Art in Three Dimensions

Homecoming Pumpkins

homecoming
Dalhousie University’s Homecoming event was managed by Zed Events, one of my consistent clients. They had procured synthetic pumpkins and wondered if it were possible for me to somehow carve them.

It just so happened that I have won pumpkin carving competitions in the past and is something I love that my grandfather and I used to do together, so I jumped on it!

Carving synthetic fiberglass type pumpkins is a completely different affair from the real thing, however. After unsuccessfully attempting all traditional techniques I resorted to my Dremel tool and full facemask, et Voila!

Natural Stone Pentacle Pendants

detail
Being neighbors with Little Mysteries is always a great experience, and I’m often thinking of ways to work with my neighbors.

We agreed to a combination of techniques I’ve borrowed from other mediums for this project. First we selected suitable stones from their inventory on which I carved pentacles. Carving geometric shapes into tiny naturally (but rarely smooth) shaped stones that have a similar hardness to diamond is no easy task! I actually used a diamond bit tool in the end to do the job, that was all that would work on some of the harder stones.

I then made copper jump rings from wire and used adhesive copper foil looping through them around the stones for a bezel and soldered the whole thing with a lead-free solder.

For finishing touches I used patinas to colour the metal in different tones, and added acrylic enamel in corresponding colours to highlight the carving.

They are available exclusively at Little Mysteries. http://www.littlemysteries.com/

Zombies!

Liz
I love Halloween. Because I enjoy working with my hands so much some of my friends approached me to make up their faces or those of their kids.

In this case my friend Liz decided to spring for some half decent quality makeup, and I went to town!

I have experience with theatrical make up from my days as an amateur thespian, so I documented the process of makin’ her scary. When my friend’s kid saw it he wanted his face done as well so he’s on here too.

It starts with some natural paste or spirit gum, and I attach some oatmeal and toilet paper strategically. After it all dries I tear the “skin” in places and build up “wounds” and “sores” with wax. Then comes a base coat of one tone of make up, then a different tone with an airbrush at an angle to highlight the new landscape of the face. Finally the ‘ole fake blood seeps and weeps from the wounds, with a couple of hand/fingerprints to depict a grisly history. Scary, no?