Precious
Little: Poetics of the Found-Object
a workshop of exploration and construction
The materials we use for creative expression can be found literally
at our feet.
Join noted American art jeweller Keith E. Lo Bue on an energetic exploration
of unusual and unexpected materials in jewelry making. Through hands-on
projects and thought-provoking instruction, students will learn the
varied methods of selection and assembly this limitless palette demands.
No previous jewellery experience is required; all that’s needed
is enthusiasm and the desire to
work with your hands. Whatever your present focus or skill level,
you will come away with new insights
into the possibilities of your surroundings.
2008 UPDATE: I have been working overtime trying to correct outdated links and fix a few bits and pieces on this supply list, so please be sure to check back by mid-February for the updated list. Thanks for your patience! -KL
IDEAS FOR RAW MATERIAL TO BRING:
glass
scraps
acrylic paint
wire
sheet metal stock
tin cans
medicine tins
eating utensils
electronics / machine parts
broken cameras or appliances
small scraps of wood or small readymade found boxes
books to use for collaging (bring a few really old ones: pre-1910 -
if you've got them, as I'll demonstrate some great things to do with
them)
personal effects or memorabilia
letters
documents
postcards
maps
photos
stamps
fabrics
buttons
keys
record albums
audio cassettes
eyeglasses or magnifying glasses
medical tools
dental tools
interesting old pencils or pens
toys
dominoes
dice
game pieces
artifacts: religious or secular
bones
feathers
leaves
acorns
insects
straw
stones
eggshell
bark
teeth
fossils
pressed flowers
screws
washers
hinges
hooks
nails
x-rays
keys
ETC.
ETC.
ETC.
ETC.
ETC.
Get the picture?
The list could go on forever, because nothing you bring CAN'T be used!
It's really a list to perhaps spark some inspiration on your end for what to pack. Any small objects that you find interesting for any ole reason should be brought.
RESOURCES FOR OBJECTS:
thrift /
junk / antique shops
scrap metal yards
flea markets
garage sales
auctions
antique / ephemera fairs
hardware stores
art / craft supply stores
FREESOURCES FOR OBJECTS:
roadsides
parking lots
beaches
woods (bush to the Commonwealthers!)
abandoned buildings
dumps
dumpsters (only for the strong-stomached)
caves
eaves
attics
neighbors' attics
friends' eaves...
REQUIRED TOOLS:
The tools below are things you will be certainly using in the workshop, and to avoid having to wait for a communal tool to become available, you should plan on getting them for the class:
•
a regular hammer (of the kind everyone has sitting around in the tool
drawer)
• tweezers
• a regular pair of utility pliers
• jewelry pliers: a round-nose, flat-nose, side cutter (if you
don't have any jewelry pliers, here's an inexpensive well-made set of
four:
<http://www.gesswein.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?cat=2&sub=3&subsub=63&catalog=1&CFID=348658&CFTOKEN=96987798>
and click on the link that says 'Valueline Pliers, set of 4')
• a small jewelry plier with a serrated edge on the inside (gripping
edge)
• small hand drill (Fiskars makes a wonderful and very inexpensive
one (like under $15!): <http://www.yourartsncrafts.com/fiskarsmanualdrill.html>)
• drill bits (any standard hardware-store set)
• extra 1/16" drill bit
• roll of 're-bar tie wire' (found for under $5 in hardware stores
in the construction materials section, near the cinder block and chain-link
fencing. IMPORTANT: make sure it is steel or iron wire, NOT galvanized!...it
should be dark grey-black)
• fine steel wool (find it in a paint-supply section of a hardware
store)
• 2 clamps (an excellent bar clamp called 'Quik-Grip' can be found
at Home Depot...get the smallest ones available)
•
1 small bottle each of JO SONJA'S water-based VARNISHES:
Here's what they look like: <http://www.chromaonline.com/chroma/products/jo_sonja_s/>
Available at most craft-supply stores like Michael's, etc.
• * DAP
brand KWIK-SEAL Kitchen & Bath caulk- CLEAR:
Available at Home Depot and other hardware stores...here's what it
looks like: <http://www.dap.com/retail/retail_detail.cfm?catid=1&subcatid=2&prodhdrid=7>
FOR WORKSHOPS THAT ARE OVER THREE DAYS LONG:
• jeweler's
saw (get one ideally with a 5" to 8" 'throat'...Gesswein
has a 4.75" saw frame that will do it: <http://www.gesswein.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?cat=2&sub=9&subsub=12&catalog=1&CFID=119556&CFTOKEN=8296871>
and click on 187-1200 Flat Saw Frame 4 3/4")
• saw blades (get two sizes: <http://www.gesswein.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?cat=2&sub=9&subsub=3&catalog=1&CFID=119556&CFTOKEN=8296871>,
1 dz. of the 1 size (#185-0100) and 1 dz. of 2/0 size (#185-0020)
• spring-loaded, or 'automatic' center punch. Can be found at most
hardware stores, but go here to see what they look like: <http://www.tools-plus.com/gen77.html>
• small bench vise (about a 3" jaw is fine, or even smaller
if you find one...most hardware stores have a few sizes)...there's a
very small one displayed here: <http://jasmeetinternational.com/106.htm>
• An
absolutely brilliant pair of cutters can be found here: <http://www.americanjewelrysupply.com/products/jewelry/plier26.html>
Specify
the FLUSH-CUT model. They cost $29. If
you cut wire with any frequency, these are more than worth the money.
I covet my pair, which I paid way too much for ($70!), but even so,
I wouldn't give them up for anything. However, if you want a cheaper
alternative ($7), these will do: <http://wire-sculpture.com/item.php?item=G2-6&curFile=wholesalecloseouts>
or cheaper still ($3), for those who aren't planning on using them much outside
the class time: <http://wire-sculpture.com/item.php?item=G2-59&curFile=wholesalecloseouts>
OPTIONAL TOOLS:
The tools below are not required for the class;
they're helpful, so don't run out and buy them all. They would
facilitate you to go in many directions with your work. Bring what you
have, and call the workshop venue to check and see if they have
some of these things on hand. Some studios are very well equipped, and
some rely on students bringing what they need.
Hand drill (very recommended!). A cordless, variable-speed hand drill
is perfect and will be one of the most useful tools in your home, trust
me! Here
is one for $30 that fits the bill: <http://toolprice.com/product/1292L> Be
sure to charge up the battery before getting to the class! For those
who don't want to get the electric drill, Fiskars
makes a good and very inexpensive one (like under $15!): <http://www.yourartsncrafts.com/fiskarsmanualdrill.html> It
isn't as versatile, but it will work in a pinch.
mini drill bits (there is a 13-bit set from Gesswein here: <http://www.gesswein.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?cat=2&sub=13&subsub=4&catalog=1&CFID=119556&CFTOKEN=8296871>
and scroll down to #155-2038 Blue Ribbon HS Twist Drills, Set of 13
and Metal Index Case)
files
screwdrivers
wire (not galvanized)
tin-snips or metal shears
scribe
center punch
jeweller's saw (a nice thing to have if you don't yet...preferably
a deep 'throated' one)
hacksaw
circle / geometric templates
masking / sticky / scotch tape
sandpaper
paint brushes
And any tools particular to a media you are conversant
in...if you're a book artist, bring materials for binding, etc., painters
bring your paints and sketchbooks...and those who've never ventured
out into creative waters bring some junk and an open mind!
I look forward to a wild ride of exchange and creation with you all. As we share these days together, I ask each of you to bring slides and/or actual examples of your own work to share with each other, if you have them...this exchange heightens the creative energy and will enable you and I to personalize your own approach to the found material arena.
Please email me with any questions you might have that this page didn't address.
See you there! Keith
