Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A New Ring, in-progress: THE ODALISQUE.

Amidst all the new workshops being put together for later this year, I've managed to squeeze some very fruitful time into making some new work in Studio Stuffsmith.

Here's one of the new pieces. It begins as a companion piece to the 2004 ring entitled 'DISSECTION OF A COQUETTE'S HEART.' 


 
The base of the ring is another broken porcelain teacup handle. After opening the finger hole up a bit, I find a lovely starfish specimen to perch atop the platform. It will be one of my early forays into electroforming. I'm doing this using Sherri Haab's elegant and compact electroforming system, which works like a charm.





The starfish is coated in conductive paint. Now into the drink.


Just after immersion.



 A copper-coated crustacean.


Now to prepare the base. Holes are drilled to strap the starfish to the top. The blue glaze of the cup is spectacular - just perfect.


 A 'pool' is drawn around the starfish, to be recessed into the surface...

Like so.

  Another splash of conductive paint.

  And the tiedown begins.




  Tied and ready for another session of electroforming.



This second coating will strengthen the form as well. The creature is extremely fragile, and I'm delighted that this new technique in my palette lets me feature some of those delicate materials front and center.


  Ready for patina.


  I love how the copper on the bottom fleshes out the countersunk areas of the holes. It also locks the whole assembly absolutely securely.

 Signed and nearly finished.

  In searching for my title, I come across this text and catch my breath. The curled and assemetrical form of the animal is brought out and given an attitude that just didn't exist before being combined with this text. And how appropriate, as well, that the two teacup rings feature a coquette and an odalisque - a fact that I didn't even cotton onto until the ring was finished!  I am fascinated by that intuitive aspect to my process - I'm often as surprised as a bystander by what occurs under my fingers.

To see the beauty shots of this piece:
Click here.


Or, to see it with purchasing info:
Click here.

I hope you enjoyed the journey.
Keith

27 comments:

  1. It is a gorgeous piece Keith !!
    The electroforming gave the startfish such a wonderful presence.
    Great title too !!

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  2. Totally Amazing Keith.Thank you for sharing the process I love it

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  3. You never cease to amaze me...once again, an incredible piece! Perchance you will consider adding this process to your workshop repertoire? I still have plenty of bees to incorporate into artwork!
    Avery

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  4. What a beautiful ring, and what an amazing process. I've always wondered about the electroforming process and now I'm just fascinated after seeing what you've done, and reading the PDF. I'd love to do one of your classes in Sydney some time though I'm a bit daunted after reading the list of tools to bring. Have to give that some thought. However, I am using your list as I buy new items and I really appreciate the hints you give along the way. Carol

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  5. The electroforming and patina are Genius, Plus I love the touch with the lettering.
    Amanda, UK

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  6. Far out! That is wild. Amazing technique.

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  7. You never cease to amaze me! Just when I thought I was over jewelry for a while you go and intrigue me like this!
    I love the way you continue to grow in your craft Keith. You are truly inspiring!

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  8. You already know you're a genius.... right?

    Okay then... "You're a genius!"

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  9. Keith, that is so amazing and beautiful! What a great technique to add to your repertoire. I love the way you describe the intuitive process, also! (But I have to add that a sea star is an echinoderm.)

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  10. WOW!!! What an absolutely awesome piece!!! I love the patina. Your work never ceases to amaze me, Keith!

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  11. Wonderfully Amazing Keith! such a joy to join you on another journey, thank you for sharing. xo

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  12. what an inspiring piece ... I love the colours.Can we try electro forming next year in Rocky?

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  13. Incredible. Pretty amazed at your use of electroforming on such a delicate creature and how so much detail is maintained. Always awed by how you see these things and start putting them together -- voila!! Curious about how long the starfish spent in the bath for each dip? Keep it up - teach it!! Please

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  14. Incredible Keith! What a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing the whole process. Very cool. Now go wash your hands!

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  15. very cool! Thanks for the tutorial, I had never even heard of electroforming...maybe someday I'll be able to take one of your classes...

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  16. Another fabulous transformation !

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  17. Ah.....a slave to a slave. Gorgeous piece, Keith.

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  18. thphantom (doris)May 18, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Keith,
    Thank you for sharing a bit of the process to this stunning piece. It is awesome!!!

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  19. I love electroforming and now that we just scored a huge new studio space you have (as always!) inspired me to get out there and work. Thanks for sharing the making of this wondrous creation Keith!!!

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  20. Madame Recamier, move over! Plump, sensuous, and totally desireable. Thanks, Keith. Electroforming classes coming up, eh? Please? Wheedle, wheedle.

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  21. Lovely - !! Is the title on the ring engraved or stamped? I can't tell. If its engraved - how the bloody hell did you do that? WOW!

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  22. Great fun to see the process, Keith!! Great ring, too!!

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  23. Thanks, everyone! Regarding the type, I engraved that with a diamond bit in a water bath. Since it was a two-handed process, I couldn't get a picture of it as I worked!

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  24. When you have the ideas designs can be created pretty much with anything and everything.The ring looks very awesome and the way you have displayed the pictorial steps it's very interesting to unfold your work.

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  25. your blog is fascinating! thank you for letting us into your world a little bit.

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