Who says you can’t choose your family??? I know I’ve just found
mine. Thanks to all of you for your knowledgeable, considered,
creative responses to my antennae dilemma. I’m too busy this week to
really focus on this, but as soon as I get the chance I will–&
doubtless this will mean further questions… (My bees, by the way,
are exactly life-size. They–3 of them–are already mounted on a
cuff bracelet with 64 pierced hexagonal ‘cells’–each one of which is
bordered by a raised hexagonal ‘frame’ (like an unfilled bezel). The
bees are entirely constructed–legs, bodies, wings, heads all
seperate. Yes, that’s an awful lot of finicky soldering for a single
piece. I never for a second thought it would work. And now it
has–except for this last excruciating detail. It’s killing me.) I
have a lifetime of creating impossibly intricate, tiny things
[childhood toys: Gran’s extensive netsuke collection, & my own
doll-less dollhouse; did I stand a chance???] and am not afraid of
the crazy hours/focus this sort of work requires–BUT I’m a complete
beginner when it comes to fabricating jewellery, so don’t yet have a
feel for the parameters. Where to stretch/where to heed? There’s so
much to learn. Thank God.
By the way, I am now moving down to San Miguel, Mexico, after
studying fabrication for 5 months with a fantastic teacher. I’ll be
there for about the next five years. If anybody would like some info
Re: jewellery in SM, or related topics, feel free to ask. I’ll be
sure to submit a change-of-@ddress before I head back down
mid-August; til then I’mm reachable c/o @Gordon_Green. If anyone
will be in that area, do yourself a favour and leave time to visit
"Santa Clara del Cobre"–a tiny town that exists completely by the
grace of, and for the sake of, coppersmithing. Lots of brash
touristy stuff, of course, but a museum, and a couple of tallers
(3Dstudios) with such exquisite, subtle, artful, pieces [mostly
vessels] as to make you forget anything else you’ve ever associated
with the word ‘copper’. And the tools… worth the trip alone. Row
upon row of mirrorbright polished hammer heads, each a slightly
different shape, each attached to a quirky, highly individual
handle–branches with forks left on, etc… I just stood in awe.
They were made with more skill and sensitivity and economy of gesture
than the average piece of jewellery.
Again, thanks for such generous replies.
Andy.