My intro class was like pulling nails. It was really rewarding and I learned a ton, but at the two schools I've been at it is very basic for about 3/4ths of the class as you learn basic solder joints/cold connections, and how to saw and file. Metalsmithing courses can be valuable for teaching attention to detail, which many artists I think lack, especially in the 3D realm of things.
i acually really like teh wall panel idea. if you can mimic the grain it could look bitchen especially if you can contrast the wood color with the metal/wire
Here are a few shots of some work from last semester.
Interchangeable brooch.
Mokume Gane: Sterling Silver and Nickel Alloy 400 (MONEL) and Sterling Silver and Nickel Silver
Brass micro bolts, nickel silver backing.
I wanted to make a more masculine brooch with interchangeable parts to add a bit of interactivity with the viewer, the ability to change the aesthetic of it depending on an outfit/mood.
Mokume Gane is a process of diffusion bonding layered materials, essentially creating an alloy between the two where they meet. The final material is a composite of different alternating layers of material. The material is then removed in certain areas and then flattened to create a pattern.
This is kind of the idea I am going with for my thesis exhibition. I really like wood grain and the wire inlay process is tedious. Tedious processes are things I thrive with. I think the end aesthetic is pleasing, and would like to explore this technique further.
Hah thanks guys. I just finished it up. The rivets are set, they're made of copper, instead of steel which what was pictured. The booklets are all sewn in, 96 pages in total, acid free brown paper (each pages is 8.5"x6"), with heavy brown nylon thread. I also sandblasted and redid the patina and did a pro-wax job. It is now a more consistent black with grey highlights. The inside cover has a really nice streaking effect as well.
How much would someone pay for one of these? The amount of time I spent on this would probably make it outside of most peoples' price range. I would like to try and sell some in the future.
I'm kinda thinking I may make my thesis based upon a large collections of books instead of what I had previously planned. I enjoy this too much.
I would easily pay $40 for that sketchbook. So easily. Or you know, less? I think it's great quality so you could charge a lot if you wanted. Its a rare item
I know I'd certainly be willing to pony up a few hundred for such a sweet sketchbook. Would make for a pretty damn sweet coffee table book too. I don't think you'd be out of line charging like $250-$300 for one of them.
The problem with pricing these items is that most of them took me a disproportional amount of time to make, and if I included the hours spent making the piece, they would be outrageously expensive (60 hours, and if I charge $10 an hour you can see how astronomical the price would be). Ideally, once I figure out the best method for creating the hinges and making the booklets, I could pound one of these out in 10-15 hours, working on multiple pieces at once. On top of this, the included paper itself would potentially be a large expense, especially if I go with archival cotton rag paper or other high quality papers. I don't know that much about papers, but I know a lot of them can be pricey.
Next on the schedule is a giant book. Probably large enough for one page to be 18" x 24" or 24" x 30", and around 6"-12" thick.
These are incredible Forbe. If you can figure out how to produce these faster (like you've said above), I think you'd make some bank off them for sure, looks amazing.
I apologize for the $40 comment. I was clearly and vastly underestimating the quality of such a hand made artwork. I've rarely had fat wads of cash to spend on anything except my computer (which was only $900).
I mean I've never owned a car. Blegh I'm starting to ramble now. Keep up the good work.
I apologize for the $40 comment. I was clearly and vastly underestimating the quality of such a hand made artwork. I've rarely had fat wads of cash to spend on anything except my computer (which was only $900).
I mean I've never owned a car. Blegh I'm starting to ramble now. Keep up the good work.
I don't think you need to worry about it buddy.
But yeah I would probably draw the line for myself somewhere around $150.
The problem is people just aren't going to understand all the work involved in hand forging all the elements of the book, but I definitely think as an art object, you certainly could price it in the $500+ range.
I apologize for the $40 comment. I was clearly and vastly underestimating the quality of such a hand made artwork. I've rarely had fat wads of cash to spend on anything except my computer (which was only $900).
I mean I've never owned a car. Blegh I'm starting to ramble now. Keep up the good work.
I don't think you need to worry about it buddy.
But yeah I would probably draw the line for myself somewhere around $150.
I'd say 150 too, Unless you implemented a way for me to switch out the paper, I cant imagine paying more for something that I'd essentially ruin with drawings haha. I've tried to buy "pretty" sketch books before, and I just end up not using them, oddly enough. But that's just me.
It certainly is an art object though. and a wonderful one at that. If you can stream line producing them, perhaps you could begin to sell them at a lower price.
Posts
Hand made stuff is awesome stuff.
Interchangeable brooch.
Mokume Gane: Sterling Silver and Nickel Alloy 400 (MONEL) and Sterling Silver and Nickel Silver
Brass micro bolts, nickel silver backing.
I wanted to make a more masculine brooch with interchangeable parts to add a bit of interactivity with the viewer, the ability to change the aesthetic of it depending on an outfit/mood.
Mokume Gane is a process of diffusion bonding layered materials, essentially creating an alloy between the two where they meet. The final material is a composite of different alternating layers of material. The material is then removed in certain areas and then flattened to create a pattern.
Wire Inlay Study with Wood
Mild Steel, Sterling Silver Wire, Brass Wire, Hard Maple, Nickel Silver backing.
This is kind of the idea I am going with for my thesis exhibition. I really like wood grain and the wire inlay process is tedious. Tedious processes are things I thrive with. I think the end aesthetic is pleasing, and would like to explore this technique further.
oh man
i wanna make teapots now
This thread makes me want to make things.
How much would someone pay for one of these? The amount of time I spent on this would probably make it outside of most peoples' price range. I would like to try and sell some in the future.
I'm kinda thinking I may make my thesis based upon a large collections of books instead of what I had previously planned. I enjoy this too much.
Let's not forget the whiskey cabinet!
also, you made your own hammer. did you also carve/shape the handle? if so, that's tops also.
At the very minimum. $40? Really? There are plain paper sketchbooks that cost more than that.
Anyways, cool crap, Forbuh.
Expect more of these.
The problem with pricing these items is that most of them took me a disproportional amount of time to make, and if I included the hours spent making the piece, they would be outrageously expensive (60 hours, and if I charge $10 an hour you can see how astronomical the price would be). Ideally, once I figure out the best method for creating the hinges and making the booklets, I could pound one of these out in 10-15 hours, working on multiple pieces at once. On top of this, the included paper itself would potentially be a large expense, especially if I go with archival cotton rag paper or other high quality papers. I don't know that much about papers, but I know a lot of them can be pricey.
Next on the schedule is a giant book. Probably large enough for one page to be 18" x 24" or 24" x 30", and around 6"-12" thick.
My Portfolio Site
I mean I've never owned a car. Blegh I'm starting to ramble now. Keep up the good work.
I don't think you need to worry about it buddy.
But yeah I would probably draw the line for myself somewhere around $150.
I'd say 150 too, Unless you implemented a way for me to switch out the paper, I cant imagine paying more for something that I'd essentially ruin with drawings haha. I've tried to buy "pretty" sketch books before, and I just end up not using them, oddly enough. But that's just me.
It certainly is an art object though. and a wonderful one at that. If you can stream line producing them, perhaps you could begin to sell them at a lower price.