Matisse, Kusama and Not Getting the Photo

A short while ago I made a trip down to the QLD Art Gallery, followed by the Gallery Of Modern Art in South Brisbane.
I had a whole bunch of ideas about this post, photos, information about the artists I saw etc etc.
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and when I went to use my camera phone instead, I was told off by the overworked looking gallery staff :/
So here's all I got.

Taken covertly at the QAG when gallery staff weren't looking.

Only photo taken of the Yayoi Kusama exhibit (because I wasn't allowed to take photos of the Matisse exhibit, which was wonderful, by the way).

 Yayoi's exhibit was an amazing explosion of colour and installation that you really should see. I walked through her vibrant exhibition with a smile on my face and my mind ticking over with thoughts on consumerism, interactive art and what art is today. Great stuff.
She's 80+ years old and still making beautiful art.
For those interested: http://www.yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/index.html


*

Sharing some bookbinding class photos

Just wanted to share some photos from some of the bookbinding classes I've been holding at Sarbe Invitations and Paper. These are some of the student pamphlets and ledgers. :) (posted with permission)

It's so much fun teaching these and even more fun watching the students bond over creative activities. <3

*

Society 6

I've posted a few digital images for sale as prints at Society 6.
There should also now be a little widget on the side bar with my S6 shop that includes prints, laptop skins, phone skins and tees.
That is all. ^_^


*

Update on my Jewellery Work

For those that haven't been watching my Facebook page, these are some of the things I've been making so far. In this update, we have the bracelets:

Stepping Stones, Moebius and Helm weaves.

Orbital Vipera Berus and Moebius weaves.

Butterfly weave.

Celtic Visions variaton.

Butterfly weave with interspersed crystals.

More to come!


*

Making my own Jump Rings

Sometimes, you're happily working away on a maille weave or putting together a sparkly pair of earrings when you reach out to grab another jump ring and you swipe at empty air...

D-:

Disaster.

It happens more often than I care to admit so in those crunch time situation's I've learnt to make my own jump rings. Comes in very handy indeed!

Here's a little photolog of how I do it. Granted, this may not be the most efficient or even the most technical way to do it but it works very well for me and I can finish that maddeningly ring-eating chainmaille piece without having to wait for my next supply batch. :)

For this example I've used:

 20 Gauge enamelled copper wire

Pinch wire cutters

curved nose pliers

an awl with a straight, even diameter (at least in the bottom section)

Bead mat (to stop rings from escaping of my desk)

1. Collect your tools.
I've used copper wire because I love the texture and malleability and the enamel is non-tarnish.
Take care when using coiled wire because it can spring open and turn into a shiny, spinning wheel of pain and scratches.

2. Cut a length of wire (or use the end of the uncut wire for longer lengths or if not sure how much you need) and wrap the end around the base of the awl using your thumb if possible (the less pliers used the less damage to the wire). You can also use other objects like sharpies, pens, or even Berocca tubes for larger rings.

3. Start by wrapping two or three coils around the awl then transfer the grip to your pliers. Hold the pliers and awl in one hand while you use the other to continue wrapping. This helps add more tension as you coil so as to keep the rings tight and evenly shaped.

4. Once you reached your desired amount of coils/rings, use the wire cutters to cut the excess wire .
Using the pliers coil the remaining end around the awl. It'll fight you!
Remove the coil from your awl.

5. Using your cutters carefully start cutting the coil into rings. Make sure you cut in relatively same spot so that the rings are similar in size. I like to angle the pinch cutters slightly so as to have an angled cut. Watch those fingers!

6. Bask in the success that is your handful of shinies.



*