Monday, September 27, 2010

Practicing Die Forming

This is a die-form without a flange, and is also soldered to an identical form to create a solid shape.


After pressing my copper on the hydraulic pres, this was my result, when I cut the form free from the excess metal I left a flange, or outer edge of metal.

Above is a picture of a die, which is a piece of plexi-glass with a shape cut out of it, sandwiched between two pieces of brass plates, with the same shape cut out, then all taped together to be held in place.

New Design



After design review, the idea of an enclosed memory evolved to the above sketches.  Here the actual memories would be made from either silver wire or laser cut from steal, the words, or memories would makeup the chain.  Memories would also be held inside, and could be released by opening the bottom of the form where the chain of words would continue out. 

First of the Ideas




This was my initial idea that I came up with prior to design review.  Here a memory would be written down on a scroll of paper that is kept inside of the die form, which is shaped like a cerebellum.  There would be a hinge at the top and it would open much like clam shell.

To Contain Project: Memory







As I was given the task to design some sort of container, I began to think of all the things that are contained, and I came across the idea of memory.  Memory is stored in the brain, specifically the cerebellum, located in the back of the head near the top of the neck, just above the brain stem.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

First Commissioned Work

A friend of my mom knew I was a Metals and Jewelry student and had these 8 beautiful stones from her mothers bracelet that she wanted into individual pendants, each one personalized with the initial of a different woman in her family.  The stone is bezel set in silver. 

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Projects from Jewelry 1


Pattern project: Copper Cuff
Band ring, Silver, Pattern Project
Copper, Image Cut out
Hype Project: Laser Cut Black Acrylic, I created this design to represent our societies oil consumption and the effects of oil spills on the environment.  On the back I had engraved facts about oil consumption and oil spills.

Tea Infuser Project, Silver and Copper: My concept came from the topic of "The day I was born", after interviewing my mom I found out that the day I was born was pretty much by the books, nothing crazy happened, and while she was in the hospital waiting to have me it was pretty peaceful.  So I took what she said and though about the cycle of life which brought me to my design concept of the cycle of a caterpillar into a butterfly, and while your tea is infusing in the water, metaphorically, the caterpillar crawls into the water, encloses himself in a cocoon, and comes out a beautiful butterfly.
Light Fixture Project: Fused Plastic Bags, Steal Wire

Containers of my own.

My computer, I would definitely feel a little lost with out it, it connects me to rest of the world, while holding memories, music and everything else important in my life.

My backpack: contains everything important to me, I've had this particular one for five years now and cant seem to part with it, its comfortable and functional.
The toilet: yes it holds and contains some things that aren't too pretty or fun to talk about, but this also represents a place to get away from life and just be alone, where no one will bother you, or wants to bother you..
Contains Energy, could not live without it...at least it would be pretty hard to.
Also contains energy.
Contains refreshing water.
My piggie bank, contains all of my change and dollar bills, but also contains the effort to save money and work for the money I save..
Once contained mints, now contains my solder.
Decorative pot in my new kitchen at my apartment..dosen't contain anything yet but will hopefully be soon filled with lots of sweets.
Contains light, gives us the pleasure of living not in the dark.
This is not just a door, but behind this door contains my sanctuary to escape from the world, and is my form of freedom, my room.