laurieopal

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I’m working on lots of the smaller pieces for Wiscon in silver and bronze, Right now I’m sawing off the sprues (the connectors that bring the metal to my design). This is not the fun part but it needs to be done. I’ll be polishing the designs next.

And Im working on the patterned jasper pendant design with the black spinels. It is developing extremely well and is almost done in wax. Eventually there should be a photo. It still needs lots of final work with magnifiers.

And a pendant design in silver with a holly blue chalcedony and purple sapphires just cast beautifully and I’ll be working on that as well.

This kimono design with flowers and water is definitely inspiring. It will definitely influence a new design at some point and when it does I’ll point to the kimono again.
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(Cross-posted on livejournal and Body Impolitic)

I saw these exquisite kimono at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco this week. I have seen kimonos this beautiful in museums in Japan but not in the US before. The delicate complexity of the work in stunning in itself, but the way the asymmetry creates balance in the designs is what I love best. I know from my own work just how difficult and satisfying it is. Examine each robe closely.

Red Kimono

Red Kimono detail: the design is stylized clouds and wisteria
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Cloud Kimono

Cloud Kimono detail: the design seems to include water, lilies, cages and clouds.
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Raven Kimono

Raven Kimono Detail: the design seems to include flowers, crows and nets. I love the crows!

Some of these are as old as 250 years. They were serious luxury goods of their time. The technical skill is only surpassed by the art. I find the work inspiring. Again, examine them closely.