A medium, according to Merriam Webster is a mode of artistic expression or communication.  It is the material used in any creative endeavor. In my art, my preference is wire and it is what I play with when I want inspiration.

But, here’s the thing. I love to play and not just with wire. Before I began expressing myself through jewelry, I tried every medium I came across. I have never been afraid of new things, so trying a new medium has always been easy. 

 

I started, as most kids do, coloring. I wanted my pages perfect, no lines outside Minnie for me. Then came  drawing. I started very early. I cannot remember a time when I didn’t have a pencil in hand. I love doodling! I have mentioned before how I could have made lotsa money had I come up with coloring books for adults. Before it became a thing, I carried my pencils and markers with me everywhere and colored on kid coloring books.

My coloring and drawing grew into painting.  In high school, I majored in Visual Art. And in college, before I took a detour into English Literature, I was working on a Visual Arts degree. At the time, there wasn’t much I could do with such a degree. At least I didn’t know of anything.

 

I became an English teacher because of my love for kids and reading. I could have done the same thing with Art. Oh well…

When I finally turned to jewelry, I knew nothing about it. I mostly beaded and connected findings. The design element came from the beads themselves, not me. They became my go to medium. Wire didn’t enter the picture till many years later.

In between beading and wire, I tried every medium . I have used clay: from porcelain to cold clay to metal clay. I have tried resin. It was a bust. I used fabric and leather. I still like those. 

Being the kid that I am, I tried  Shrinky Dinks to make charms. It is so cool! I have etched glass, made glass cabochons, spent long hours creating paper beads. Gosh, the list is long…

 

So, a new medium!

Yep, here I go again.  I cannot focus on one thing alone. I get bored easily! So, how can I master one.

I just have to try it all!!! 

Over the weekend, I purchased a 3D printer! I have wanted one for some time. But, the minute that I heard about metal infused filaments, I took the plunge. I mean, how cool is that!

I didn’t overspend nor underspend. I went middle of the road in case it doesn’t work out for me. As I type this, I am anxiously awaiting for it to arrive. I am super excited!

So, I found a new medium to express myself. I want to add the prints and make them part of my Artful Gems’ jewelry creations. I try to replicate in wire many of the ideas that come to me. Sometimes I’m successful. Other times, I struggle and frustrate myself.  That’s when the 3D printer comes in.

Wish me luck!

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Leave me a comment

 

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