Bow Tie - Complete

 

Artist statement:

I decided to vary my research options on the Art Deco Period and instead of using the usual boring long – standing research methods, I opted for a much more enjoyable and relaxing technique.  I watched the movie, ‘The Great Gatsby’, which in my opinion, best captures, describe and portray the essence ofthis Art Deco Period.  This movie pays special attention to the flamboyant architecture, fashion and jewellery of this period.

Watching the movie for the second time, through the eyes of an Artist made me more aware of things I didn’t pay too much of attention to the first time around.  What really grabbed my attention this time around was that throughout the movie, there was the constant use of symmetrical geometric shapes in their architecture and clothes.  The bow tie was a major fashion accessory in men’s style during that period. It signified style, fashion and was also a symbol of status and wealth.

This inspired me to design a piece that was different but also spelt style, status and fashion.  The shape of my piece was inspired by a sculptural form which I created earlier in the year, towards my B-Tech.

Bow tie - Process

 

 

 

 

 

 



Using Rhino to create a template

I am now manufacturing my Art Deco piece by hand; using Rhino to map out and create a template of the parts that will be pierced and assembled. I am doing this because the pieces are due next week and I am unable to make my piece on Rhino as it will never be cast and couriered in time. 

Art Deco Bow Tie Drawing

Art Deco Reference

 

 

Gatsby's Idea

After having a look at the exciting pieces that everyone is busy making, I decided to scrap the bracelet idea. In need of inspiration, I decided to watch The Great Gatsby, whilst watching the movie I noticed that bow ties were really big part of men's fashion back then, during that art deco time period. This immediately gave me an idea to create a bow tie.

Art Deco Idea

These are quick sketches of  the bracelet that I want to manufacture for the Art Deco Exhibition.

 

                            

Plat Africa 2014 (Rhino)

0.02' Infinity Ring

Gents Wedding Band

Eastern Design Octogonal bangle

Rhino Infinity Ring

Plat Africa Casting - Part 2

I have just recieved the second piece. The texture is not as rough as the first but still rough nevertheless and my wire work is still flat on one side, but it is still better than the first ring. There isn't enough time for me to get the ring re-cast so I just have to make do....wish me luck!

Tick tock....

The piece that was meant to arrive on Wednesday arrived on Thursday at midday. The completed piece has to be handed in on Friday...I'm really cutting it fine...

Losing precious time....

In my earlier post I spoke about the time constraints possibly being an issue with Plat Africa competition. My first platinum casting was a complete flop. I am awaiting the second piece but due to the long weekend ahead I was told that it should arrive on Wednesday morning

Plat Africa Ring cast

I have finally received my cast Platinum piece and I am so disappointed with the outcome. The platinum piece had a really rough texture and some of the setting prongs were missing but I was still able to sort those out. The biggest problem was that the wire work, which was meant to be rounded, was flat on one of the sides. This was due to the fact that the company that did my print, printed my ring sideways to save time on the print, instead of upright. Really stressing now...time is running out!

 

The cost effective way of using a 3-D printer

Due to the fact that I cant afford a 3-D wax printer yet, I forward my Rhino designs via email to a company in Pretoria who prints and casts my designs in any material that I require it to be manufactured in. What I really enjoy about the way I am currently working is that I only pay for the exact cubic mm of wax and gold as opposed to having to outlay a ton of money

Creating Jewellery in this day and age

In my opinion, I feel that the best way to create commercially viable pieces of jewellery is by designing them on Rhino, 3D printing and casting it in the required metal. With this CAD process you are able to create cost effective pieces that you are able to manufacture thousands of the same design with minimal wastage of metal.

That time of the year again... Plat Africa 2014

For the Plat Africa 2014 competition, I have decided to design my piece using Rhino and manufacture it using a 3D printer and casting it. I did this because in my opinion its the best way to create a commercially viable piece of jewellery in this day and age. One major problem that I feel I might have is the time constraint.