Friday, April 16, 2010

IPCA's 2010 Progress and Possibilities Competition

As my friend Linda Riopel would say, WOO HOO! My Entry is done, the photo uploaded and the application completed!

I had hoped to submit 3 necklaces or 2 necklaces and a brooch showcasing my multiple layer image transfer technqiue, but although I only managed to get one necklace completed, I am okay with that because I have been in "the zone" since Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 (thanks for the time off, boss!) trying to create a suitable entry for the International Polymer Clay Associations's 2010 Progress and Possibilities competition before the deadline tonight.

I have been a member of the IPCA since last August, so this is my first P&P, although I have drooled over photographs of the 2008 finalists and winners since I joined. For the first time, three skill level categories will be implemented: Beginner, Intermediate and Professional.

P&P Components - Dark Teal Blue Basket Beads

P&P Components - Firecrackers Red and Gold Focal Beads

P&P Components - Beads

I started with an idea, that I wanted to incorporate my favorite polymer clay techniques: Image Transfer, Faux and Stamping/Embossing. I also knew I wanted to include my signature cylinder beads, some in image transfer and some stamped, and some of my faux jade.

I can't draw a stick, so I won't show you my initial sketch, but the sketch and the finished necklace are almost identical.

P&P Components - Asian Ladies With Teal Faux Jade End Caps

P&P Components - Asian Ladies With Teal Faux Jade End Caps

P&P Components - Faux Jade and Image Transfer Asian Pendants

I hope no one minds, but I have posted a bunch of photos. You only get to upload one to P&P, and this was such a long necklace, almost 34", that I couldn't get a really closeup photo of the entire piece, so I am making up for that here!

In addition to my favorite techniques, I also wanted to include my favorite colors, red, blue and black. As anyone who knows me knows, I LOVE red, all shades and tones of red, as well as blue and black. I especially love the tertiary colors on the color wheel, tomato red, teal blue, mustard yellow, olive green. I knew just which images to use, too. These vintage Asian images of Geishas, depicting "a day in the life", so to speak, are gorgeous and colorful, graceful and elegant. The lightbulb came on and I started sketching.

Voila! The finished design! I am really proud of this one. I think it is my best work to date, a rich, sensuous, color-drenched, classic configuration which celebrates a cultural heritage steeped in mystery and intrigue. Regardless of the outcome of the competition, I am completely satisfied with it, a first for me, and would not change a thing about it.

Becoming Geisha Beads 1

Becoming Geisha Beads 2

Becoming Geisha Beads 3

17 comments:

Silly... 'Ma said...

It's beautiful Lynda! Truly lovely, and you are rightly proud. I'm sure it will hold its own, at the very least against the competition. How long before the results are announced? You'd have my vote! :)

me<><

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you so much, Cindy. I believe the results will be published at the end of May.

Anonymous said...

My money's on you! Everything about that necklace is beautiful. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. What category did you sign up for?

Karen A. Scofield said...

Oh. My. A gosh!

:))

Your work just keeps getting better and better (and it was already so excellent).

SueBeads said...

Holy Crap! LOVE THIS! Amazing beads!

m.e. said...

PERFECTO!!!
Gorgeous design !
Fabulous beads !
and best of all
it showcases your AMAZING &
UNIQUE cylinder transfer beads !!!
this is truely an entry to be PROUD of !!!
heck...I'm feeling proud just knowing the Artist who produced this Masterpiece !!!
m.e . :)

Diva Designs Jewelry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you, ladies. Your comments and support mean everything to me. You are all so good to me!

Arlene, I am entered in the Professional category. :)

11BOLDstreet said...

You've outdone yourself, Lynda, and that's saying something. The judging committee should see this piece for the innovation that it is. Congratulations!

Angela said...

I don't see how there could be any better entry than this!! This is spectacular!!!!!!

artybecca said...

I concur with everyone here...this is one spectacular necklace!

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you very much! This has already been the most amazing experience already, no matter what happens with the competition. Creating this piece has really helped me focus on the direction I want to take with polymer!

Patrica Ugo said...

Lovely! Sure you'll do well in the competition.Good luck!

Pips said...

Stunning work Lynda. Your amazing talent just shines out of this piece.

Congratulations my friend on an amazing piece of artwork.

Will be waiting with baited breath for the results!

Pippa

Diva Designs Jewelry said...

Thank you so much, ladies!

Pippa, congratulations on your feature at PolymerClayDaily yesterday, too! Bravo, my dear! Very well deserved, and about dang time, too! :)

Alice Stroppel said...

Absolutely beautiful. I know you will be included.

Anonymous said...

I absolutly love your necklace you beads, the whole composition is fabulous! Best of luck to you!!! Deb