Artisans Together

Just Like to take a moment to plug the website
http://www.Faberuna.com
Really cool site that showcases handmade
goods across the globe - run by a robot and a
guy named Brett that were keen-eyed enough
to show interest in Vilenica Polymer Clay...
Thanks Brett!

Exclusive: 'Footprints' Creator Xander Keith

The first of a series of original prints entitled "Footprints" by up and coming print artist Xander Keith is on display at a private gallery in South Florida. Read the exclusive here.

"Footprints" production almost was postponed, do you care to comment?
We were originally scheduled to break out with this bad boy on May 18Th, mind you, this was our goal collectively from the beginnings of our collaboration way back in early October of last year. Things got pushed around and Tuesday May 19Th ended up being the magic day. To answer your question about possible postponement until the 25Th, it was all rumor and speculation.

You answered with mention that you might have creative influences or are in a group.
I was referring to my handlers.

Does Mr. Xander Keith have any plans for the fall season?
I plan on continuing the 'footprint' series through the summer and come October I'm bustin' out with my new series 'handprints'.

Xander Keith, may I call you Xander?
Sure, Xander is good, Xan when you know me better. The ladies get to call me Turkey nugget . . . don't be jealous.

About the ladies, America is hot over the Xan-man how do keep your physique so in tune?
I'm into reclined Jeet Kune Do. That helps my over-all tone. For muscle mass gains I've been very successful with my head lifts, gas squats, and partial rollovers. Oh yeah, yesterday I did an Oreo curl. I might add those to the regiment. My diet is another contributor to my steamin' bod.

Do you have a secret about intake to tell the readers?
Sorry Jim, I only eat my proprietor's blend of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Growth Factors, Allergic factors, Carnitine, DHA & ARA. Hard to find stuff Jim.

Can the readers buy those ingredients and make a health shake or something?
I don't think so.

Finally, by the way it was great speaking with you today, the readers would like to know how old you are.
Great to have you Jim, I'm Nine . . . days.

'Kenneth Tyler' 'Thirty Years Of Printmaking'

I had the privilege to view a public collection of various artists, under the collaboration of Kenneth Tyler at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum of Rollins College - Winter Park back in 2000. This was a diverse collection of American printmaking, entitled "Thirty Years of Printmaking" and represented the ongoing change of the printmaking discipline since the early 1960's.

Speaking of the change in printmaking, it wasn't until the sixties that artists left the black and white finelined boundaries of printmaking to meander onto something more complex and more rewarding. Integrating sculpture and paint into printmaking merged a whole different artform. The flat, two dimensional, drab, black and white, limited in size forms, turned into large, colorful, three dimensional prints bearing paints and sculpted forms.

One artist's work displayed was Roy Lichtenstein, who, in his series titled 'Reflections' paints huge prints of comic strip heroes with the vibrant mixes of primary colors they deserve. Another artist displayed was Robert Rauschenburg who set the record for size in 1967 with his masterpiece 'Booster', which incorporates a life-size X-ray of the artist (7 feet). Other known artists of the movement include Andy Warhol with his screen prints of movie stars and Jasper Johns' sculpted lead prints.

All and all, this exhibit was very historical and defined an era in art that was not previously defined to me. This movement will definitely be looked upon in the future and provokes much thought from the artistic eye. I highly recommend the art of those mentioned here and the mastercraftmanship of printmaker Ken Tyler.

'Little Ashes' or not

I'm into surrealism and especially the works of Salvador Dalí. When I heard there was a movie made about his life I was truly stoked. I figured it would delve into his methods, slumber with a key, states of conscience- unconsciousness, his fascination with nature, olive trees, and spiders. Watching the trailer, I became a little disappointed to see what seemed to be a tale of love and lust for humans and not so much for art. I'm asking for a lifeline from anybody that saw it. Let me know if I should waste my time with 'Little Ashes' or not.

Ode to Donna Kato, Polymer Clay mastermind

Interested in getting started with polymer clay? Donna Kato the author of The Art of Polymer Clay, The Art of Polymer Clay Creative Surface Effects, and most recently, The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques can show you how. Her techniques have revolutionized polymer clay jewelry making and she even manufactures her own clay through Van Aken International. I have used her techniques and get marvelous results. From novice to expert using her step by step formulas will allow you to produce professional finished products.

The Incredible, edible, polymer clay

No! you shouldn't eat it but I thought I got your attention... what is that stuff? Ten years ago in college I would purchase my graphite, acrylic paints, other medium of art for class and always walk by that rainbow colored play-dough like stuff. " How stupid?, is that for kids?, pretty, boy that looks like it tastes good!" I just kept on walkin', never bothered at a buck an ounce. It wasn't till the second millennium Tami from Linkage Jewelry designs showed me how versatile this stuff is. It crumbles when its dry, It gets softer as it warms, it conditions to taffy, it stretches, it blends beautifully, it bakes at a household temperature, curing to a flexible consistency all the way to rock hard. It can be molded hand formed and the sky is the limit. I live by the stuff now, (when I have the time), making it my exclusive medium to make art. If you thought it was just for the kids... It ain't. You got to try it. Check out some clay at Vilenica Polymer Clay.