A Review of 2017

I made one of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2017 to 'be proud of my creative artwork' and I think I have managed to achieve this.

This year has resulted in some successful dot mosaic pieces but also the confirmation that as much as I love making them, the time involved does not make them viable to sell (apart from reproduced as greetings cards). So I think the dot mosaics will have to remain as a hobby.

I have also been developing my idea for Swirl-StoNZ, as a New Zealand made souvenir/gift in the lower cost bracket, so I can get back into doing some craft markets, which I have missed. After much practicing to master the technique, I had built up some stock and made some display panels ready to launch Swirl-StoNZ by Claire, at the Labour Day Art and Craft Market at Mission Bay, on 23 October 2017.

Disappointingly, this event was cancelled due to the bad weather so, I had to wait until the Christmas Art Markets at the Estuary Art Centre at the beginning of December. This was my first proper event selling and demonstrating how I make the Swirl-StoNZ (apart from selling a necklace and earrings set in an exhibition at the Estuary Art Centre and a few small pendants in their gallery shop).

The Christmas Art Markets turned out to be a big success, helped by a feature in the Hibiscus Matters local newspaper. The newspaper article had a photograph of a bowl of Glow-in-the-dark Swirl-StoNZ, which I had made for the Mission Bay event to attract children to my stall. These were so popular they sold out in the first hour. People came specifically because they had seen them in the newspaper. Consequently, I spent the next week making another batch of Glow-in-the-dark Swirl-StoNZ (discovering in the process that making my own glow-in-the-dark polymer clay was better than the manufacturers), so I could get them into the gallery shop before Christmas, for all those that were disappointed that they had sold out when they came to my stall at the Christmas Art Markets.

For years I have been trying to find something creative I can make that I can turn into a small craft business. I know, from the initial success, that I can build on the Swirl-StoNZ, with several branches on the idea to explore. So, 2018 will definitely be the Year of the Swirl-StoNZ for me.

Another feature in a local newspaper - The Rodney Times 12.12.2017

I was just about to throw out an old copy of the Rodney Times, when I thought I would flick through it. I was totally taken by surprise when I saw a photo of myself, demonstrating how I make my Swirl-StoNZ. It was taken at the Christmas Art Market at the Estuary Art Centre on Sunday 3 December. I had no idea the photo was being taken but it is good to see the crowd of onlookers fascinated by the process.

Here is my 2nd batch of Glow-in-the-dark Swirl-StoNZ

They will be packaged up and go to the Estuary Arts Centre 

in Orewa (NZ) on Tuesday morning (12 December).

2nd batch of Glow-in-the-dark Swirl-StoNZ - even better!

I know a lot of people were disappointed that the glow-in-the-dark Swirl-StoNZ, featured in the local newspaper, were sold out when they came to the recent Christmas Art Markets at the Estuary Art Centre. These glow-in-the-dark (GITD) Swirl-StoNZ were so popular, they sold out within the first hour, mainly bought as 'stocking fillers'.

I have unsuccessfully tried to find some more suitable GITD polymer clay locally, as there is no time to order it from overseas and get more made before Christmas. So, I have been experimenting with making my own.

Thanks to Ginger Davis Allman of www.thebluebottletree.com for her article about DIY glow-in-the-dark polymer clay. Luckily I had a small quantity of the GITD powder, which when mixed with translucent polymer clay makes it glow in the dark. It is actually brighter and longer lasting than the manufacturers versions of GITD polymer clay.

So this weekend, I am making a second batch of GITD Swirl-StoNZ, which will all go to the gallery shop at the Estuary Art Centre on Tuesday morning. I will definitely be ordering some more of this GITD powder, so I can make my own GITD polymer clay for use in the future.

Some publicity in the local newspaper

Look who is on page 26 of Hibiscus Matters (local community newspaper) this week.

Christmas Art Markets coming up

I will be there launching Swirl-StoNZ by Claire (plus a few other things) - refer to my previous post for details.

A big 'swirly' weekend coming up

I was so disappointed last month when the Labour Day Art & Craft Market at Mission Bay was cancelled, due to the weather, as I had been working for months on the launch of ‘Swirl-StoNZ by Claire’ at this event.

However, a little bit of patience has paid off. I now have a three day event coming up, where I can introduce Swirl-StoNZ to the public. My display will be inside (so no weather issues) and I will be able to demonstrate as well as sell.

Come to the Christmas Art Markets at the Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa (north of Auckland) where I will be selling Swirl-StoNZ made into jewellery and other small gifts, as well as for ‘calming stones’. You can also watch me make them.

Dates and times as follows:

Friday 1 December, 4.00-8.30pm - Christmas Art Market to coincide with the opening night of the Cash and Carry Art Sale (I will also have four mosaic pieces in this exhibition).

Saturday 2 December, 11.00-3.30pm* - Swirl-StoNZ table will be manned although the Christmas Art market is not officially open today.

Sunday 3 December, 11.00-3.30pm* - Christmas Art Market

*I will be doing Swirl-StoNZ demos on the hour during Saturday and Sunday.

Launch of Project Swirl-StoNZ - POSTPONED

It is with regret that I have taken the decision not to attend the market tomorrow, due to the weather forecast, as I was relying on cover from being under the trees (as I do not have a gazebo I can put up on my own). I was hoping to launch my latest creative venture: Swirl-StoNZ by Claire, including demonstrating how I make them, but cannot do this if there is any chance of water coming contact with the polymer clay when I am working with it. The weather forecast does not look good, at least a 90% chance of rain!

It is a big disappointment, after all these months of preparation, as I was really looking forward to this event. Now I will have to find another opportunity to launch my Swirl-StoNZ. It is likely to be at the Christmas Market at the Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa on Sunday 3 December (preview on the evening of 1 December) - see the 'EVENTS' tab for more information.

Project Swirl-StoNZ - The Launch

The Launch: Come to the Labour Day Art & Craft Market on the Selwyn Reserve at Mission Bay in Auckland, 10am - 4pm on Monday 23 October 2017, where I will be launching my latest creative venture: Swirl-StoNZ

I will be selling jewellery, charms, key-rings and decorative accessories, all made from my first batch of Swirl-StoNZ. Great souvenirs, as they are made by a local artist; give as a gift or keep as a memento of a special occasion; longer lasting than a greetings card to convey a message. They also feel nice to hold in your hand, just as they are, and make great 'calming stones' for both adults and children. You can also watch me make them.

Enter the FREE PRIZE draw and you could win a Swirl-StoNZ pendant - my stand should be in Row 1, closest to Tamaki Drive, under the trees.

Labour Day Art & Craft Market at Mission Bay - 23 October 2017

Certificates arrived in the post

This was a nice surprise when I got home from work. Feeling very proud.

Another two out of three!

Contemplation - SOLD

Found out today that I have now sold two of my three entries in the Annual Members Awards exhibition at the Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa.

Earlier in the month my first Swirl-StoNZ necklace and earrings set sold at the exhibition and now my sculptural piece, titled 'Contemplation', has sold. Both purchasers have taken the items, so they are no longer in the exhibition, which means I am unlikely to get the People's Choice vote for either of these two entries.

My 'Poppy' mosaic picture is the remaining entry. The exhibition finishes next Sunday, 3 September 2017.

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.

My contribution to 'Into the Forest'

NZ Leaves - my contribution to 'Into the Forest'

I did not think I would have time to participate in this international collaboration project, as I have been busy working on my three entries for the 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards. However, as the deadline for this competition has been extended, my three entries were completed in plenty of time. So, with only a couple of weeks until the deadline for 'Into the Forest', I have made a small contribution. There was nothing so far from New Zealand, and I felt it was important for New Zealand to be part of this international polymer clay project.

These heart-shaped leaves, with a Maori-style pattern on the surface, bring a little love to the 'Into the Forest' project all the way from New Zealand. I have just strung them on some thread, to keep them together during transit, but it makes them look like a creeping vine. I am will be posting them off today and just hope they make it to the USA undamaged.

International Collaboration Project: 'Into the Forest'

INTO THE FOREST - FAQ

WHAT IS INTO THE FOREST?

An international collaboration of polymer artists and enthusiasts. Inspired by the high altitude aspen groves in the Rocky Mountains, “Into the Forest” is an evolving mixed media international installation.

TELL ME MORE:

Imagine yourself in a forest. On the ground beneath a canopy of branches and leaves, unexpected life exists. Look closely, be amazed at the variety of these organic forms.

Be a part of our Forest and help it flourish! Create pieces which will form its life elements. We will combine them into living colonies of varying shapes, colors and sizes. We are looking for 1000s of elements, created by our international polymer community, to inhabit our Forest.

WHO IS ORGANIZING THE INSTALLATION?

Laura Tabakman, Emily Squires Levine and Julie Eakes

WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO POLYFORM FOR UNDERWRITING OUR PROJECT WITH THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION OF POLYMER CLAY.

WHERE AND WHEN WILL THIS INSTALLATION TAKE PLACE?

November 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

A preview of Into The Forest will be on display at Synergy4 in Valley Forge PA in August 2017.

I HAVE ALREADY SEEN PHOTOGRAPHS OF AN INTO THE FOREST INSTALLATION IN PHILADELPHIA ON FACEBOOK. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

The first version of Into The Forest is currently on display in Philadelphia through December 2016, created by Laura Tabakman and Emily Squires Levine, with the help of Julie Eakes, Libby Mills and Nancy Travers.

We are hoping that the much larger November 2017 installation will be filled with your contributions.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Organic forms, from simple to complex. See inspiration and examples posted on this Facebook page and on Instagram (intotheforest17). We prefer elements inspired by a real forest, so please, no fairies or gnomes at this time.

HOW MANY?

The more the better. We want multiples of each element you make, with a minimum of 10, a maximum of infinity, so less complex forms, but more of them, is preferred. Variety is good, as long as there are at least 10 of the same idea. We will be building colonies, which overlap and create an environment which is more complex than the individual.
There is no restriction to size or color.

WHAT ELSE?

We likely will alter your pieces (drill holes, attach them to other pieces, hang them, etc.) so as to create a cohesive installation. Your pieces will not be returned. Instead, we hope to use them again in future incarnations of the installation. We will be posting pictures of all the work as we receive it. If you don’t want your work photographed and made public, please let us know in advance.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION?

Postmarked by April 4, 2017

WHERE DO WE SEND OUR ELEMENTS?

Laura Tabakman
137 Alleyne Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15215

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Email us at intotheforest17@gmail.com or message us through Facebook

Thank you in advance, we are looking forward to your great contributions to the project!

Laura, Emily and Julie

3 x competition entries completed

I have now completed and photographed my three entries for the 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards. Since doing this, the submission deadline has been extended from 1 March to 15 May 2017. So I must wait patiently, until the competition has been judged and the results announced, in August 2017. I will post photos of my entries once it is permitted.

2017 Polymer Clay Awards

PHOTO TO BE POSTED LATER

I have just finished my latest polymer dot mosaic artwork, which will be my main entry for the 2017 International Polymer Clay Awards competition. Unfortunately I cannot show a photo of it yet, as I believe one of the rules of the competition is that it must not have been exhibited or shown (which includes online) anywhere before. As soon as the competition has been judged, I will post a photo and a description of why I believe it fits the theme of the competition, which is "To Boldly Go".

A beautiful day at Mission Bay

The weather was perfect for the Auckland Anniversary Art & Craft Market at Mission bay today. The sun was shining, the sea was blue and sparkling, and everyone seemed happy. It was a lovely day.

Monday 30 January - Mission Bay Art & Craft Market

I will have a stall at this event, so hoping it is a sunny day. You should find me in Row 1, nearest the road (Tamaki Drive).

10am - 4pm on the Selwyn Reserve at Mission Bay, Auckland.

For more info see
https://www.facebook.com/MissionBayArtCraftMarket/

New look website

This is my first post of 2017 and it is well into January because I have seriously been considering my creative direction for this year. After a little mishap on 6 January, involving resin and a pocket money idea, my husband reminded me that one of my New Year's resolutions was to ‘be proud of my creative artwork’. So rather than spend any more wasted time on salvaging the disaster, which was only started to use up some coloured varnishes I no longer wanted, it went straight in the bin.

It also reminded me that it is my dot mosaics that I am most proud of. So, I will concentrate on creating some of these, which can then be reproduced (as greeting cards, block prints and possibly pendants and other gift items) to provide lower cost items to sell at selected markets and art gallery stores while promoting my mosaic art. I will try out the pendant idea at the Mission Bay Art and Craft Market at the end of this month.

I have also given my website a new look, to reflect my creative focus for 2017, and hopefully future years.

Post Script: Since writing this, I have decided to also continue with my idea of making Swirl-StoNZ, as small souvenir/gift items to demonstrate and sell at art and craft markets, to attract interest in my own work and polymer clay as a creative medium in general. The relatively quick and unpredictable design when making these Swirl-StoNZ, (based on the polymer clay Lentil Bead technique) is a perfect balance to the slow, precise nature of my mosaic art. I will post more about this project when it is fully developed.