Friday, May 23, 2008

Fearless in France


I'm such an admirer of Sylvie (aka Maniquette) and her work. She's been involved with polymer clay for about three years and is totally fearless when it comes to experimenting with different techniques and applications for the clay. The Bubble bracelet above is one of her newest pieces and she's generously shared her technique for these on the English version of her blog.


This seems like the perfect occasion to thank all of the talented European polymer artists who have invested so much time and effort into learning other languages, namely English. As a selfish American who has never bothered to learn anything other than English (the 4 years of Latin don't really count since no one even speaks the language!), I appreciate the fact that I've been able to talk to so many of you. Please don't ever apologize for your English, I'm always humbled by and grateful for your efforts.



Okay, back to Sylvie's lovely work. I love the way she successfully combines pattern and texture in so many of her pieces. This tissue box is a great example of that. In addition to jewelry and tissue boxes, she also makes amazing lamps, clocks, and mirrors. To see more examples, you can check out her Flickr site here.




Her blog is full of fascinating glimpses into her process and I could spend hours lost in her archives. If you have some time this weekend, read about the lovely face cane she made based on a painting by her friend Cat and see her finished bracelet here.

Have a creative weekend!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so grateful to the web! You can't see the blush on my cheeks, hopefully. What an amazing portrait you brushed, it seemed you were speaking of someone else, not me. I've only been trying very hard to stick to the high level of polymerclaying that I found on the american and worldwide web when I started three years ago and since. And you Kim have been one of my examples to follow, so thank you.

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful for all the sharing Sylvie is willing to do. I am glad I groveled on her french blog about making her bracelet tutorial in english. She is a wonderful artist, thats for sure.

Anonymous said...

What fantastic artists you have show cased here. Very inspiring work! I just love seeing what the Europeans come up with... such fresh designs!

Laurel said...

Thank you, Kim, for bringing our attention to these amazing artists! I am just stunned by the beauty.

Anonymous said...

Thanks once again Kim for sharing such great European Artists - I do hope we have some wanting to attend the Euro clay event in France in October 2009

Kim Cavender said...

Thanks, Sylvie, for that very nice compliment! I'm so impressed by your work so that means a lot.

The internet has been such an amazing tool for all of us to see what's going on across the ocean. I'm so looking forward to meeting many of you in England this summer and I hope to make it to France the following year.

Thank you all for your wonderful comments and support and I'm glad you enjoy reading about all the talented artists out there. I can't imagine ever running out of things to share. If only there were time to feature all of you!

Jeanne Rhea said...

What a great tutorial and what nice workmanship and design, Maniguette! Guess i should be posting this comment on your site.

Thanks Kim for posting about her work.