Excursions, Diversions and The Odd Stabile.

Many things have kept my studio practice to a minimum this year, what with filming my new online class and starting up my new tool sales website – not to mention teaching here in Australia and (shortly) abroad.

And then of course there are diversions like this – this past weekend saw the whole family jumping into the wire fray to make these lovely little kinetic objects.Here's a quick little film to share with you. 

I hope all is well in your world.

Keith

The New Year: Happy, yes. New, not.

Hard to believe it's been a quarter year since posting. 

Good Heavens. 

The reasons for this, however lame, are valid. I have been away teaching workshops in Queensland (see below) and Victoria; I was tutored by a master moldmaker in the labyrinthine ways of casting and molding; I've been frantically productive in my own workshop honing my own experience in this area; I've been producing commissioned work, so I haven't been able to post in-progress images of the work lest it be seen by the client before it was ready; I've been preparing to film my new online workshop which premieres in July: STEELING BEAUTY: Forms, Chains & Clasps in Steel Wire.

So there.

All that said, I miss posting here very sorely. So, beginning tomorrow, I'll be posting my first in-progress shots of the year - starting with - what else? - an oyster-shucking knife!

Ciao

Keith

 

Lo Bue's First Complete Workshop on DVD!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR ARTISTS - Available for the first time on DVD!

Click HERE for more information, including a video preview...

New Lo Bue Workshop #7: A FLARE FOR TUBING

Finally, in my list of new workshops to debut this month:

A FLARE FOR TUBING

A custom-made tube-rivet is a rare combination of aesthetic beauty and functional utility. Spend an evening with jeweler Keith Lo Bue and learn to make this simple and elegant connector that will take your work to another level!

Where and when:

September 23rd, 2011:
Art Is...Petaluma - Petaluma, California   Info Here

New Lo Bue Workshop #6: SETTING A RECORD - Or, A Lesson In Entrapment.

My sixth brand-new workshop, to premiere in Danbury, CT this October:

SETTING A RECORD. Or, A Lesson In Entrapment.

Discover a myriad of ways to cage, cradle, encase, snare and otherwise set the most unlikely of gemstones: the found object. This exciting 2-day workshop takes participants on a spontaneous and thrilling journey of connecting materials of their own choosing to create utterly one-of-a-kind settings. Join artist Keith Lo Bue and learn to elevate the humblest cast-off to the status of a jewel.

Where and when:

October 7th-8th, 2011: Art Is...Who - Danbury, Connecticut   Info Here

 

 

New Lo Bue Workshop #4: LIFE IN THE MIX

Another new workshop premiering next month:

LIFE IN THE MIX

Let found-object jeweler Keith Lo Bue take you into the world of submerging organic materials into pools of epoxy and polyester resins, learning the tips and tricks to get fascinating and beautiful one-of-a-kind imagery.

Where and when:

September 22th, 2011:
Art Is...Petaluma - Petaluma, California   Info Here

October 10th, 2011:Art Is...Who - Danbury, Connecticut   Info Here

New Lo Bue Workshop #3: ALL IN A CORD

Introducing a rather surprising departure from my other workshops:

ALL IN A CORD

 The fascinating art of kumihimo, or Japanese braiding, has centuries of colourful history. Used long ago to connect the armour of the Samurai warriors as well as to fasten silk kimonos, this easy to learn technique has so many creative possibilities it's mindboggling.

     Join found-object artist (and budding kumi-he-man) Keith Lo Bue as he introduces you to his newest passion in a whirlwind workshop that will have you in knots.

With only a few inexpensive and simple tools, you will learn a creative activity that you can do simply anywhere, at any time. On a airplane or train ride, waiting in a car, even in bed - it's an eminently portable, meditative process that yields exquisite braids for jewelry, journal closures, assemblage and a million other uses.

Note - the Seattle class below is a 2-day intensive, and the Petaluma and Danbury classes are 1-day...

Where and when:

September 26th, 2011:
Art Is...Petaluma - Petaluma, California   Info Here

October 1 - 2, 2011:
Artfest Annex - Seattle, Washington   Info Here

October 10th, 2011:Art Is...Who - Danbury, Connecticut   Info Here

New Lo Bue Workshop #2: THE WAXED-LINEN SAILOR

Second in my listing of brand-new workshops premiering next month:

THE WAXED-LINEN SAILOR

Many artists use waxed-linen thread to bind and attach - but after joining Keith Lo Bue for this day of sailor's rope-rigging techniques scaled down small, you'll want to feature this strong and versatile medium front and center!  

Students will encase, weave and otherwise embellish a host of found materials with these fascinating and beautiful designs. No previous experience needed - just simple tools and enthusiasm.

Where and when:

September 24th, 2011:
Art Is...Petaluma - Petaluma, California   Info Here

 

New Lo Bue Workshop #1: FORGING: A Smashing Introduction

Here's the first of a series of posts I'll be running in the next week to let you know about SEVEN new workshops I'll be premiering in the US starting next month!

FORGING: A Smashing Introduction

 

In one action-packed day, artist Keith Lo Bue will give you a good working knowledge of forging (flattening and shaping) wire. You'll learn proper technique, safety and invaluable tricks that will become a vital part of your creative expression... Come find out why so many people are falling in love with their hammers!

The supply list can be found here.

Where and when:

September 25th, 2011:
Art Is...Petaluma - Petaluma, California   Info Here  

October 11th, 2011: Art Is...Who - Danbury, Connecticut   Info Here

March 16th, 2012:
Art Is...You Sydney - Sydney, Australia   Info Here

Kids Attack Found Objects in Hervey Bay

Before I jaunt off to the US to teach next week, I thought I'd post up the brilliant work done by an enthusiastic group of fifteen 8 to 14-year-old's up at the gallery where my exhibition is taking place. Called the 'Mudskipper's workshop', the kids were challenged, in the two-hour class, to use their own ingenuity to cobble the piles of junk in front of each of them into something interesting.  Without glue.

Check out what went down. (Click on images to enlarge them)

A few mums stayed and got their hands dirty as well.

Serious concentration.

A spaceship, complete with control keyboard, takes shape. Check out the smart use of electrical tape.

My oldest daughter Mira, right, finds a new buddy.

No timid moves here - it's unchecked creativity at work.

Decisions, decisions.

An impromptu exhibition was set up on a table so we could all admire the handiwork.

Puppet, with stand and pet!

A house for secrets.

 

A portrait in sheep spine, of her dad, apparently - are my eyes really that screwy?

A beautiful assembly of fresh plants, which can be replaced at will.

A hanging garden of treasures.

The amazing flying lion!

A complex little contraption.

A gorgeous little viewing portal and treasure trove.

The spaceship - that's a steering wheel and hubcap put to really good use.

A beautiful and sensitive fish sculpture.
 

An intimate Pandora's box.

 

This catapult shoots something long and thin that I can't remember - was it pick-up sticks or knitting needles? Don't try this at home!

A lovely display of tiny sculptures - what a set.

The Hervey Bay Artists Gang, in da house. Congrats to them all!
I'd encourage any of the artists above to post down below and let us know which one you did.
See you soon,
Keith

Thomas Mann & Keith Lo Bue: Found to Finished

A few hours have passed since wrapping up my premiere workshop taught in conjunction with metalsmith Thomas Mann. We found that our working methods dovetailed remarkably, and I think the students got an unusual opportunity to sample from two very different perspectives in making objects. Thanks to all the participants, who made truly outstanding work - congrats to you all!

Plans are already hatched to continue the collaboration. Stay tuned...

Keith

Delusions, Excursions and Podcasts

(photo: Hugh Hamilton)

I'm off tomorrow for a month of teaching around the US. Sorry for the quiet 'round these parts, but traveling as much as I have has limited my studio time to a trickle. I'll be hitting the ground running in April, however, readying work for my first solo exhibition in Australia (!), entitled "Why the Wind Blows and Other Popular Delusions" which opens in mid-July in Hervey Bay, Queensland.

In the meantime, pop over here to the Craftcast website to listen to a podcast interview with me that just got posted.

Be sure to leave a comment over there if you feel so inclined.

Bye for now!

Keith

A Call To Arms (And Hands)

Although I haven't previously used this blog to spread the word about my upcoming workshops, I've gotten several requests to that effect, so now I'm giving this shout-out to join me as I prepare for 6 weeks of traveling and teaching in the US and Australia. If you've ever had the desire to work with found materials, or simply learn a few low-tech metal techniques, meet me at one of my stops, feed your brain and bone up on your hand skills. There are still a few spaces available at most venues, so go for it.

http://www.lobue-art.com/itinerary-2010.html

I hope to see you there!

Keith

Batteries Charged

Hi all... I'm back from my sojourn to the US where another great group of workshops went down. Thank you to all of you who signed up for classes - you keep me in the saddle making my work.

Off to unpack my new treasures into my studio and get my head into some new work. In the meantime, here are a few pictures from my classes - and other mysteries!

Cheerio

Keith