Sculptural Ring Idea

 

I am currently on the verge of designing and manufacturing a ring that is based loosely on my sculpture. It isn't the common run of the mill ring that you usually see, it is like a miniature minimalistic sculpture that is able to be worn on your finger. For me, the most significant aspect of the creation of this ring was to create something unique and different. The renderings are just a starting point for this ring design as I plan on creating a collection of these rings, using the sculptural shape created above.

Ring shape idea

 

Whilst trying to organize my papers I stumbled upon a drawing which I did towards designing for Anglo Platinum. The shape of the ring is very interesting and i feel that there could be something more to this drawing. I want to create a range of rings based loosely around the shape of these rings

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

 

 

 

 

 

 



Paper templates

I have been experimenting with cut outs of shapes made from paper which I can bend and tweak so that I am able to get the desired form. From this, I am able to create a template of the final shape. This would make my life so much easier when I construct my 'sculptural reference' in metal and not to forget saving a lot of metal and time.

Fritz Maierhofer

Fritz Maierhofer is a Jeweller from Australia. Maierhofer is of the opinion that jewellery acts as a communication tool, in which the wearer is able to send messages to the viewer. He feels that jewellery is a medium which should share equal rights on the podium with the more common arts being painting, sculpture and architecture. Upon creating his sculptural masterpieces he prefers to manufacture his jewellery in larger proportions as Maierhofer creates his Jewellery pieces to be miniature sculptures which are able to be hung on walls and displayed when not being adorned on the body.

 

Jorge Gil

Jorge Gil is a jeweller based in Havana, Cuba. The creation of his sculptures where only derived after the legal importation of his jewellery. The department of treasury that played the key role in importing his work commented that his jewellery pieces were like 'little wearable sculptures.' It was only after this review that Gil question himself about the scale between his jewellery and sculptures. He went forth and created sculptures using various metals such as bronze, titanium, silver, stainless steel. From the basis of the sculptures created, grew the start and creation of a series of sculptural jewellery pieces

More Images of Gils' work can be seen at : http://www.jorgegil-jewellery.com/ 

K.I.S.S - Keep It Simple Stupid

After Pinning multiple images on Pintrest,  I am of the opinion that I should start experimenting and designing to create my sculptures that will be used as a reference for creating my jewellery. For now, I prefer to keep the designs of my sculptures as minimalistic as possible as I still need to be able to experiment with various materials such as clay, metal, wood etc.

 

Image can be seen on this website :

 

Next step is finding the best way in manufacturing the sculpture

Seduction

 

 In my previous post, I spoke about adding a black enamel paint to my work. I decided to add a random texture by using a rubber wheel which created ridges. (depicted as figure 1) I then coated the ring with a thin layer of black enamel paint. (depicted as figure 2) I am pleased with the outcome, as I feel it has given a crinkled leathery look to it. The black and red combination has a very sensual/seductive feel to it. Still not happy with the red string used, need to find something more durable.

Experimentation

 

I have created another ring to experiment with. I have doubled the distance between each hole as well as created a very bumpy random texture using a rubber wheel. I am not happy with the turnout of the 'lacy' bit, and  perhaps I should make the gap a little smaller instead. I found the random texture really cool as in my opinion it gives one the illusion of the possibility of being able to tighten the ring using the lace. I am toying with the idea of adding colour to ring to contrast the lace. The silver wire isn't giving me the desired effect that I seek.

Problem Solving

 

Following my previous post, I addressed the issue I had regarding the usability of lace, which frayed and got loose after a very short amount of time, by using wire. I have drawn 0.30mm sterling silver wire and threaded them to replace the red lace. I soldered the wire to the ring, which made the ends appear a lot neater. However after doing all this I feel that the gaps between the holes should be larger. 

Prototype of lace rings

  

I am having a problem with the tying of each end of the lace. It is difficult to make a big enough knot on either end as well as, the problem of the lace fraying after a short period of time. I will perhaps try making the last two holes slightly smaller or replacing the lace with  0.30mm wire.

Design Idea

 

With February considered to be the month of ‘love’, I found inspiration from walking past various stores at gateway. Most of the bigger clothing stores had mannequins wearing sexy, lacy lingerie in their front windows. Due to it being Valentine’s Day in a few weeks, I noticed that most of the clothing, regardless of being lingerie had a touch of red. This immediately gave me the idea to try to incorporate red lace in my jewellery.

Lets get started!

 

Sculptural Ring

Better late than never, over the next two years I am working as an apprentice at Vijay Shah Jewellers as well as studying part time towards my B-tech in jewellery design and manufacture. I am hoping to improve my skills in manufacturing as well as learn different techniques in which I am able to incorporate into my Btech work. Completely mind boggled on how to begin manufacturing jewellery towards my Btech, I decided to carry on from where I stopped last year.