pixels, light and hot wax

I am continually fascinated by translucency, transparency and light, which is probably why I spend most of my art time with photography and encaustic. I have also been interested in the possibilities of resin for a long time, but have not yet started actually working with it; this book I think will be a springboard into actually setting some of my resin ideas into motion.

First impression: this is a very attractive book; the photography is compelling, and there is a lot of vivid color. It has three sections: Basic Techniques & Equipment, an Inspiration gallery, and Projects

Adelson begins with a comprehensive overview of the types of plastics and resins used in jewelry-making, plus an overview of equipment and tools that may seem redundant to the experienced jewelry maker but which I found quite useful. The inspiration gallery is interspersed throughout the book, and was worth slowing down and really savoring the images and the possibilities they hinted at. The assembled examples of fine art jewelry (and some small sculptures) are stunning, modern and highly varied. She definitely curated this section with a preference toward work of a highly finished, “fine art” sensibility, which I really appreciated. Definitely there was nothing in the gallery that would merit the “that’s just PLASTIC” dismissive sniff.

The projects are, by necessity, simpler, but lay out a clear path towards more complex pieces once the techniques presented are mastered. I also appreciated that while the inspirations where very high-end and fine art, the projects walk a very comfortable line between the (spurious, in my view, but every present) “art” and “craft” camps. While the projects are not illustrated in an absolute step-by-step manner, they seemed thoroughly presented and reasonably easy to follow.

Over the course of the 22 projects, she also shows several different takes on many techniques; two different kinds of bracelets using two different approaches to mold-making, for example. Also, a wide range of different mixing of media appear, including quite a few upcycling/recycling approaches, and effects from elegant faux cloisonne to funky mod rings. The emphasis is definitely on transformational techniques, that utilize the properties of resin/plastic to create something that doesn’t necessarily look like plastic.

My only quibble with the projects is that the 2 projects concerning including images feel very “phoned in” — it’s a clear explanation of the techniques, but the projects are very simple and not nearly as intriguing as the other projects.

I definitely feel more excited about the possibilities for my own work in resin than I did after reading Sheri Haab’s “Art of Resin Jewelry”, although I liked that book a great deal, but I think the example pieces Adelson used were more effective in firing my imagination. (I plan to review the Haab book as well as soon as I unearth my copy.)

I especially recommend this book for anyone interested in working with plexi and other non-resins in jewelry, which I have not seen another jewelry book cover.

This book is possibly out of print (originally published in 2008) but is readily available used.

FCC notes: I was not given a review copy of this book.

Candice Simone, who was a great model to work with — charming and professional.

And my irrepressible friend Kate.

In between making this photograph and editing it, baby Chase went from ride-along to air breathing baby!

Just like tumblr, I can totally get lost in the rabbit hole of looking at pretty pictures on artfire. This collection started from the wall pocket vase and the stunning little blue bowl, and took off from there.

I’m back from Encausticamp, which was awesome, and that should eventually result in a) pictures of my favorite pieces I did there + a camp report and b) a whole lot of new encaustics; it’s been way too long since there has actually been new “hot wax” on this blog!

But before I can dive into all that, I need to resume with the Sofobomo [SOlo PHOto BOok in a MOnth] project I started just before I left; there will be one more shoot (probably this coming weekend, contact me if you are interested, same guidelines as in the original call for models) and here are a few, half-finished image; truthfully, I’m barely through my first edit, but these just leapt out at me:

Miski A.

Laura M.

Janey S.

On Sunday, July 10th I will be having a marathon shooting day of portraits to be used as the basis for this years Sofobomo project.

The portraits will be expressive and dramatically lit, in the vein of these portraits of Gloria and Seanne Marie:

I am seeking models of all races, genders and most ages (over 18, please). You will be required to sign a model release. Models will be compensated with one large print, one full-resolution and 3 web-resolution files, and a license to use the images for personal and self-promotion uses.

Shoot will be happening in a studio in the Eastlake neighborhood. Sessions will be 20-30 minutes. Showing a lot of skin is optional, but clothing should be simple and not grab attention from the face. (I will have some clothing on hand as well.)

Please e-mail jane AT jepphoto.com for details.

(In lieu of actual art content, because I am too busy in wedding album-land to make much right now. I hope these do not all autoplay for you.)

Some Seattle hiphop:

Blue Scholars “Fou Lee” Music Video from Blue Scholars on Vimeo.

Trippy new video for “Can’t Stand the Rain”:

Can’t Stand the Rain Official Music Video from The Rescues on Vimeo.

Everett funk+hiphop from 20 Riverside:

20 Riverside “Sing Your Song” from Cisco McCarthy on Vimeo.

And because I’d be lying if I claimed to be all indie all the time:
Master William himself:

and some more 80s hotness:

And Goldfrapp channelling the 80s to finish it off:

(Because making collections is addictive)

I stumbled across a stunning beadwoven bracelet in a Mondrian-esque motif this morning, and immediately got distracted into seeing what other fabulous modern art inspired work I could find:

I feel like I can’t *quite* claim this as a true publishing credit, but some of the product photography I did of the fabulous jewelry of T.M. Originals (aka Tammy) got to ride along as she was published in the just-released 1000 Steampunk Creations from Quarry Books. To celebrate, and to give people visiting her booth at upcoming arts festivals a little something to remember her by, we put together this portfolio postcard:

Note: the product shots included are a mix of mine, Tammy’s, and her other photographer-friend, Carl.

Leaving the Garden has been featured in this lovely Artfire collection: