday, September 28th in her Thin Gauge Metals workshop. 

Usually, when I have worked with metal, we are using a much more stiff gauge that necessitates using heavy equipment, jeweler's saws and the like to work with it. But the metal that I used in these earrings was 30 gauge, so flimsy that you could wave it in front of you like a piece of cardstock. However, when you are done with the manipulation to achieve these interesting textures, that look to me much like folds in fabric, then layering and even riveting, you get something so much stronger yet completely lightweight.

I created these steampunk-style earrings using copper, brass and perforated aluminum (?) along with a rivet just for fun. While these are very cool and edgy, they are not quite my style. However, I have bought the tools and more materials so that I can do something that feels a lot more like me. I already have one pair that I have made in a completely different shape and everyone who sees it says that it looks more like me. I am sure that more metal earrings will be coming from my hands soon!

So, that makes me think... is there a shape that is most like you?
Do tell!

8 comments:

  1. It sounds like you had a wonderful and engaging experience. Looking forward to see all you have learned. Nice earrings!

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  2. Good for you! So tickled to hear you have made the leap to metalworking! Your earrings here look wonderfully crafted. Can't wait to see what you come up with in your own personal style!

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    1. Actually, every single class that I have taken since 2007 has been connected to metal in some way. I want to do it all the time, but time is what I lack. But this new technique is something that I can really do because it is so simple with a big impact and I don't have to wait for it to develop! I can't wait to get my metal and get to hammering!

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  3. I love these earrings! Good for you for trying something new and I can't wait to see more. I love ovals and round shapes, but rectangles are wonderful too. Not too much into squares--not sure why. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Very cool earrings Erin! Fantastic metal work. A shape that is most like me...hmm...I would have to say teardrops, but I wear all shapes and sizes of earrings with hoops being my favorite " go to" earrings.

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  5. Your earrings are really cute! I never thought about what shape is most like me, but upon reflection, I like a square. So neat and tidy!

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  6. I just now saw this post!! I so loved meeting you and having your creative energy in class...and how you are able to put YOUR stamp on these earrings is such a thrill to me...Love them!

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