I have always enjoyed the organic nature of plants and
animals. The unique patterns, textures and shapes that they have are of
particular interest. My September installation started with a pod.
I made a mold of the pod and then I mixed up very fine cement and poured it
into the mold. While the cement was curing I started searching through my
papers for something that said “use me please”! Found some beautiful
muted gray paper with flocked black circles and I adored it! I cut a
piece of mat black paper to the size of the space. I wanted dimension as
well. Hmmmm, what to use to add volume without weight. No popsicle
sticks or balsa wood in sight. HA – wooden chopsticks!!! Hot glued
a broken piece to the black paper and then hot glued my beautiful grey and
black paper to that. The color scheme was chosen!
Being a metalsmith who has had no time at the bench all summer
except for these projects, it had to have a piece of metal! I folded
copper mesh sheet into an accordion and hot glued that down.
Once the cement pod was cured I used two different types of
paint to give it the colors I wanted so it would match the overall color scheme
of the space. I used Golden fluid acrylics in Iridescent Stainless Steel
which is a coarse paint and for highlighting the ridges I used the same brand
in Bone Black. Once the paint was dry I glued on three iridescent
half drilled peacock pearls. I love how the round pearls carry forward
the black flocked dots. Last, but not least, I hot glued the cement pod
to the copper.
I love how dimensional it is. I wish the pictures could
show how the paint on the cement pod glistens from different angles.
I actually think that I would love to make this type of project
again on a larger scale and frame it as art! =)
Lynn H – I hope enjoy your altar installation!!!
Warm Regards Ladies!!!
Lynn V
