It is almost the end of another semester. I have been taking art classes at our local community college, and for the past few years have become, 'stuck", in the medal welding sculpture class. Our teacher has created an advanced class, for those of us who have become, "perpetual students." Now we have studios at home (we prefer things like plasma cutters, angle grinders, and other tools for Christmas and our birthdays) We have developed strong friendships, enjoy getting together for inspiration, and also like to help the newer students.
This is my latest project, called: Moonglow Mother's Garden 8 1/2 X 13 inches, aluminum on wood, steel and vintage Lucite sewing buttons
These buttons, made of Lucite plastic are called, "Moonglow', by collectors of vintage plastic, especially sewing buttons and jewelry.
The first plastic was developed in 1862, and until the present day, many types have been invented. Lucite, was introduced by duPont in 1937 and the molded form, sometimes called thermoset or Moonglow, was very popular during the 1950's and 60's for buttons and costume jewelry. It was probably called Moonglow, because of it's glowing colors and similarity to moonstone. The aqua necklace is vintage 50's. It was very typical for jewelry to be made in sets, called parures (a demi-parure is missing a piece) of a necklace, earrings and bracelet, sometimes combined with gold or silver plate. To me the designs are still fresh today and can look very modern.
This sculpture was inspired by the jewelry, that the women in my family and I wore, during the 50's and 60's. We, "dressed up", in those days.
My Mother loved to garden and always had flowers in the house. Sunday is Mothers Day and it reminds me of how my sister and I would get up early, to join our friends in the neighborhood, to pick and make corsages for our Mothers to wear to church. At that time of year there wasn't much out besides violets, but we had fun, and our Mothers proudly wore our creations.
