Challenge - Farbstudie Quadrate by Kandinsky

This month over at the Art Bead Scene the challenge theme is Wassily Kandinsky's painting, Farbstudie Quadrate. Kandinsky has been a long-time favorite of mine but I must admit that this painting didn't so much serve as an inspiration as it did a motivation.

You see, I have a very bad habit. I come up with designs, I make the porcelain pieces for that design, and then I let those pieces sit for weeks, months, and yes, even years. Sometimes for me the thrill of creating is simply coming up with an idea. I am a fabulous starter and a less than fabulous finisher. Sometimes. Sometimes I kick much ass in the way of follow-through. This was not one of those times. I came up with this necklace design around 4 months ago and immediately made a ton of circles in varying sizes and colors. I played around with them, stacked them and envisioned just how I wanted the final piece to look.... and then I tucked them away in their little storage box and promptly moved on to the next impulse.

When the I saw the challenge theme for this month I was immediately reminded of my stash of circles and I decided to use Kandinsky's painting as motivation to finish them. This is a good example of when inspiration doesn't have to be a literal translation of the object (or in this case, painting). Obviously I didn't adhere to the color scheme and I totally ignored the textures and emotions of the painting. I just did my own thing and imagined Kandinsky standing behind me, cheering me on. (Ok, that was totally corny. But kind of a funny visual, huh?)

As fas as design concepts go, this piece is fairly simple. I stuck to the theme of 3's. Three circles, three rings for the bail and three sterling wires connected to the rings. Repetition is always a good thing when it comes to design, be it shape, size, color, numbers, textures, what-have-you... if you are ever in a design jam try to figure out what you can repeat to tie the whole design together. It works like a charm! :)

Last week when I was in a bit of an earring making frenzy I came up this design and thought it would work nicely with the theme. I will definitely be putting this one into my regular production line. I just love the off-center circles and the possible color combinations are just mind-blowing! :)

Comments

mairedodd said…
i really love your interpretation and the thought you put behind the design (in terms of 3s, etc...)... i think i said this in someone else's blog, but what i love about the challenge is that you do see the designer behind the work... your submission is very you and that's one of the things that makes it so terrific! the earring design is awesome, you should definitely have them become a part of your repertoire... the off center circles are interesting to look at and, as you said, your color choices only stop where you want them to! great post and work - :0)
Rosanne said…
Sometimes simplicity is the best.
It's a beautiful necklace.
Anonymous said…
very modern, beautiful!
Gardanne said…
I'm glad I am not the only one that does that, I have sketch books full of ideas and very little jewelry to show for it. This etsy shop gig is still new for me but I can tell I am going to need deadlines. Like beads on Monday, Jewelry on Wednesday, etc.
Mary Harding said…
Really nice design. Congrats on the magazine article. It is great.
Beth Hikes said…
love your interpretation! Simple and bold. Love the modern look :)

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