Sunday, June 15, 2014

We're All Ears :: June Reveal



Guggenheim Steampunk

For this month's inspiration, Erin's photo of the Guggenheim sky light suggests so many interesting shapes and angles: triangles, arcs, circles, squares, ovals, and nautilus-shaped spirals in neutral colors. 



I was drawn to the shapes in the sky lights. The gear shape in the very center sent me sprinting for my drawer of steampunk gears and cogs. Because of the concentric circles nested inside the gear-shaped window, I knew I needed a nesting feature. 


Next, I was drawn to the arched triangles. After cutting some triangles from sheet metal and rounding off the corners with my file, I searched for something to use to texture the metal. In keeping with the window theme, an old piece of window screen seemed appropriate. 


One of the things I love about these monthly challenges is that I always learn something new from each of them. I remember loving the bead-embellished earwires in Kiersten Giles work, which she credited to Melissa Meman. Now was my chance to try some of those for myself. Fun! (Thanks, Kirsten and Melissa.) Finally, I attached the gears with some wire wrapping. 



But wait . . . the Guggenheim is all about spirals. One more pair of earrings evolved to focus on spirals. I made some spiral dangles from 18 gague copper wire, used my spiral stamp to embellish some antiqued copper washers, and dug through my metal beads for spiral shapes.






(Sorry about the overabundance of earring photos. I've been experimenting with different lighting strategies - in natural light on a window sill and using my light box. Can't decide which ones I like best. Your thoughts?)

Well, the earrings seemed lonely. The old chandelier crystals seemed to mimic the glass in the sky lights. Now there is a complete Guggenheim Steampunk set. 





Thank you, Erin, for the creative inspiration! Now I'm off to check out all of the other blogs. I just love the artistry and positive feedback in this group. I truly appreciate each encoraging comment shared and each cool new idea I learn from all of you. Thank you!

15 comments:

  1. Both pairs are so fun! Love the texture on the first one. The second pair is so playful. Wonderful job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I had fun playing with tools on this one!

      Delete
  2. I love the steampunk influences - the grid mesh texture is really astounding. But If I have to chose a favourite I would chose the bracelet. I am not a bracelet person but this one really calls out to me. Reg photography I like the last picture the best. If I might offer some tips, avoid cropping tiny bits of photos (last one with the shoulder cropped out) it makes them imbalanced. A Little play with levels or curves on your photo editing software will make them brighter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your feedback on both the jewelry and the photos. Getting good photos is always my biggest challenge in each of these reveals, so your tips are most welcome. Thank you!

      Delete
    2. I lightened the last photo and took off the frame to avoid cutting off the shoulder. This seems more balanced. Better? I'm not exactly sure how to do anything else, especially curves, with this photo editing app (Snapseed).

      Delete
  3. Fabulous designs!!!. Love the industrial steam-punk fee to all of your pieces for this months challenge! I'm in awe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Terri! I haven't done much steampunk lately, so I did enjoy tinkering around with this challenge.

      Delete
  4. This is just all sorts of awesome! I never thought of steampunk, but that makes perfect sense! You really captured the angles in that skylight with your wire work and your hammer. Window screen...brilliant! Thank you for joining in the We're All Ears June challenge. Enjoy the day! Erin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Erin. These inspiration photos are perfect, and I am so thankful to you for initiating these challenges. I always look forward to each new photo and reveal day. There is always something new to learn in the process of creating and in viewing the work of other artists. Can't wait for the next one!

      Delete
  5. It's so interesting how differently minds translate images. While I, too, was drawn to the skylight and saw dream catchers, I love how you saw gears. Both of these are fun sets!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Calisa. It truly is amazing how our different interpretations result in such diverse jewelry. I love the reveal day. It is such a great learning experience to see how other artists accomplish their vision.

      Delete
  6. Gorgeous, I love the steampunk inspiration, and the work on metal is absolutely fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Karin. It was interesting to play with this one. I do love messing around with metal. A few good whacks with a hammer can be so therapeutic. :)

      Delete
  7. Wow! You were busy! I love both pairs and how you focused on different elements. Love that you went in a steampunky direction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sarajo. Steampunk has always interested me, though I have veered away into other things lately. Good to get back to it. I enjoyed every minute of this one!

      Delete