Cupcake Pendant Speckled by Carolyn Tillie

I have recently returned from Baltimore, where I had been invited to speak at this year’s "Synergy 2" conference, a conference dedicated to artists who work in polymer clay. What’s polymer clay? You might know of it as "Fimo" or "Sculpey", a medium which has the incredible qualities of intense color possibilities, tremendous plasticity, and ease of curing. Because of its association with children’s art, it is a medium that is not always taken with the degree of seriousness it deserves, as I saw well at this conference. I was exposed to the work of dozens of artists, from fantastic to surreal, elegant to playful.

We are fortunate at Artful Home to represent artists who show off the wide range of possibilities in polymer, from the tiniest, most intricate work to large scale pieces. The most common application of the medium is jewelry, because of the ability to create exceptionally tiny details in color and form. Carolyn Tillie’s"Speckled Cupcake Pendant" shows off the artist’s ability to create a perfect miniature object.

Sun and Shade Wall Hung Cabinet
by J.M. Syron & Bonnie Bishoff

Far less common is the use of polymer clay in the furniture by J.M. Syron and Bonnie Bischoff. The "Sun and Shade Wall Hung Cabinet" has veneered doors covered in patternwork created in polymer clay. Pattern is created using a combination millefiore and marquetry techniques, techniques borrowed from glassblowing and furniture making! The pearlescent, opaque and translucent claysare combined with the mastery of a painter.

One of the newest polymer clay artists on our site is Sue Savage, whose use of the material shows yet another approach. In her "Sue Earrings", Savage uses an almost freeform painterly style, showing a looseness and abstraction uncommon to the medium.

As with all newer materials, polymer clay is going to continue to take time for people to appreciate it, as it does not have the same name recognition as porcelain, gold or glass. However, the beauty that artists have shown they can create with it makes it worthy of your consideration. I know it has mine!

Of course I am being facetious when I refer to going to the Chicago One of A Kind Show this past weekend as a tough part of my job. The truth is that going to shows is one of the absolute perks of working at Artful Home, and that kind of “working on the weekend” is the kind of overtime I like! This show had nearly 600 artists, and it was exciting to see it so well attended.

I met a few new artists who, although they have no relationship with Artful Home, I am thrilled to introduce here.
Maggie (Gigi) Gibney creates dramatic, exuberant and sexy earrings from handmade paper, of all things.

Her effervescent personality is evident in her work, and it is hard to choose among her pieces, all unique, all one of a kind.

Debra DeWolff is another jewelry artist, and her medium is polymer clay. This material is often looked down upon, as it is commonly used by school children for making tacky Christmas ornaments. In the hands of a master, like DeWolff, however, polymer clay takes on magnificent forms. She was originally a fiber artist, and she successfully mixes felt beads and polymer clay in inventive, exuberant designs.

Alas, the toughest part of my job (hah!) is tasting the artisanal chocolates. Katherine Anne Duncan creates the most wonderful chocolate confections! Her java truffle was the most intense combination of velvety chocolate and espresso. You really have to admire Katherine’s dedication to using the finest ingredients, lovingly hand-making these outstanding chocolates. Like all great artists, she is a master of her artform.

The reality of the OOAK show was that it was huge, and I am sure there are many artists whose work I was unable to see closely enough. That is the reason why attempting to see it all in one day is pretty much an undoable task, but I consider finding three great talents like Maggie, Debra, and Katherine to be worth the journey!

We have partnered with the One of a Kind Show and Sale® Chicago to be able to offer a limited number of passes to the event. Each pass gets you and a guest into all four days of the show. Find a wide range of works in ceramics, clothing, furniture, glass, jewelry, sculpture, and much more.

To win your free tickets, visit the Artful Home fan page on Facebook and post why you want to go to the One of a Kind Show and Sale®. The first 5 posts will receive a 2 free VIP passes for all four days. Every post after that will receive a four day pass for you and a friend, until all the passes have been given away.

Attend on Saturday, December 5 at 1 pm and watch Lisa Bayne’s presentation “Collecting Fine Craft” – free with VIP pass.

The One of a Kind Show and Sale® Chicago is an extraordinary holiday shopping show featuring the best in fine art and fine craft from more than 500 of unique artists, artisans and designers from across North America. Each item for sale at the show will be made by hand, one piece at a time, and every artist represented will be in attendance-offering shoppers the wonderful opportunity to buy pieces directly from the artist who created it and support the independent artist community. The show is a refreshing alternative to traditional retail and the ideal place to find unique gifts in a wide range of media and categories. For more information, please visit www.oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Boat in hand by Cathy Broski

Every year the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) and the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) join forces and put on the Arts Ball. The Arts Ball raises much needed funds for these great organizations. This year it lands directly on Halloween. It will probably have the best costumes of any Halloween party in the city.

The museum is a great asset that "exists to exhibit, collect, preserve, and interpret modern and contemporary art." Almost all of the exhibits at the museum are free and they are always presenting new works and educational series.

The symphony presents amazing musical works and brings in some of the best musicians in the world to perform with them.

If you happen to be attending the Arts Ball this weekend, make sure you take a good look at the silent auction. And I recommend bidding on “Boat in hand” by Cathy Broski which was donated by Artful Home.