Elise Winters on Aug 03 2011 | Filed under: Adaptive Works, Techniques
City Zen Cane, (aka Ford/Forlano) Two Tube Cane Vessels, circa 1991
At first glance one might think the inspiration for imagery on these vases came from an encounter with the plumber rather than from Mexican blankets. Continue Reading »
Rachel Carren on Jul 29 2011 | Filed under: Adaptive Works, Techniques
Michael Mode, “Ode to Maracanda 1996,” turned vessel, 6″ Diameter
Honduras Rosewood, Box Elder, Ebony
Polymer artists, Steven Ford and David Forlano have continually considered the “what if?” factor of polymer. From early on they looked at how other craft techniques might be adapted to polymer. In particular, Steven’s interest in exploring these possibilities created a viable back and forth of ideas. His outreach to other craft artists, helped to educated them about the versatility of the medium.
While teaching at the Arrowmont School in 1995, Steven Ford found that polymer could be turned on a lathe. Continue Reading »
Elise Winters on Jul 26 2011 | Filed under: Adaptive Works, Artist's Commentary
City Zen Cane (aka Ford/Forlano), shibori collage
polymer sample, circa 1995
The term “adaptive thinking” came up frequently in my recent discussions with Steven Ford and David Forlano about their sources for inspiration. Each artist had stories to tell about traveling; of seeing an example of traditional native or contemporary craft and of wondering how that technique might be reinterpreted in polymer. Continue Reading »
Rachel Carren on Feb 24 2011 | Filed under: Publications
Long before Facebook, early polymer practitioners created their own artistic networks and community. Knowledge about polymer expanded in a way that is similar to today’s social networks, in that artists discovered it, explored its possibilities and then shared the information with others. While the internet ultimately played a significant role in the advancement of polymer, the initial explosion of information was through word of mouth and then through the printed page. Beyond the community of users that began to develop during the 1980’s, a few outsiders began to take notice. The editors of the magazine, Ornament, Robert Liu and Carolyn Benesh have followed the rise of polymer and provided the new medium some of its earliest artistic publicity. Continue Reading »
Elise Winters on Feb 17 2011 | Filed under: Uncategorized
Kathleen Amt. Heart/Butterfly Pin, 1997
Polymer, closed dimensions, 3.75″ x 1.5″ x .25″
Just today I received this belated valentine from Kathleen Amt. For those unfamiliar with her work, Kathleen was an early pioneer in the field. Around 1999 she decided to return to her first love, art books and ephemera. Here’s what Kathleen’s valentine message said: Continue Reading »
Elise Winters on Feb 08 2011 | Filed under: Publications
My preview copies of Rachel Carren’s new book Masters:Polymer Clay just landed on my door step and I am speechless with joy! Finally a volume that is worthy of the masters whose work it represents. Finally a book that can stand proudly on the shelves in museum bookstores affirming polymer’s place in the world of fine craft. No how-to instructions here. This is a meticulously curated collection of some of the finest work that’s been done by polymer artists to date. Altogether the book profiles the careers of 42 polymer artists, both past and present; some you may know well, and some may be new to you. Each artist is represented with up to 12 large gorgeous images. Now to read the text…
Elise Winters on Jan 21 2011 | Filed under: Artist's Commentary, Polymer Collection Project
Melanie West, Bamboo BoaBangle, 2008 (left)
Peter Chang, Brooch, 1991 (right)
both in the collection of the Racine Art Museum
Just about a year ago, Bruce W. Pepich, Executive Director and Curator of Collections at the Racine Art Museum, spoke to the attendees of the International Polymer Clay Association conference. In this presentation he illustrated how the new RAM polymer collection would be integrated with it’s permanent collection of craft. Placing images side by side, as shown above, he drew inspiring comparisons and relationships. Plans for the inaugural exhibition, to be called Terra Nova, are well under way.
Here’s what Melanie West shared with me after that presentation last year: Continue Reading »
Elise Winters on Jan 14 2011 | Filed under: Exhibitons and Shows
Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Serendipity, 2011
19”w x 13”h x 11”d
polymer clay, steel wire (reclaimed coat hangers)
plastic coated copper wire
Jeff’s work is currently on view as one of 3 artists in “New X 3″, an exhibit running from Jan 6 - Mar 26, 2011 at Blue Spiral 1 Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina. The show features works by artists new to Blue Spiral, one of America’s premier craft galleries.
Jeff describes ‘Serendipity’ Continue Reading »
Elise Winters on Jan 02 2011 | Filed under: Publications
Linda Pedersen, Chocolate Bracelet, c. 1996
3” diameter x 1” h
Racine Art Museum, gift of Elise Winters
part of the historic archive for the polymer collection
Among the earliest applications for polymer in both Europe and America was by miniaturists who created tiny accessories to decorate doll houses. Continue Reading »
Elise Winters on Dec 24 2010 | Filed under: Publications
Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Blossoming Radii, 2006
polymer, steel and copper
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist
photo: Penina Meisels
Today’s front page of ArtDaily.org features an announcement about the Racine Art Museum’s collection and its upcoming exhibition, Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads and the companion book. This prominent placement, along with photos, represents an unprecedented level of international media coverage in the art world for both polymer and RAM. Art professionals and art lovers alike look to Art Daily, the first electronic newspaper about the arts, for the latest information on the global art scene. For us, the placement of this coverage with photos, represents an important third party validation and acknowledgment of our project.