Whittling wings and other things…
I am writing this post retrospectively in mid January 2020...having not got around to it until now! I am hoping this blog page will act as a more in-depth ‘chronology’ of my development as an artist. On the surface it may seem like an amalgamation of Instagram and Facebook posts…but, unlike social media, this way I can reflect on my development in coherent ‘chapters’, rather than as fragmented snapshots. Don’t get me wrong, Instragam is BRILLIANT for connecting with customers and fellow makers, but, being the quiet reflective type, this blog feels like the right platform for including a little more about me and my process…. so if you’re joining me from one of my social media pages, welcome! Think of this page as like a library or archive: I hope you enjoy the peace and quiet, and please excuse the lack of emojis!
So this post is really a catch up post before I move on to my current projects for 2020. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, back in the Autumn I received a development grant (DYCP) from Arts Council England to develop my making. Well 2020 is the harbinger of exciting new plans on that score: I’m going to be working BIGGER again, liberating myself from the world of miniature and returning to my roots as a puppet maker and sculptor. I LOVE whittling my little creations, but working on such a small scale comes with it’s frustrations, and I figured it was time to acquire some new ones! (Frustrations are an inevitable part of life as an artist: the trick is learning how to make them your friends).
HOWEVER, before setting it to one side for a while, I decided to have one more PUSH at developing my costume jewellery range. I wanted to develop my aesthetic a little further. For one thing, I’ve never been entirely happy with the way I ‘string’ my pieces (using waxed cotton cord and brass wire). Given more time, I’d always hoped to find a solution that was more tactile, more eye catching, and more substantial when held or worn. I also wanted to give more attention to the facial anatomy of my subjects, birds in particular. So, back in October (just after moving into my new workshop) I set myself a target: five new necklaces in a new style by Xmas. (One of the five pieces was also a special commission).
Having a mini-deadline really helped me to focus my craft process and, as a bi-product, I became super speedy at whittling bird wings! (I’m thinking a new range of bird wing charms might be in the pipeline for later in 2020…watch this space). However, I also achieved my aim. Firstly, I spent some time studying bird facial features, enlarging the heads slightly and whittling them as separate pieces, which helped me to focus in on the details I’d been missing. Secondly, following a bit of experimentation, I hit upon a winning combination of wooden, brass and glass beads to complete the ‘new look’ necklaces. The wooden beads started out as untreated wood, which I then coloured and oiled to match each piece. This, combined with the glossier textures of the glass and metal beads, made for a more eye-catching result. These might seem like small steps, but, when working in miniature, small adjustments to a process can make a HUGE difference to the end result. I’m glad I took the time to make them!
The new range of ‘new look’ necklaces can be found for sale on my shop page. I should also mention that, following a photoshoot back in September, I have now decked out the rest of my products with new modelling photos! (see a small selection in the gallery below). The new pieces will need modelling too…. in due course!
