Measure twice, cut once: Sandra McCaw

Some of the earliest polymer work done in the United States was related to the technique of caning, or constructing a pattern that remains intact through the length of a cylinder.  Many polymer artists began with cane work.  While some moved on, others became extremely skilled at creating and combining patterns. Sandra McCaw is one of the experts.  

Precision caning is one of her distinctive stylistic traits.   The density and color of her elegant compositions recall the visual effects of Turkish tiles.   McCaw arranges variations of her complex cane designs into pastiches of pattern that undulate with interior movement.  These component areas are often defined by contrasting metallic borders.

Subtle color gradations from dark to light and back again add dimension.  McCaw then translates all this visual activity into a highly refined and elegant piece of jewelry.  Simple geometric form and a sense of harmonious balance allows the eye to absorb the whole with ease and focus on the details.