Another crazy pattern. I think with a larger size I could make it crazier. It’s very difficult to maintain radial symmetry, and the more parts you add, the more obnoxious the process gets. It’s especially difficult when you’re using a base-5 pattern. Or any prime number really. But! Prime number based patterns seem to look more natural when they’re done. (thanks a lot, Starfish!)
At the very least patterns should be odd-numbered. (base 9 doesn’t look too bad). The only even-numbered pattern that doesn’t irritate me visually is base 6, which still feels like a compromise but can look pretty good.
If you’re ever browsing my work at a craft fair or gallery and there are two very similar looking brooches but they are priced differently, try counting the spike patterns. Chances are that the less expensive one has an even number of spikes, or at least a non-prime number.
Here’s a side angle shot of a Thing That I Made. You can see how some of the newer patterns are more three dimensional and seem to be reaching upward and outward.
Maker Faire Bay Area -> Bizarre Bazaar -> Zoa Chimerum
We’re getting ready to head to San Francisco for the Maker Faire Bay Area. Very exciting and intimidating to be in the midst of so many amazing creative people working in the unique space somewhere at the intersection of science, art, and good old fashioned hacking which is the MAKER movement.
if you’re coming to the event (and you should), we’ll be at the Bizarre Bazaar tent in the West Lot. You’ll want to head to the west lot no matter what, because that’s also where “fire arts” is taking place. So, you know. Fire.
Here is another Thing That I Made. It’s at the MassArt Made store in Boston. You can even buy it if you want to. (If you don’t live in Boston you might have to call the store, though).
I might repost this image after its been color adjusted. I’m posting straight from my iPhone right now.
I made some new display stands out of foam core using the laser cutter at AS220 labs. They help to raise the work closer to eye level. Plus, all the components snap together with tab and slot construction, so everything folds flat for packing. These are just test models, but eventually I’d like to make them out of a more permanent material.
The photo is from TWIST craft fair in Northampton, MA. If you’re reading this on May 12th before 6pm, you should stop by. The artwork at this event is only 56% twee references to pop culture! That’s a pretty good ratio! (It means you *can* get a recycled plastic bag with a picture of a mustachioed hedgehog riding a bicycle, but you don’t *have to*)
Zoa Chimerum at KOLABoutique
My friend Kocayne, one of the designers I met when Zoa Chimerum participated in the Demarko Fashion show last year, has moved to Spring, Texas, and opened what looks to be a really cool boutique featuring emerging artists from around the United States.
I’m proud to announce that Zoa Chimerum Jewelry will be included amongst the selections at this new shop.
Even if you’re not in Texas, you may wish to browse their online store, which besides carrying signature pieces by Zoa Chimerum, also has a range of unique apparel and handbag designs.
Right now they’re offering free shipping for orders over $50. Just use the promo code below:
FREESHIPPING50
And if you are in Spring, Texas, here’s the physical store location:
KOLABoutique
315 Gentry St. Suite B1
Spring, TX 77373
