Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Messier 83 - Spiral Galaxy

This is the start of a new bowl. It just came out of the kiln today and I'm really happy with the result so far. Another thick piece, this is about 1/2" deep and almost 14" in diameter. I need to clean the edge before I start the coldworking process.

The inspiration for the design was born from a Hubble photograph of a Spiral Galaxy called Messier 83. The color scheme is my choice and I wanted that spiral effect. I used more frit this time and my biggest concern was getting the fiber dam to hold as this fused. As a result I used a TON of straight pins and unfortunately some of the tips became embedded in the edge. This isn't really a problem as I will clean up the circle shape with my trusty Taurus 3 ring saw and that will eliminate any residual pins.

The next time I photograph this will be after it's slumped in the bowl. I will be entering this in the Palmer Lake Art Group's June show at Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts. Looking forward to it.

10 comments:

-Don said...

Thank you for showing me the process. I've never worked with glass in a kiln before and it's all new to me. Love the design...can't wait to see the finished bowl. -Don

Unknown said...

It's gorgeous! It does look like a cosmic jewel. This glass stuff is challenging and probably very dangerous at times.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Looking good! I love hearing about your inspirations.

Sophie said...

WOW!!! I absolutely love it!! I think this is my favorite yet. I love the red against the blues, it realy does look like a galaxy full of stars

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Hi Don! Thanks. I'm anxious to see the end result on this one too.

Hi Sheila. I always feel I must respect 'the glass'. I've been fortunate to only have fairly small nicks and cuts.

Hey Elizabeth. Thanks, I'm more than happy to share my inspirations for a piece. I too enjoy hearing what inspires others.

Hi Sophie. Glad you like the color scheme. It's a little brighter than the actual galaxy photo...that had more grays and whites. I opted for reds and blues with some purples.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Swirly galactic wonder, lovely!! Thanks for sharing your inspiration.

K S Jewellery Designs said...

Oh Kathleen, your work is so stunning. I love the way you share your steps with us. I am really looking forward to seeing the final bowl.
Kristin :)

SCJ Jewelry Design said...

Kathleen, I love the colors in this one. Your work is always so very interesting!

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Hi Diane, so glad you visited my blog. Thank you for your comments.

Hi Kristin! Thanks. I'm looking forward to sharing the final product with all of you too.

Hi Sandy. Thank you so much for your kind words.

Shay Stone said...

This is SO cool! I love galaxy/spiral-y things. You are so talented!