honors update

Every weekend i've been taking the opportunity to do some thrift store/ yard sale hunting for objects that reference my honors project. Currently it's been ceramic figurines that i've been searching for. 

I've been pretty picky with what I choose to work with because i want them to feel antique-ish, not too cutesy, and around the same size. 

I know it's been frustrating for whoever has been with me and thought they found a winner when i turn it down. Since the work is all my take on the stories, the objects have to evoke a certain feeling with me. I can't explain it but i know if a figurine is good enough or not.So far, i've found a lamb, elephant, 2 cats, seal and a dove. i should probably stop buying some and work with the ones I have. 

I have been experimenting and brainstorming with them. I've been cutting, bashing, breaking parts off on purpose and accidently then grinding the sharp edges down so i don't hurt myself or anyone else. Surprisingly, it takes forever to cut through them especially if they are glazed! The cutting wheels spark a little and the ceramic starts to burn when i cut them. I thought it would be easier to cut them but it's a fun and evil job at the same time. I joke with Sherri that she has had an evil influence on me :)

I have made maquettes of:

1. melting (sheet) wax to piece back together parts of the lamb and elephant

2. silver caps for the elephant feet & cat paws

3. maquette prong settings for extra pieces that had broken off (nickel silver wire in 2 different gauges, sterling silver will be used to the final prong settings)

[broken wing pieces- prong set w/ nickel silver]

[back of the prong setting]

[all the broken elephant pieces]

**update 10.20.09- i took the pictures today and i got a lot more prong settings done and finished a few more caps.)

[my progress so far -10.20.09]

Right now for honors is the experimenting/ maquette making phase.

I needed it because it's fun and not too serious. I can play around with different things and see which ones work better. It's nice to actually be working with materials and not writing a proposal. I get enough writing for my other class.