You can shape PMC in ways that would be incredibly difficult or even impossible using traditional metalsmithing skills. It allows artists to work with textures in ways completely different from sheet and wire, for example. The ease with which you can incorporate organic forms, too, offers many artists new inspiration.
"To my knowledge there is nothing that can be done in PMC that
cannot easily be done with either metalsmithing or casting
techniques."
I agree with Jim’s comments about PMC. In fact, when one considers
the price difference between making something with expensive PMC vs
very inexpensive wax and casting, PMC can’t hold a candle.
I belive many people like PMC because, (1) it is a relatively clean
medium, (2) it is simple to fire and (3) it is what some artists
start out on and are comfortable with. I have had a number of
students take my casting classes after PMC and say they will never
go back to PMC.
New inspiration is relative to one’s practiced skills. I knew one
lady who insists on making her prototypes in PMC then making moulds,
then waxes and finally does her production in cast metal. Why?
Because she never learned how to work with the wax to begin with. I
am not much of a wax carver myself though I do alright. But I have
some students who do brilliant work in it. They suffer no limit of
new inspiration.
Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
elegance IS fine jewelry! @coralnut2