Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Progression of Creation

The creative process is an on-going one. It starts with an inspiration. Inspiration ignites thought. Thought to action. Where it ends, it is unknown sometimes. Each step keeps building until the thought stops. A few days, weeks, months, years, and possibly decades later.

From one ball of clay, comes a many inspirations. A new creation manifested in various forms of expression.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Fortune Cookies--- Not Just a Novelty Dessert Anymore.....

The fortune cookie is a phenomenia that still entertains, centuries after its inception. Although the origin of its birth is unclear, and a few countries are still in debate, all can agree, the fortune cookie concept is highly desired, no matter what form it's in.

The former life it had as a sweet, thin, hard-shell pancake dessert, exhibited after a fine meal, with prophetic message to ponder afterward, is long gone. From dessert  plate to sky-scraper high, the Fortune Cookie has proved to be unlimited.

Featured here are my two Fortune Cookie lines:

 The Lime Green in Polymer Clay Dangle Earrings and The Pit-fired Ornaments in Ceramic.

The Pit-fired Ornaments in Ceramic have SOLD.

For more information or if you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please visit my Etsy Store:  vyktoryas.etsy.com

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Fashion Meets Function-The Red Zen Series

I've always considered myself more of a ceramic artist than functional potter. Pottery is challenging and very temperamental. It commands absolute precision at times, especially in functional ware-unless, of course,  you prefer a wobbly bowl or have one edge thicker than the other.

 The summer break following my college graduation, I was able to work a deal on a part-time arrangement with a local ceramics instructor. She needed a lab assistant, but couldn't afford one.  I needed to have access to a lab at a reasonable rate. It was perfect for the both of us.

 The instructor specialized in functional, production speed pottery making. She would make volumes and volumes of matching sets. I was lucky if a cup actually functioned as a cup. The edge couldn't be too thick or else it would cause the liquid to dribble all over the person trying to drink from it. The handle couldn't too wide or too small and had to allow for at least two fingers to comfortably hold it.

Lots of ergonomic engineering had to take place, in each piece, for it to be a working, usable item of functional pottery. The discipline was brutal for a free-form person like myself. After a few years of dabbling with pairs,  I decided to try my hand at doing an entire collection. The Red Zen was created.

If you like to find out more information or are interested in purchasing any of these pieces, you can find them at my website:   vyktoryas.etsy.com

NOTE: The Pitcher & Rice Bowl have SOLD.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Compass Comeback

The Compass-one of my favorite items to incorporate into my Vintage Assembly Jewelry Designs.

Right now, it's one of the most popular trends in the stylish accessory, must-have items.

The compass has been a long trusted tool for guidance along one's path. If you know at least one direction (North)-- you can pretty much figure out where you're headed. I sense the current trend is fueled by a need for an "inner compass" to aid the journey of life of the possesor and the external one is actually a symbolic representation of that desire.

Fashion or function-- it's always a great conversation piece no matter what your purpose for it may be.

This featured piece has SOLD. For more information on other one-of-a-kind creations, please visit: vyktoryas.etsy.com.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Madonna & Child-The Most Beloved Icon

Of all the subject matter throughout art history, the Madonna and Child has been the most recognized-- from Pre-Renaissance and beyond.

The viewer does not have to be of Christian faith to feel the connection and powerful presence of the relationship.  It has an intriguing draw that is identifiable on the personal level.

In this particular miniature painting brooch, set in filigree European silver (800)- the expression is finely detailed-right down to the intricacy of the blue eyes and dark pupils. Her pose is unusual with the extended neck upwards, draws you deep into the focus of the subject matter.

For more information on this piece or other vintage religious jewelry, please visit my Etsy Shop: vyktoryas.etsy.com

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Artist Inspiration

We are a by-product of what we have experienced.

 As an artist, I always find myself inspired by nature. My ceramics reflect the natural earthtones without much fabricated color. And when I do occassionally use glaze, it's with  nature's influence. Sea Urchins are one of my favorites. I love the bulbness, orb shape and use it in various forms. Quartz agates are another of my favorites, with graduation of shades, dark to light, brings depth as it cascades over the carved clay designs. To view more of my ceramics, please visit my online store: Vyktoryas.Etsy.com.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Transitional Eve- A Work in Progress

It's been 11 years since I've redesigned my "Eve Series." The change is a little intimidating, especially since it's been a very successful series. But after a decade, there was a strong feeling that "Eve" needed  a new design to reflect all the "newness" that was going on in my life. 
The redesign has began and this is the first phase of the test samples, in their "work in progress" stage.

Onward and upward... to a New Eve.

Friday, April 22, 2011

More Musing in.... The Santa Fe Style

This latest creation in from an old, 1940s wood spoon rack that had some chips and nicks and didn't look too appealing in its current state. Even though I had some restoration stains and fixers, I decided to try a new look in the Santa Fe Style. Using paints on hand, regular household primer with color and acrylic art paint , I applied the medium-dark color first. Once that dried, I lightly went over it with the dry brushed the lighter color and blended in a  few darker colored (green & blue) accent strokes with the art paint. After it was dried completely,  I gently sanded the edges and thin spots to expose the different shades of the natural wood underneath.

It's still a work in process since I may decide to add some hooks and make it more practical.

Once completed, it will either go into a local consignment store, an Etsy store, or entered into a local arts & crafts show.



Stay tuned for more adventures in......creative endeavors.

NOTE: This item has SOLD.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Cross- Religious Symbol and Fashion Icon


Springtime, always brings up a few familiar things to mind- The Easter Bunny, Colored Eggs, and The Cross-symbolizing the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ after his Crucifixion.

To many Christians and Catholics, it's an powerful religious symbol. But for those who design, it's quite the powerful fashion icon that has withstood over 2000 years of humanity's history.

From its early basic unadorned, wood of early millenniums,  to ornate solid gold, encrusted with fine precious gems of monarchy-with many variations of style and design in between-The Cross continues to intrigue people from all religious and cultural backgrounds to this day.

If you would like more information on the crosses featured in this blog, please visit us my Etsy Store: vyktoryas.etsy.com

Friday, April 1, 2011

Naked Clay

In college, while most of my classmates focused on formulating dramatic glazes, I focused on the clay itself. The natural colors of the clay and the graininess were its own beauty. Adding glazes over the clay just seemed to disrupt that beauty, for me.

With my interest in prehistoric art at the time, I found the perfect medium-ceramics, where I could
explore and experiment. The reduction  process in the kiln (oxygen deprived during the firing)-- allowed for levels of depth as the minerals in the clay, rich in iron- pulled to the surface for those extra "touches" of contrast color for added perspective.

When I approached galleries and boutiques, they were all reluctant to take on my "naked clay works" as it was, and still is known as.  But the ones who ventured-- were all delightfully surprised by their sales--since "Flashy-Bling, and Bright-Loud", was the "In Thing" at the time.

The Naked Clay Collection is a simple, yet powerful series-- and continues to touch : the mind, heart, and soul, over a decade later of its inception.

The Zen Box and flat orb have SOLD.

To view more pieces in the series, please check out my Etsy Store:  vyktoryas.etsy.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

Victorian Etruscan Revival Era

One of my favorite jewelry designs comes from the Etruscans (Italy). Little was know about these mysterious settlers in Italy. In addition to being credited for showing the Romans how to build aquaducts and arches, they were also master goldsmiths, with  unique meshing of various style and techinques, influenced by all parts of the world-all blended together. The Mid Victorian Era was also captivated by their elegance.

The classic Etruscan beading is reflected all across the frontside (see picture below). 

This antique beauty is currently a featured item in this curated Etsy show:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d90dee0fd1c8eef120647b3?ref=af_shop_tre

For more information or if you are interested in purchasing it, it's currently listed in my Etsy Store: vyktoryas.etsy.com.

This item has been SOLD.





Saturday, March 26, 2011

New Venture- Santa Fe Style



I love the colors and rustic look of the Santa Fe style painted furniture. So after aquiring a few old pieces of furniture that had a good amount of surface damage and scuffs, I decided to try my hand at the Sante Fe Style. The first two live in my bathroom and this one was just completed and placed in a local consignment store.

This item has SOLD.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Antique Articles of Faith

Long before I got into the antiques, I always had a fascination with old religious items. Here's a sample of some of the ones I have listed in my Etsy Store: vyktoryas.etsy.com. They date from 1900-1950s.

All above items have SOLD.

Vist my Etsy Store to see more antique and vintage Crosses :vyktoryas.etsy.com

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Edwardian Elegance-Czechoslovakian Style

This are my newest acquistion. Fancy Czechoslovakian Earrings, Edwardian Era (preDeco)--Repousse Silver Setting with the old Screwbacks and Artisan Blue "swirl glass". You can purchase them at: vyktoryas.etsy.com.

These have SOLD.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Work in Progress- Eve-Volution Series

Here's a few of the new polymer clay series I just started. It's still in the refining stages--but I do have some completed and newly listed in my second Etsy Store-TheNudeNook.Etsy.com. Come check it out! :)


Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Maiden Blog-Welcome!

After several years of delay--I finally made it! I'm Blogging! 

Thanks so much for all the wonderful encouragement from my Facebook friends! I'm so grateful to find such a wonderful network of people.

Looking forward to my blogging adventure.
Vyktorya