Two out of three is AMAZING!

The results of the 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards have just been published online, for those of us who were unable to attend the Synergy4 Conference, in Philadelphia (USA), where they were announced at the Gala Dinner. The theme of the competition this year was 'To Boldly Go'.

I was thrilled to receive the Juror's Award for two of my three entries: 'Candle Holder' in the Functional Containers category and 'Beyond the Universe' in the Wearable Jewelry category. Details of both are shown below.

Candle Holder

Category: Functional containers

Size: Measures 4³/₄ inches (12 cm) in diameter x 3¹/₂ inches (9 cm) high

Materials: Polymer clay over glass candle holder

This candle holder interprets the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ in terms of adventurous exploration. The simple figure is bold, climbing up the side of the container, not knowing what may be inside. As he peaks over the rim, there is a sense of danger, as he sees the flickering flame of the tea light candle within. Polymer retro canes cover the glass candle holder in a thin veneer, so the light within can shine through, where translucent colours have been used in the canes. The figure has been sculpted from white polymer and kept very simple so as not to detract from the pattern on the vessel.

Beyond the Universe

Category: Wearable jewelry 

Size: Central disc measures 2¹/₄ inches (5.5 cm) in diameter

Materials: Polymer clay and Buna cord

This necklace interprets the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ in terms of space exploration. In Star Trek, the mission of the starship Enterprise was “to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before”. The dark navy blue round part of this necklace represents the universe. The round cane slices (bulls eye canes with a gold centre grading to pearl wrapped in a thin layer of dark navy blue) represent stars. The cut out hole is like a gateway to somewhere beyond, maybe another universe (?), through which the other end of the necklace passes. This end of the necklace, shaped like a tapered cone (made from the same gold/pearl Skinner Blend mix), is intended to represent a rocket/spaceship boldly going forward exploring the unknown.

A nice surprise

SOLD

Called into the Estuary Art Centre today, to pick up my membership card, and had a nice surprise. My first Swirl-StoNZ necklace and earrings (to be shown in public) had been sold. It was one of my three entries in the Annual Members Awards exhibition.

A sneak peak at my first Swirl-StoNZ necklace and earrings

Swirl-StoNZ (necklace & earrings set)
polymer clay, rubber, sterling silver

This is the first time I have publicly shown a necklace and earrings made with my polymer Swirl-StoNZ.

Project Swirl-StoNZ is something I am currently working on and hope to launch at the Mission Bay Art & Craft Market on Labour Day this year (Monday 23 October 2017).

'Contemplation' - Video

'Contemplation'

Contemplation
approx. 15cm (6 inches) in diametre
polymer clay mosaic

I started creating this piece while thinking about the next large mosaic picture I was going to do. I had no plan, just tiles made in the colours I wanted to use, which I placed as I pleased. It was a bit like doing a 3D jigsaw puzzle with no picture, just fitting the pieces together as I went along, but quite relaxing. While I was doing this, I kept trying to think of a title for the finished piece, and came to the conclusion it should reflect my state of being when I made it. This also seems appropriate as there are different meanings to the word ‘contemplation’, which reflects the fact that this sphere has different levels of complexity in its design. Most simply it is covered with round mosaic tiles; these tiles vary in size; several colours have been used in the design and there are various shades of each colour; the random placement of all these elements creates a complex organic pattern, which I hope both mesmerizes and soothes the viewer.

'Poppy'

Poppy
30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inches)
polymer clay mosaic

This mosaic was one of my entries in the 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards, the results are yet to be announced, on 16 August 2017 (USA time). This year, the competition had the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ and I have interpreted it in terms of war. In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, artificial poppies are worn on Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day, to commemorate those who bravely died in war. Poppies bloomed in between trench lines and ‘No Man’s Land’ on the Western Front, due to the extreme ground disturbance in warfare during World War 1. This is because the poppy is a coloniser, an annual plant that boldly goes forward, spreading itself by growing on disturbed ground.

Opening night of the Estuary Arts Annual Members Awards - exhibition

A general shot on the opening night

My three entries: Poppy (picture), Swirl-StoNZ (necklace & earrings set)
and Contemplation (sculpture)

See the following posts for more details on each of my entries.

2017 Estuary Arts Annual Members Awards

PLEASE NOTE: The opening evening and presentation of awards is now on 3 August 2017, 5.30-7.30pm

My entries for the 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards

Voting has now ended for this competition, which had the theme ‘To Boldly Go’, so I can now reveal my three entries. Just got to wait, with interest, for the winners to be announced on 16 August (likely to be 17 August NZ time).

Entry 1 - Poppy 

Category: Non-functional sculpture & hanging art

Size: 12 x 12 inches (30 x 30 cm)

Materials: Polymer clay mosaic on MDF board with acrylic paste for grout

This mosaic picture of a poppy interprets the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ in terms of war. In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, artificial poppies are worn on Remembrance Day or ANZAC Day, to commemorate those who bravely died in war. Poppies bloomed in between trench lines and ‘No Man’s Land’ on the Western Front, due to the extreme ground disturbance in warfare during World War 1. This is because the poppy is a coloniser, an annual plant that boldly goes forward, spreading itself by growing on disturbed ground.

Entry 2 - Candle Holder

Category: Functional containers

Size: Measures 4³/₄ inches (12 cm) in diameter x 3¹/₂ inches (9 cm) high

Materials: Polymer clay over glass candle holder

This candle holder interprets the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ in terms of adventurous exploration. The simple figure is bold, climbing up the side of the container, not knowing what may be inside. As he peaks over the rim, there is a sense of danger, as he sees the flickering flame of the tea light candle within. Polymer retro canes cover the glass candle holder in a thin veneer, so the light within can shine through, where translucent colours have been used in the canes. The figure has been sculpted from white polymer and kept very simple so as not to detract from the pattern on the vessel.

Entry 3 - Beyond the Universe

Category: Wearable jewelry 

Size: Central disc measures 2¹/₄ inches (5.5 cm) in diameter

Materials: Polymer clay and Buna cord

This necklace interprets the theme ‘To Boldly Go’ in terms of space exploration. In Star Trek, the mission of the starship Enterprise was “to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before”. The dark navy blue round part of this necklace represents the universe. The round cane slices (bulls eye canes with a gold centre grading to pearl wrapped in a thin layer of dark navy blue) represent stars. The cut out hole is like a gateway to somewhere beyond, maybe another universe (?), through which the other end of the necklace passes. This end of the necklace, shaped like a tapered cone (made from the same gold/pearl Skinner Blend mix), is intended to represent a rocket/spaceship boldly going forward exploring the unknown.

I am currently working on ...

It will be a good six months until the Labour Day Art & Craft Market at Mission Bay (Monday 23 October 2017), where I plan to launch my latest project that I am working on.

Swirl-StoNZ by Claire - hand sculpted ‘stones’ for all occasions

This is part of the display info that I am working on:

What are they for?

Great as a souvenir from New Zealand (I remember when I was a child taking pebbles home from the beach as a souvenir of my holiday) or as a gift; they can be made into jewellery, key-rings, charms and decorative accessories. They can be used to give a message or as a memento of a special occasion. My StoNZ also feel nice to hold in your hand, just as they are, and make great ‘calming stones’ for both adults and children

How do I make Swirl-StoNZ?

By rolling selected colours of polymer modelling clay into a ball and rotating it up to 100 times using the polymer clay lentil (or century) bead technique. I often add some extra detail, with slices from specially made canes, or write words into the pattern before they are baked to harden and preserve the design. Each one is unique.

I call the resulting lentils ‘StoNZ’, as they are created here in New Zealand. The swirl pattern is reminiscent of the Maori ‘koru’ symbol, which represents new beginnings, growth and harmony (see below for more info). As all StoNZ are created by myself, I can make them in your choice of colours or personalise them to commemorate special occasions – please ask.

The koru symbol – widely used in Maori art, carvings and tattoos, has also come to represent New Zealand (Aotearoa). Derived from an unfurling silver fern frond, the koru represents new beginnings, growth and harmony. New Beginnings both literally, in terms of new life and growth, and also a new start or new phase of life involving personal growth. To be in harmony with life is to understand, grow and change.