Final Exam Critique Today!

The semester has drawn to a close and I couldn't be happier to see my second to last semester done and in the books.
While this class has been interesting, it's definitely deterred me from wanting to be a metal artist and I think that's a good thing. I'm definitely not cut out for it, and finding out this is just another step in my path of learning as much as I can.
Arthur's been an interesting teacher, yet this semester has been overall ..interesting I can tell you that. I do hope that critique goes well, even though I've had to improvise due to several missteps in the process. I just hope at this point that I pass the class. For the love of god, I hope I pass.

I also may keep up with this blog periodically, especially in my work in the art department. Who knows, maybe I'll incorporate metalwork into my next costume design!

Meltdown

Today has been hard. I had a major project due for my scenic painting class so I worked on that tirelessly until I finished it. Little did I know that it would take me almost 10 hours just to finish. UGGH I LOVE painting  but I HATE it. And it's not even real painting.

But then so I meandered over to the metals studio to finish my project because I knew I only had to clean a couple pieces up and solder two little pieces together and be done.
Well, if only it had gone that way....

I formed the new half of the ring band on the major component of my project and ran it over to the torches. I set it up and threw some fire on it and all of a sudden, it all fell a part. The two pieces turned into 4 charred little pieces and they wouldn't solder together. So now I'm being forced to improvise.

Here's where I had the meltdown. Finals week has officially gotten the best of me.

Pieces are cast!

Working with Justen and helping with the kiln was a great experience, and also using the super special torch to heat up my bronze was super fun even if it was super intimidating.

Personally, I doubt I'll ever become an actual metalsmith. I might daddle in metalworking from time to time but I can't say I'll ever get my own studio and tools etc. But getting the experience was the most important part, and I'm so thankful Justen was there to make sure I didn't fuck up too badly.
She's just so nice.

FINALS WEEK ugh.

A bright spot to my trudging through Finals week was my friend Eric having set up a Free Waffle station outside of the Metals studio. He just felt like it, that's why.

He said the only stipulation was that you had to find 'someone else' to make you a waffle, and in return you made a waffle for them. Eric stood there, mediating and smiling.
He just wanted to spread a little faith and that's exactly what he did. 

Soon the entire Art department was downstairs, making chocolate chip and blueberry, applesauce, honey, even "grilled cheese" waffles for each other. A boy named Nate made mine. I've never met him before and neither him, I. But he was sweet, we exchanged pleasantries and he lovingly made my waffle. It was glorious.

Thanks Nate. And most of all, thank you Eric.
You've made a bleak gray day shine a little brighter.

Cast! And well?

Okay. Casting is not easy and I've had to learn that the hard way.

The majority of my pieces didn't come out. But that's alright! I'll work with what I've got... Which is?

 It'll be alright.. I'll figure something out. But I have to make due with what I have. And being able to utilize what I've been given is a gift, in my opinion.

Sprueing sounds dirty.

Got all my pieces sprued up and their ready to be casted!

I have a job!! (Or actually 3 now!!)

I was just offered the Shop Supervisor position at Horn in the West this summer!! And my application has been accepted and chosen to work in Dublin Ireland in September at the Ivaeugh Theatre in the Temple Bar District to intern in their costume and craftwork sector!!!
I know it's theatre but it's still exciting!

I may actually be able to get the chance to do a little metal work since their shop does work on a repertory schedule and their seasons last a lot longer than normal shows. Which means that on a rep schedule, you have 3-4 different shows running at the same time and for longer runs like 3-4 weeks rather than 2 and a half like traditional theaters. I'm excited! This will open so many doors for me!

Rubber mold time!

I forgot to get a picture of it, but I cast an S link that I intend to make into a chain for my main ring that's cast in order to turn the ring itself into a pendant.

Rubber molds are cool, the process is relatively tedious and I CANNOT stand the smell of burning rubber. Ugh it makes me gag profusely, but it was actually a relatively relaxing process (once I had my respirator on). The little wooden board with the clamps on it helped ease the pressure off my fingers and thumb which was nice. The surgical blade intimidated me a little bit but I got over it in the end!
All in all, it was a pretty easy process and I would very much like to use this process in the future.

Portfolio Review Day!

Today was the Technical/Design Theatre Student Portfolio day!

This is where we set up a table with items of the field we're interested in and basically we have to sell ourselves to the public who come to judge us and convince the faculty that we're ready for the real world. I am, but the others... not too sure about them just yet. 

I hate it but it's required and if I don't do it, I get kicked out of the concentration... Or so the faculty threaten. I've only done this like..... 5 other times so whatever. I'm completely over it.
But I think I looked decent and my table didn't seem to suck like it did last year!






http://theatre.appstate.edu/academics/degrees/theatre-program/ba-designtech

Kiln and Casting Demo Day

Getting into the sculpture studio is intimidating. The whole Foundry is intimidating. Getting to see how the kiln works and pouring metal into your one shot of a cast is kind of ridiculous. It's a really scary enviromment and I don't know if I'd ever feel ultimately comfortable in there. To be honest, I don't think metal is at all my element for art. I just can't think in 3D like that! Which I know sounds like a cop out but seriously, I'm way more of a 2D person and making it look dimensional rather than pulling a 3D piece out of my imagination practically out of thin air. I'm having some serious doubts about my abilities as a metal smith.

Inspiration

I'm drawn to that place in your memory, that moment where the past is officially forgotten. It's a sort of terrifying spot because it's where things fade away, and where they fade to. I'm never trying to discover that new place where thoughts are new and different. I am always trying to rediscover the old and practically forgotten. I think thats where a lot of my inspiration comes from- is just a sort of rediscover of ideas and things people have long sense forgotten.

I want to try and rediscover my rings. I want to give them such an old feeling- that's why I thought Ancient Bronze was clever and way beyond fitting for my pieces.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

Worn Out.

Dude I am tired.

I am SO tired.


This semester was supposed to be boring and full of nothing. But lo and behold! I've been so busy that I can't even sleep in my own bed. (No but I really need to not sleep on the couch anymore.)

I'm just exhausted from art. I'm exhausted from constantly trying to prove myself in a department that doesn't want me. I know I'm not a typical artist. I KNOW. I KNOW I'm not a metalsmith. I GET IT.

I'm a goddamn costume designer. For theatre.

You think I don't know that metalsmithing takes time? I'm fully aware. I'm not prepared for the time commitments? No, I am and I'll get the shit done. I just have other obligations to do so I can actually graduate. You know, no big deal or anything. Being a double major in two fine arts departments is rough and I'm so ready for the nightmare to be over.

(Intro to NY Art Scene Class Day 2)

                            

These posts (above) were all cast in metal and soldered onto repurposed train tracks- on display on the HighLine in Chelsea, NY.



The silver shoes are cast "slices" completely out of silver and are worth over $10,000- on display at the Brooklyn Museum in the "Killer High Heels" exhibit.

Not metal, but it's "The Dinner Party"! By Judy Chicago, on display at the Brooklyn Museum.

This cat in the "Divine Cats" exhibit in the Egyptian wing has earrings made in gold.
'Nuf said.

(Intro to NY Art Scene Class day 1)

Here's a few of my favorite metal sculptures and pieces from the Metropolitan Museum!










These guys are weird but I love the patinas!

 


        Fabriche Eggs

            Degas'
      "Ballet Dancer"

 This is actually the piece I did the project on for the class (Intro to NY Art Scene) which is a brooch in the
"Death Becomes Her" exhibit at the MET. It's a look into a century of mourning clothing and jewelry.

Here is a brooch donated from Tiffany's and it's 24k pure gold with freshwater pearls and black enameling surrounding a plaided knot of a deceased woman hair. The hair belongs to Cordelia Ray Hamilton who was related to Alexander Hamilton.

Below is another example of mourning jewelry (memento mori) that incorporates diamond cut jet surrounding diamonds and another knot of deceased person hair.

(Intro to NY Art Scene- Aimless Wandering)

Timesquare is something you have to see for yourself. I can't describe to you how incredible it is, especially at night.

I did meet this guy a couple of times. He was a "Metal Sculpture Come To Life" and would scare the bejeebus out of kids who looked at him for too long. Also, put a coin in cup and he'll show you tricks.

(I thought it was relevant because he was "metal" hahahaha)

(Intro to NY Art Scene-Travel to the City!)

Architecture is so interesting.

I love buildings and massive statues and coffee.

I also love trains.

Trains take a VERY long time to get anywhere which is how I love to travel.
Everything is much too instant and trains make you slow down.

DC is probably the prettiest city I've seen yet. There's a statue and garden on every corner on every street and I swear every angle could be a postcard. I wish there was time on trains to stop and take pictures because it's very difficult to get a good picture.

Updates to come!

Southern Fried Tartuffe opens this week!

I didn't do much for the department's production of Tartuffe since I worked on the previous show, but I did help considerably repairing jewelry and clasps on costumes and on umbrellas that we being used to beat actors in the show.

The show itself was set in the 1920's in Louisiana, far from it's 1800's French origin.

In this picture actually, I fixed the bracelet and earrings wore by this actress Kerstin VanHuss. I also fashioned her belt buckle on the belt of her dress, and had to repair that particular umbrella 4 or 5 different times in the 2 week long show run.

 

"This classic French comedy by the renown, 17th century playwright, Moliere, is a tale of how true piety (with the assistance from some impish schemes) wins out over false hypocrisy.  Indeed the title character's name has become synonymous with hypocritical behavior.
The seemingly pious Tartuffe attempts to seduce and steal the riches of Orgon, a naive husband and father.  Fortunately, Orgon's family is not blind to Tartuffe's true nature and they plot to trap and expose Tartuffe for the villain that he is.
Professor Joel Williams, whose last comic undertaking was the department’s production of Noises Off, will direct the show.  Professor Williams has decided to set the play in Louisiana in the 1930's when the state, with its French-influenced culture, was governed by Huey Long.  This able politician was nicknamed the King Fisher and his political fortunes were aided by the support of Father Charles Coughlin, a Catholic priest with a popular radio program.  Professor Williams sees interesting parallels between these two American figures and the relationship between King Louis XIV and the Archbishop of Paris, governing during the original production of the play, as well as parallels to the present day tensions between politics and religion.
While the shows themes deal with significant matters, the manner in which they are explored are witty and at times biting, not unlike the approach of popular programs like the Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
The show is almost certain to make audiences laugh out loud but also to quietly question their own ideas about religious piety and hypocrisy.
Tickets are availabe from the Theatre and Dance Box Office 828 262-3063 or may be purchased online." 

-http://theatre.appstate.edu/events/tartuffe-0

Dates and Times

Date and Time	Admission	Location
Wed, 11/05/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Thu, 11/06/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Fri, 11/07/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Sat, 11/08/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Sun, 11/09/2014 - 2:00pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Wed, 11/12/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Thu, 11/13/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Fri, 11/14/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Sat, 11/15/2014 - 7:30pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre
Sun, 11/16/2014 - 2:00pm	Students $5.00 Adults $10.00	I. G. Greer Studio Theatre

Lost Wax Carving is super fun!

You know I think I'm beginning to enjoy this process. Carving wax is almost therapeutic, regardless of being near a flame and almost setting my entire head of hair on fire (thanks Brandon for saving me). But here's the ring centerpiece on the left which will shift into a necklace pendant. The piece on the right is one of two that will flank the ring on the left as two separate rings that connect onto it.

Let the carving begin....

Using files, wax pens (electrified tips that are AA battery powered), dental tools which when the sharp tip is heated on an alcohol lamp flame can be used to melt the wax away and carve more easily. Other elements that we're utilizing include a ring wax sizing mandrel with a blade along the edge of it.

Two Sets of Twins.

It sounds like the Star Wars prophecy.

Even though it's actually my Metals project, I'm pretty jazzed about it. We have to make two sets of cast objects that fit together. I think for this project, I'd like to continue my Elvish/celtic/scandanavian kick and look into Irish jewelry. I think mainly my heart's yearing to be back in Ireland, which is why I'm always so drawn to it's imagery and most recently the jewelry that's carried through a plague and a multitude of different styles.

Lost Wax Casting Research Images

 I'm really interested in celtic knot work and the intricacy of each design.

 I also like the repeating shapes and symmetrical element to the knotwork as well.

 Also the general theme that many parts come together in order to make a singular piece, intrigues me.

 I like how a piece of jewelry can either have extensive filigree knotwork or........

 ...just be gently woven together.

....Or loosely woven, and yet still retain it's shape.

HAPPY HALLLOOOOOWWWWWEENNNN!!!

I'm a makeup artist in the theatre department and this is my Christmas.

My friend Cory, a bartender at Macado's asked if I could do his makeup and I happily obliged! He's Noah from "The Notebook" as a zombie. Such a happy cute zombie if you ask me!

Cutlery Critique Afterthoughts

All in all, I like what I did. I know I rushed the knife piece but learning the forging techniques was interesting. I can tell right now that forging isn't necessarily for me. I don't like not being able to fully control where the metal goes when I'm beating on it. I also didn't completely like having Hammer Elbow for like a month.
In regards to the project though, I liked where I was going with the project and I think that if I had another month to work on it, it would've turned out even better. I probably would've tried a few things differently and went about my steps at a different angle.

Cutlery Critique!

Lessons Learned.

When shit falls apart, fix it.

If something breaks, don't cry- just do something about it.

BE FLEXIBLE.

Change your concept if something doesn't work.

The head of my spoon broke off.
The tines of my fork weren't spreading.
The stem of my fork got longer and longer.
The knife I worked on wasn't the same style.

While in the process of forging I've learned a lot. And I'm pretty happy with how my concept has morphed into something very cool.

SpoonersSpoonSpoonsSpooning

After annealing the head of the spoon and attaching the bowl to the stem, I etched and cut into the bowl, taking inspiration from a few of the research images I had pulled.

 Then I planished the bowl and continued shaping the stem.

Beginning the Forging process...

URINETOWNNNNNN!

Well the musical life is taking over everything. But I'm quite excited! Just wanted to include a life update!