Sunday, July 20, 2008

The Sun and Moon


The Sun... its golden rays out-reaching...


"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You'll never know dear, how much I love you.

So Please don't take my Sunshine away."




I will always lovingly associate this song with my father, who used to sing it... when he thought no one could hear him...
It always makes me happy... but makes me miss him.




The Moon ... the suns' glowing successor... to guide us through the night..





... a bit of textural detail of the sun and the sunflower...




Part of the process: The suns are laid out on the soldering board... the flame of the torch shows its distinct color gradations signifying different temperature fields ...

The difference between the bright colored suns and the darkened suns, shows the oxidation after they are soldered... caused by the extremely high heat of the flame that can reach temperatures of 1,640° F.




Then into the "Pickle"... as it is called for short... It is actually a warmed acid bath of Sodium Bisulfate, which is used to clean the metal of surface oxidation from the fusing process ... no fingers in here, please...

... Only Copper tongs are used to dip into this solution... no iron or steel either, as ferrous metals may contaminate the pickle.

As soon as the jewelry pieces are rinsed well in water, which neutralizes them... they can easily be touched by our hands again... for filing, doming, drilling and final polishing...

...the blue-green color of the pickle shows that copper has been absorbed into the solution.






The finished pair of our "Sun and Moon" earrings... photographed in my garden on one of the many varieties of the Perennial Sunflower... Helianthus spp. ... The blooms are not large... not more than 4"... but they are profuse... They will continue blooming through the summer... and ever afterwards in the summers to follow...



approx. sizes of earrings... Sun, 1¼" long in Sterling Silver and Copper..... Moon, ¾" long in Sterling Silver... both on Sterling shepherd hooks, Limited Production ....... $25.00 pr

... more designs on my web album...


Available... if interested in DESIDERATUM Art Jewelry, please contact me, Thank-You.

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23 comments:

Ruth said...

Oh I'm so glad you changed your comment box to open separately! Now I can look at your post while commenting. Thank you.

This was totally unique and creative, your creative expression on top of Nature's. That top sunflower is soooo interesting, don't think I've ever seen one before. I think all our sunflowers are biennials, reseeding themselves.

I used to sing 'You are my sunshine' to my niece, and so I associate it with her. I was 10 when she was born.

I always love to see the process of your craft. Thanks.

Anet said...

These are just lovely! So interesting when show us the process in making your jewelry.
My dad used to sing that song to me when I was little too! I think it's a really good daddy song.:)
I can still hear his voice sing the words!

Gwen Buchanan said...

hi Ruth and Anet, This is so cool that you both have associations with this sweet song... funny how music/songs can pinpoint time and place and cause emotional responses...

I have not been able to pin down this exact species of sunflower so if anyone recognizes it.. please let me know.. It has very large leaves especially in comparison to the flowers and the height is about 3 - 4 feet.

Sharon said...

Great post Gwen!
I really like this design and seeing more about the process of creating your work. It really is involved and meticulous!

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Sharon!!
This is such a busy time of year...Non stop as far as work is concerned... wish the days were longer and I had more time to experiment ...
I just have to be patient... winter is coming...

denise said...

I also love seeing the process. What lovely suns and moons.

Janice Thomson said...

Those are wonderful Gwen and your presentations are enchanting to read.

flyinamber said...

you new earrings are so funny and beautiful!
love the photos with sunflowers!
we have one rainy day here..have a nice week,Gwen!

Jazz said...

Those earrings are lovely...

And now I'll have you are my sunshine in my head all day.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks Denise, Don't you just love the process of any piece you do almost as much as the finished work!! I do..

Janice, the sunflowers were calling out and begging for attention...

Hi Dada, I love your new painting!

Thanks Jazz... Here's to a cheery Sunny day !!!

Marie Alton said...

Gwen these are so cool...and absolutely love how you photographed them! Thanks for the runthrough of your process of creation...fascinating!

sandy said...

Yeah, I get to see more of the process. These are so gorgeous and I love the contrast of nature and hand crafted. Just wonderful.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Marie, thank you.. I am always intrigued with the designs you come up with.. so varied!

***

Thanks Sandy, I don't know where you find the time to do all the things you do.. you are one busy girl!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the visit. Looks like our lives are very similar in some ways :)

I love to see the process of your work, just amazing to see and lovely to behold when complete.

That is the song I sang to my son when he was little. He gets a little shy about it these days being 2 days away from a whole 10 years old, but I still love it. I would sing it over and over until he fell asleep.

Gwen Buchanan said...

aw, Mistie.. tell your son he will remember it fondly when he is grown and he sings this little song to his son.
Thanks for dropping in!

Don said...

It is a little treasure to have a song that reminds you of someone dear.

I too enjoy to get snippets of inside details of an artist at work.

Do you have a best selling item this summer?

Gwen Buchanan said...

that is so true Don.. about songs reminding us of something or someone special.. Do you have a particular one that comes to mind?

We have about 70 designs.. and there are a few favourites... The Wine and Goblet is one.. but it is hard to say.... different designs trigger different associations to each person... The Dragon-flys are popular too, and the Treble clef...Well most of the 30 whimsical mis-matched earrings are very steady sellers...

Summer is our busiest season, and we have been working long hours in the studio building up stock.

ArtPropelled said...

That song brings back so many wonderful memories of my step dad. He was always singing. "What a wondeful world" was another favourite.

I love your sun and moon earings, Gwen. Such a simple design, yet very unique.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hi Robyn,
I try to aim for simplicity with a touch of detail..
I'm glad you have songs that trigger warm feelings for loved ones, too.. it must be universal!

VioletSky said...

You have such an interesting and original way of presenting your jewellery.

The earrings I have from you are worn with pleasure.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Sanna, this makes me smile and my toes tap!!! thank-you

David Berube BerubeArt said...

Beautiful craftsmanship. I love seeing the process and final results.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hey Thanks David! I love seeing the images that flow out of the end of your fingertips!!!