Brass fittings

Yesterday I began the patination process for some brass rods that will be part of the block below. I've just had a quick peek and things seem to be going to plan. The rods will be in the mixture for another couple of days to let the effect build up.

Progress

Second component is now nearing completion with two forms of texturing and gold leaf applied to the centre.

Another component

Another component for the piece below ready for embellishment.

On my way

Here are a couple of pics showing the start point for one of the new pieces where ideas are developing as I work on it. So far I have turned a burr, textured and patinated the result and have used a found object to complete the intial stage. It is a kind of pestle and mortar but what you see here is just the beginning. It will form part of my fetish series.

Some new pieces

I’m taking the opportunity of the AWGB Seminar Instant Gallery to exhibit some turning for the first time and with a details submission date of the 18th July I have my work cut out to prepare some pieces. I work slowly so it will be problematic to have three pieces ready for the deadline. Maybe I will have to submit titles/loose detail and hope that I can match the descriptions! I have the potential objects in my minds eye so now all that is needed is a disciplined approach to bring things to fruition - discipline is something I lack in an all or nothing approach to making.

Anyway today is the start point and with most of the components for my routing jig in place I may well use this for one piece. I am planning to make a fetish series sculptural piece, a platter and a bowl with a carved pebble, hopefully the plans will work out.

Some work in progress pics may well appear from time to time over the next couple of weeks.

Some found objects and textures

There is always something that catches the eye that may provide interesting references for work. These are some of the objects and textures I spotted this trip to Skiathos in Greece.

My best find was some duck egg sized grey marble pebbles which are perfect for carving as inserts to bowls. The five collected proved to be expensive as excess baggage charges were involved on the flight home!

Back from Hols

Thanks to all who have been visiting the last couple of weeks - sorry not to have provided any new material lately.

I have been on holiday to Greece again - we try to get there at least once a year. Getting away from normal routines, seeing and experiencing new places and faces is for me, always stimulating. New finds when beachcoming provide new ideas and opportunities. This year has been a little different in that the beaches we visited are kept too clean. Nevertheless there were some interesting finds and I will post some pics later.