Organic & Geometric

Here's a great example of the same basic element, clock hands used to creat to very different feeling pieces. The upper piece is the organic , nest like use of the hands. Everything going every which way! The bottom piece is a geometric shape created by turning the hands inward and setting up the strong readable edge that forms the elongated pear shape. It is not what you use to make your pieces it's how you use them and having a strong idea of what you wish to express.

Tonya found this set of stacking rings online. You never know what subjects will find it's way into contemporary jewelry. I like the detail and care in each piece and how they relate. No trouble telling which is the dominate feature. See you Monday.

This pin/pendant is a great example of shape, texture and the use of a natural stone detail. Look at the overall shape....the slightly larger bottom gives it visual stability. The slight asymmetry of the fame adds some force to the top and keeps the piece from being boring. The open spaces help lighten the piece visually and seperate the different elements. the texture of the brass could represent water, it also helps us appreciate the smooth high polish finish of the tree-like element.

Notice the line of texture along the bottom this gives more emphasis and weight to the ground and keeps the textured brass from standing alone. The high polish of the "tree/plant" element helps it stand out both for it's shape and it's surface. The artist has included the raw stone as an accent and to balance all the "designed" elements of the piece. I feel they really achieved a very successful piece of expressive jewelry. They included the elements of a Zen garden; earth ( the stone ), water, growth and sky. It is simple, expressive,three dimensional and personal. What more could we ask for in our jewelry.

More Stacks

Here is the last image I have, the one I mentioned that used different colored golds. The stacking rings are a good idea for summer jewelry as more air can circulate around the finger. To let the rings fall together if you are adding stones keep the settings on top of the bands so the other shanks can fit behind, unless you want the open spaces you could achieve by allowing the settings to work as spacers. Check out how these artists used both techniques.

Stacking Rings

STACKINGRINGS

This semester I would like you to create a set of stacking rings. This group can be as simple or complicated as you wish depending on your other self directed study. I hope you will use this time before class begins to think about the assignment and maybe get some materials ordered or a wax started.

You can use any combination of techniques and I would love to show you how to tube set faceted stones which you COULD include in this group. I will have some stones for you to choose from. The rings should be able to stand in their own and work in different combinations. The simplicity of Stacey Lanes "Rabbit in a Thicket' group has paired everything down to essentials. Barbara Heinrick on the other hand is exuberant in her use of stones, color and textures. Steve Dixon's work is very architectual using positive and negative cuts and geometric forms in combination with stones. Dana Melnick is just changing colors of the metal.

Let me know your thoughts and ideas.

Laurie