3 days to go....

Mini batch production line. 

Here is my silver for the small vessels after going through the roller.

Press formed...

I had to keep a close eye on what side I had just done; I have made the mistake before by pressing two sides the same! Not a good idea when using silver!

Sanding, sanding, sanding....

You can just about see my little tags for pairing my silver up. Thanks to a little hammering before using the sand belt, this job literally takes a few seconds! Quite enjoy the shiny edge against the dark surface.  

Making my stands!

The variety of sizes being made, during this process I have thought about other things I want to make.

All the shapes complete. I can't feel the tops of my fingers, but I think it was worth it!

Now I play the waiting game! I have made everything I can, just waiting for the rest of my silver to arrive! Fingers crossed it will be here by tomorrow, maybe Monday morning?! I completed all my vessels now though and have made the two large ring pieces! Can't believe there is only one week left....where has my life gone?! Anyway, here are some photos of some of my work in progress as well as some silver patinations.

Productive day...

My system for sanding, so I don't get the pieces mixed up!

Opps! Well, this wasn't supposed to happen during press forming! I did nearly cry, but thanks to Ian (the tech dem), it is now a distant memory!

 Some silver patination samples. The first (far left) was submerged in cotton wool, the second sand, the third and forth was sawdust. For nearly a week!! Silver doesn't react that well....apparently!

The tops of my rings. Still abit of cleaning up to do and putting the ring on!

A few hours later...

This technique is created with ammonia and sawdust which eats away at the metal. It takes a little while to create this surface. Other things can be used such as cotton wool, rice, pasta etc. I have used this technique on silver, but it doesn't react as well.

Chemical recipes...

Over the past few weeks I have been experimenting with patinations onto metal. In the workshop is a fantastic book called 'The colouring, bronzing and patination of metals'. I have chosen so many to do and have had some unusual results. A sample that was supposed to turn a grey/brown initially came out lime green! I think this can be seen on the first photo, but underneath that layer of what I can only describe as 'flocking' is in fact the colour it should be. I haven't had much luck with achieving grey/black onto copper, obviously oxidising, but other recipes haven't seemed to work too well!

Deadline approaches...

Not long to go now... 1 week and a day before we have to stop making and help set up the degree show! I am on track so far, but still have lots of making and finishing to do! I ordered more silver tonight, so hopefully that is all I need!

Also had a session with a professional photographer last week; it was quite exciting and I chose my image for the postcards! So soon I will have 1000 of them to dish out!

Project photos...

I spent a day with my good friend April and her camera. Here are a few of my favourites snapshots.

Rummaging....

Just weeks to go before our deadline approaches, feeling pretty nervous but very excited now! I'm making little hand held vessels out of base metals and have decided to make some out of silver for my final project! The surface and my colour palette is inspired by items I collect and find, such as stones and slate.

We recently had to write our artist statements, so thought I would share a little bit here to explain my practice.  

'Intrigued by why we collect nature’s curious debris, such as pebbles from a beach or sticks from woodlands; I take much of my inspiration triggered by these inquisitive items. They act as reminders to personal memories and experiences, which I collect, and find comforting and reassuring.  It is my intention for my tactile vessels to instil these heartening memories.'  

Hello...I'm Dominique and I'm currently finishing my degree in Contemporary Applied Arts. As the real world approaches I am busy designing and making my final collection, specialising in small metals. I will document new developments for all of you to see!