New Necklaces on Etsy

Design Number 10

Big news!  22 of my new ceramic “Myco Necklaces” are officially uploaded and for sale in my Etsy shop. 

They are one of a kind drawings inspired by microscopic views of mushrooms, slime molds and lichen.   Each tile is lovingly formed, sanded, fired, and glazed to be confortable on the neck.  They are strung on a black silken cord and secured with a hand-made sterling silver wire clasp.  Check them out and let me know what you think. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PamelaHeyda

Design Number 20

Design Number 18

Acrylic Work

Last month I completed a slime mold/fungi-inspired abstract work using acrylic paint and glitter.  Though I was pleased with the result I was frustrated with the paint.  I used molding paste by Golden to make the shapes more three-dimensional.  The problem was applying the paste with a brush.  I really struggled to form the shapes smoothly. 

I consulted a friend who is an acrylic master, who suggested cake decorating bags and tips.  Why didn’t I think of that?  After a trip to Michael’s Art Supplies I’m armed with my tools.  I’m a little nervous about trying them.  I guess I’m just afraid of failure.  Check back with my blog for updates.  I think I’m going to have a lot of fun!

Below are images of stage one and two of a painting I’m working on.  It’s an abstraction of a type of lichen.  In the first photo you’ll see the molding paste (under-painting), and in the second photo the painting I did over it.  I’m not happy at all because the paste is so lumpy and uneven.  I plan to use my new pastry decorating tools on this painting first.  Can I fix it?  We’ll see.

Stage 1 (Molding Paste Under-Painting)

Stage 2

Going Abstract

When inspiration strikes, it’s time to act.  I find that if I wait (out of fear or convenience) the window of opportunity closes and I often don’t come back to the idea.

So you are probably wondering what is going on with the painting above.  Over a year ago I was inspired by the encaustic work of an artist friend.  The paintings were mostly abstract and incorporated glitter.  Ahhh glitter!  I knew I needed to do something with glitter.  I bought the Martha Stewart glitter collection but never used it.  I felt blocked.  I couldn’t just jump into a painting without some sort of idea.

Now, after all this time, the moment has arrived.  After all the tiny myco drawings for jewelry pendants, inspiration struck.  I was lying in bed thinking about the fun, intriguing and beautiful world of slime molds and lichen when I had the idea; I can paint this subject.  And, these paintings would be the prefect place for a little glitter, maybe even tiny beads. 

So, this morning before making breakfast or tea (I’ll eat when I finish writing this blog) I got to work.  Oil paint is not great for any sort of collage; the oils break down materials imbedded in it.  So I got out the acrylics.  It has been a long time since I used them!  I put down a thin underglaze, sketched out my design, and started painting with modeling paste.  I am going all out, exploring the opposite of what I’ve been doing with paint for the past couple years.  I need to wait for things to dry before I do more.  The wonderful thing about acrylic is that my wait won’t be long.  What you see above will look very different when it is finished.  If I like it, I’ll do more!

Does this mean my style is changing?  Who knows?  Maybe this painting will help bring new life my candy/shell/sea glass work.  Maybe I’ll make more jewelry.  Maybe everything that I have ever wanted to express will gel and I’ll be at the top of my game.  Or, perhaps it will just be a fun exercise in self- expression.  Am I worried about any of this?  Not a chance. I'm just enjoying the flow of creativity.  A beautiful gift on a sunny, warm winter day.

Myco Drawing

Clay Pendants in Progress

I’ve been working with ceramics lately, learning what I can on my own.  I want to create something new for my Etsy site that is inspiring, and unique.  So I formed a handful of clay shapes and bisque fired them.  Over the past few days I’ve been drawing on these forms with a ceramic under-glaze pencil.  Much of my inspiration comes from nature.  These drawings are of microscopic slime molds, lichen, and fungi.  I love the forms, beautiful, abstract, and 100% non-fiction!  I’m very happy with how they look.  My next step is to coat them with a clear glaze and fire them again.  If they look good I might make more, next time focusing on ocean fauna and flora.  Stayed tuned!

Lichen

Slime Mold

Slime Mold