May/June Challenge

Before I explain the next challenge, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the last challenge, and all who voted for my piece.  Being able to actually finish my challenge piece on time (I think it's only the second time I've been able to do so) was very satisfying in itself.  To have it voted as the winner by my peers makes it doubly so. I feel so blessed to be part of such a creative and supportive group!

Now, without further ado, here is the challenge I have set for you:

Interpret the Design Principle "Rhythm" in any way which moves you.

Here is the definition of rhythm to help jumpstart your creative juices:
rhythm  (ˈrɪðəm)


— n
1.
a. the arrangement of the relative durations of and accents onthe notes of a melody, usually laid out into regular groups (bars ) of beats, the first beat of each bar carrying the stress

b. any specific arrangement of such groupings; time: quadruplerhythm
2.
in poetry

a. the arrangement of words into a more or less regularsequence of stressed and unstressed or long and short syllables

b. any specific such arrangement; metre
3.
(in painting, sculpture, architecture, etc) a harmonioussequence or pattern of masses alternating with voids, of lightalternating with shade, of alternating colours, etc
4.
any sequence of regularly recurring functions or events, such asthe regular recurrence of certain physiological functions of thebody, as the cardiac rhythm of the heartbeat

[C16: from Latin rhythmus , from Greek rhuthmos ; related torhein  to flow]

As you see, rhythm has many meanings and interpretations, from music, to the written word, to art and architecture, to nature, even our own bodies have rhythms.  Here are some visual examples to further get those creative juices flowing: "Rhythm" Sonia Delauney 1938 Musical Rhythm Architectural Rhythm Rhythm in nature (photo courtesy of Dave Ingram) So let your imagination run rhythmically wild!  You can interpret the challenge by creating a piece of jewellery (pardon my Canadian spelling), a piece of wall art, or something functional, it's totally up to you.  As always, everyone, no matter what your skill level or area of expertise, is encouraged to take part.  I've got rhythm.  Let's see just how many of you do, too! Deadline for adding photos of your entry to our Flickr pool is midnight July 1st.  Remember to tag your photos with "June Challenge", so we don't miss seeing and voting on any of your remarkable creations.

And the April winner is.....

Julie of Wabi Brook Studio!!!! Her amazing pendant Inspired by the work of Canadian artist Lawren Harris, one of the founding members of the Group of Seven. Her use of an agate slice to mimic the flowing lines of Harris' landscapes was awesome!!

Second place goes to Resurrection Silver's entry. She recreated one of the pretties in VanGogh's Sunflowers. An amazing 3-D cuff, all in brass and copper. It's just soooo shiney and touchable.

Julie will be thinking hard for the next day or so....then she'll challenge all of us to make something wonderful!! Keep checking back...if you dare accept the mission!

April Challenge entries are in...time to vote!

April's challenge pushed us to think of Art....either our favorite artist, or style. Everyone pushed thier skills and tried new techniques. Here's the rundown, and photos from the inspirations.

You can vote for your favorite on the side bar at the right. Voting will continue until Monday at midnight.....make sure you get your's in!!

Here's Lori's from StonePeace who came up with our challenge this month. Her work is based on that of Piet Mondrain. He was a Dutch painter in the early 20th century, and developed his own new modern style. She got to finally use her glass enamels!


Here's Beatriz's from BeatrizFortes who was inspired by VanGogh Sunflowers. A beautiful rutile centerpiece reminds her of sunflowers reaching to the sky.

Here's Resurrection Silver's entry....also inspired by VanGogh's Sunflowers. An amazing 3-D interpertation of the pertty flowers....all in brass and copper.

Here's Julie's from WabiBrookStudio says of her piece "Inspired by the work of Canadian artist Lawren Harris, one of the founding members of the Group of Seven. I love the flowing lines and serenity in his abstract landscapes." Julie has some mad skills for fold forming as you can see on the copper here.

Here's Asa's entry from AsaPDesigns. She was inspired by Russian lanscape painter Isaac Levitan. The patina on the copper lily pads echo the greens in the painting.