A beautiful box by Kate McKinnon with bead by Corina Tettinger
As you may guess from my sidebar link to her Metal Clay Safety Project, I follow Kate McKinnon's work. Two years ago, when I told Sarah Moran that I was thinking of trying out metal clay, she advised me to check out Kate's work - and I loved it. Her clean, architectural style is completely beautiful.
I've been dying to take a class with her, and hope to by, uh, well, 2011. I know, laugh if you want, but I think by then the Short One will be okay without me for a day or two. Of course, if she comes back to Chicago to teach metal clay (hint, hint, if you are reading this, Kate) before then, I'll be waiting in line for a spot. Her books and articles on metal clay are also top notch - I've been wanting to review Structural Metal Clay since I started reviewing books on this blog. As usual, in my speedy way, I hope to get to it before the end of the summer.
Anyway, I saw this photo of one of the projects for her upcoming book on her blog and completely fell in love with the piece. So, I decided to treat myself to a birthday present. I contacted Kate and am now it's proud owner. This shot doesn't show the cool, pod-like dangle on the piece, so here's another (in process) photo:
Beautiful, right? I love it, I love the lampworked bead, which is by Corina Tettinger, and the cute vintage brass finding from Gail Crosman Moore. I can't wait to have it in my hands - although, knowing me, it will probably end up in my box of treasures (which contains, for example, Cynthia Thornton's fine silver, polymer and resin Sphinx pendant, which I blogged about at Art Bead Scene last year, here). I get out these pieces periodically and croon over them, but they haven't made it into my finished jewelry yet.
If you are already familiar with Kate's work, then you know why I love her stuff. If not, stop reading this right now and go here.
12 comments:
What a great treat! I find that I have to buy my own presents...that way I am sure to get what I want. I have a custom made purse from 1154 Lill Studio for my 40th last year. So worth every penny! Enjoy the day...and your birthday!
Erin
P.S. The SO will be okay without you for a day or two...do it! Don't hesitate! The SO will have a happier mommy and will see you as the artist that you are!
I have always loved Kate's work and felt so terrible that I could not take her class for the "Shag Carpet of Pearls" at the B&B many moons ago (it was sold out)...I hope your turn to learn from her "live" will come soon.....she will be at B&B this year, I think.
I need a Gaudi inspired bead from her, thanks for sharing your story....maybe I should call her about it too!
Thanks, Erin! Wow, 1154 Lill Studio has cute stuff! I hadn't heard of them before. Thanks for the support re SO - I guess I just find it hard. He still seems so young!
Okay, Rupa, you've got me all curious now. Which bead is it? It isn't that cool winged building ring, is it?
I love the Shag Carpet of Pearls. I tried one on at her booth two years ago. Mmm - beautiful.
I traditionally visit the B&B Marketplace for a few hours on Sunday, so I expect to visit Kate's booth, definitely.
Wow, lovely pendant. I have been thinking about starting with metal clay ever since I first heard about it. But still haven't found the time to do so. I already have so many hobbies, this one will just have to wait till I've got some more time.....
M - I was lucky to take Kate's classes when she was in Chgo in 2006 and 2007. In fact she and Anne M taught right in your town. Love her work and she is THE BEST PMC teacher - no mess, no waste, no fumes. Can't wait for the new DVD. She'll be in Chgo next spring & I've contacted her about doing a PMC class. I assume you'd be interested? Will see her at B&B. PS-are you a Taurus?
sandi-chgo
What a prize! You are a lucky lady. That is certainly a treat for yourself! Kate is a wonderful artist and an amazing friend. She really is super cool.
You will have visit her weblog and search.....the gaudi "bead" can be seen on the blog titled "Crazy Monday" (feb 16, 2009). Its the third photo down.
Four metal clay blanks are in the pic and I like the one that is at the six-o-clock position...kinda like a skeleton face/vertebrae.. which I believe was inspired by the balconies on one the buildings designed by Gaudi.
KusZ - if can get over the initial cost hurdle, I think it's definitely worthwhile. I don't worry about finding the right components for my pieces - I just worry about how to make 'em.
Sandi, Oh, you lucky person, to have had two classes with Kate! I've pre-ordered the DVD, too. I intend to take the Studio Beads class next year - I hope she does a metal clay class, too, while she's in town.
Hey, Andrew, Looking forward to seeing you and the crew at Bead & Button in a couple weeks!
Rupa, Oooh, that is a nice once. Of course, I think they're all nice...
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