Alice R. Ballard

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..."My art is a reflection of my relationship with natural forms. It is often the metamorphosis of Nature's forms, as they change from season to season, that attracts me to that universal world in which differing life forms share similar qualities"... Alice B. Ballard

Kathleen Dustin

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Widely recognized as one of the world's leading polymer clay artists, Kathleen Dustin has been a pioneer, an educator, and source of inspiration for those interested in this emerging medium. Her exquisite art jewellry pays attention to the natural forms she finds in the
woods of New Hampshire. Here you will find information about Kathleen,
her artistic vision, see examples of her earlier and latest unique polymer
work, check her current show and workshop schedule, visit her blog, and
have the opportunity to contact her.

Shannon Weber

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Love it! Just random gatherings woven together....
..."I spend my time amazed by nature. I weave original one-of-a-kind vessels and assembled collages of multiple layers of weaving, stitching, tying, encaustic, and paint that work around the edges of traditional techniques. Most materials are hand gathered. A small listing includes, but is not limited to, seagrass roots, bull sea kelp, roots, beaver sticks, barks, willow and native grasses"... Shannon Weber
 
I love keeping up to date with Polymerclaydaily.com as I get to hear little titbits about some wonderful artists and crafts people, then I start some mooching and discover even more!!  Carol Simmons is one of my recent favourites, along with Rachel Gourley (see earlier posts).  They both work with colourful Polymer canes.  I tend to be really influenced and excited by artists looking at things like microscopic bits, underwater creatures etc so Carols work is fab!!


She has published a new Flickr site which gives you a quick view of how her botanically-based art has grown.

Carol Simmons is unveiling new work with this Sporocarps piece (see image and quote below). After years of looking at mosses, lichens and algae under the microscope, she reinterpreted her vision in polymer.
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"Sporocarps are the spore-containing fruiting bodies of mosses, lichens and some algae. This is my most recent piece of work. It is undoubtedly informed by my studies of mosses and lichens while in grad school. I spent many hours peering at them under a microscope and drawing what I saw. Working next to my wonderful new friend and artist Laura Tabakman at a recent retreat inspired me to try this sculptural form. The standing components of this mini-sculpture (4 inches across) are elevated on telephone wire.

 
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Many many many more monsters to see!!! This is really an indulgence for my clever little husband who is a whizz with his fingers and some plasticine! 
 
Canadian (BC) Lorraine Seibold is a metalsmith who enjoys pairing pierced hollow metal forms with polymer clay. Her inspiration often comes from the seashore, flowers and her shapes are playful.  See more of her lovely work on Etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaughingBird
 
These polymer sculptures by Angelika Arendt remind me very much of the crocheted coral from one of my earliest links but in a harder form! Fabulous colours and patterns - like giant sweeties appealing to my (not so) inner child!!

http://www.angelikaarendt.de/sculptures.html