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