Musings
June 18, 2009
Musings from the 2008 PMC Conference
The following is a list of possible antidotes for the blank canvas syndrome we all seem to face from time to time. They can be helpful to offer to students at various times and can also be expanded as lessons when teaching in an extended situation (weekly classes over a over a long time period). They can be thought of and perhaps used in a number of different ways. They could represent beginnings, sparks, nudges, incentives, provocations, windows, open pits, entrances, obstacles, rewards, or just about any other descriptor. What is important to keep in mind is that they may or may not yield a finished product, but if you employ any of them, the chances are better than even that you will be in a different place than you were before, and you will have begun to pull at least one foot out of that mire we call a “block.”
If, upon reading them, you find yourself thinking, “Huh, that’s just plain silly (or stupid, pointless, ridiculous, waste of time, etc.”) then you are on the right track. It means your left-brain is getting turned off and it will yield the controls to your right side where much of the creative muscle resides (of course those of you who are left handed already have a leg-up on this… would that be your right or left leg?). That sort of assessment of an endeavor may also signal that your critic is rising and if you pursue such a “silly” course then the critic may also leave, considering such action not worthy of his time.
Please take these in the spirit they were proffered – as possibilities for serious play – which for me is open-ended exploration. They are in no particular order and there is no hierarchy implied or intended.
• Use 5 (3,17, 6) pieces of previously discarded work to make a single new piece.
• Give yourself a 20 minute limit to make a piece.
• Close or cover one eye and make a piece.
• Make 2 pieces in 2 hours working on them at the same time – don’t finish one then start the next.
• Visit the pet isle (or any other isle) in a grocery store and but three items from which you make a piece.
• Go to a store you may never visit and proceed as above.
• Go to a department store (sports store, auto parts place, etc.) and buy three items under a dollar and make a piece from them.
• Look at the above pieces and replicate them in polymer clay, wood, metal clay, tar, hair, etc.
• Make 5 pieces in 5 days but never spend more than an hour on any one piece.
• Change where you work – physically, a different location.
• Use a process on your material that shouldn’t be used (hammer clay, overheat metal, etc.)
• Try adapting techniques from other materials to your material (e.g. metal clay canes)
• Find a partner to work with (this can be from afar) and…
… Exchange unfinished pieces and finish for each other
… Give each other assignments
… Have competitions
… Swap unfinished pieces, add an element and swap again – do this 4 times
… Name each others pieces
• Flip the page over and list 1,462 other possibilities to get your students (or possibly yourself) past a creative block.
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‘Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry’
This masterfully written in-depth guide is virtually like owning two books in one. Robert’s hands-on and personal approach to teaching shines through in his soon to be released paperback. Not only will you be given the guidance and insight to create jewelry that is embedded with personal meaning, but Amulets and Talismans also features extensive instruction on a wide variety of cold-connection techniques that can be applied to any style of jewelry making. He offers suggestions on incorporating found objects, personal mementos and more into one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Due out in August of 2009, ‘Amulets and Talismans: Simple Techniques for Creating Meaningful Jewelry’ is now available for pre-order through stores such as Amazon.com.
This is a must have for your personal library, reserve your copy today!
Pre-Order your Copy of Faux Bone Jewelry Tools and Techniques with Robert Dancik.
Click on the link below for a preview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_9PLqFnIgc
Click on the link below to pre-order at a special price!!!
http://www.ccpvideos.com/page/CCP/PROD/RQD1d
Bead and Button Show News
Bead and Button Show 2009
Excitement is building as we head towards the start of the 2009 Bead and Button Show! Starting May 31st and running through June 7th in Milwaukee WI, this show offers a week of fabulous classes as well as an amazing shopping experience. Robert is offering six classes; Looking for the Way with Louise Duhamel, Forming Meaningful and Lasting Attachments;
Spinning Bead and Faux Bone™ Pendant (2 offerings); Faux Bone™ Collage Bracelet and A Bead Like No Other.
Visit http://www.beadandbuttonshow.com for details and to book a class with Robert!
We are very busy making sure all of the tools, kits and literature are packed up and ready for the upcoming Bead and Button Show. We hope that you have been able to make plans to join us there; participating in a workshop or attending simply for the fabulous shopping experience. Be sure to visit our booth, say hello and stock up on your Faux Bone and accessories!
I could comment on the rain in our neck of the woods and I do believe that I will. Rain is wonderful this time of year. New growth is flourishing! I am not only referring to the new growth in the lawn, the beautiful azeleas, magnolia trees or the peas and radishes in the garden. I am also speaking of new growth in our studios, our creative minds.
Rainy days are the best to let ideas grow into the newest piece to leave our benches. Try it; sit back, relax your mind and body and let the gentle sound of the rain permeate your mind. Unfathomable creative ideas will enter your mind and exit through your fingers… Go ahead, let it happen.
NEW MASTERCLASS on CRAFTCAST!!!!
Following in the footsteps of the informative, exciting and inspiring Amulets and Talismans MasterClass on Craftcast, will be a 2 part MasterClass on Faux Bone! Due to some scheduling problems this Webinar has been rescheduled. Look for the link coming soon to secure your ’seat’ for this exciting class. And, you don’t even need to leave your studio!
Musings from Valerie Barrett
“I am really looking forward to receiving my order — I have seen your product a few times and have been intrigued by its potential. I am particularly pleased by its price — in this economy, it is nice to have a versatile medium which will not break the bank! Thank you again for your prompt response to my order. I hope that this will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Faux Bone™.”
Sincerely, Valerie Barrett
