Quotography - Hobbies . . . art

Today's theme . . . hobbies.

I have many hobbies, gardening, photography, jewelry . . .

So I went with something that includes them all.

A piece of jewelry, with flowers, that was photographed

I attend a metals class twice a week at a community college just for fun.

There are credited students and those just like me, the 29 and counting somethings

that go for enrichment and to spice up life a bit with a saw and a torch! ; )

I cut out each heart from copper with a jewelers saw and sanded them smooth.

In order to manipulate the metal, or bend it, I had to (anneal) or heat it with a torch.

Once I achieved that I cleaned the metal in a pickle solution and then using powdered glass (enamels)

I applied it to the metal with a screening tool and fired it with a torch to melt the glass onto the metal.

It took multiple firings until I reached the design I was happy with.

Since taking these photos I've added some seed pearl dangles on the chain and made

an enameled heart clasp with a key dangle off the back.

Nature holds the key to my he[Art]. . .

Every Spring we have a student art show, with food, where the jewelry, sculpture

and art classes showcase their work. It's always so much fun to see what others are

creating. There is so much talent out there....so much creativity.

I thought I would share a little of what caught my eye at the show:

Incredible pieces from fellow jewelry students...

And oh my this piece. . . do you see the bird, the feathers made from polymer clay!

She hinged it on the left, it's a neck piece and formed from copper and

silver plated. It is simply incredible!!

The piece next to mine is also an enameled piece and gorgeous, but it was hard to get closeups with the glare.

Ceramic sculptures, some that just blew me away . . .

"A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine

and renews his life through reading, new books, traveling to new places,

making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints."

-Wilfred Peterson

Some were whimsical, and some made you think - art interpreted from life.

"Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today.

Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake.

Develop a hobby. Let the wilds of enthusiasm sweep through you.

Live today with gusto."

- Dale Carnegie

You don't have to be an artist to make art. But, when you create something

from your experiences in life, it becomes art and you are therefore, I believe, an artist.

There is an artist in all of us, waiting to get out. Will you help it escape?

Have an art[full] Monday!

Love, Kim

XO