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PARTICIPATORY SPORT FOR CRAFT ARTISTS
The Aficionado’s Day Job: Metalsmithing for Rihanna
One aspect of my “day job” with Michael Schmidt includes metalsmithing for the entertainment industry. The projects usually precipitate stress under the pressure of short deadlines but always yield new knowledge and a spiffy new piece that I usually add to my portfolio.
Last week I was asked to fabricate a cobra snake hat embellishment for Rihanna to sport during her performance at the Hackney Festival. The snake was cast in bronze, gold plated and has a little red tongue and Swarovski Crystal eyes.
It’s hollow through the body and stitched down to a leather ball cap.
As a smith, I find it to be a great compliment and am humbled when a celebrity who has access and many other options chooses to return to the studio I smith at. The first time I had the pleasure to create something for Rihanna was back in March. She requested finger jewelry to wear in Coldplay’s Princess of China video (seen below)
The set of ten brass finger spiculums were microsmithed using the techniques and amazing tools developed by NC Black Co. They were smithed and on set 36 hours after notification of the project with help from my talented metalsmith sidekick, Jay Yu.
Screenshot from "Princess of China"
Forming the spiculums
I find that I am most content when I am working in metal, regardless of the deadlines, stress, and encouraging/discouraging outside forces. My studio is my home, and when I am in it I am surrounded by all the things that make me happy. Yes, my anvils, vices and hammers all have moustaches...
The NC Black "Angelina"
Tags: Aficionado, Black, Casting, China, Cobra, Coldplay, Fabrication, Michael, NC, Princess, More…
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brigitte Martin on -
36 hours from start to finish? Wow, now THAT's a deadline...
I love to hear your story, it's great to witness how so many different art mediums are coming together here for these projects. Also god to know that a lot of things still need to be made by skilled hands, not machines.
Great job, Angelina. Can't wait to see what's next for you! -
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Permalink Reply by Angelina Ciulik on -
Aw shucks, thanks for pushing me to do the blog. Next post will be a little about my jewelry, I suspect. We'll see if something more exciting doesn't overshadow it. haha.
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Permalink Reply by The Justified Sinner on -
Very interesting. Shame I had to listen to the "music", however!
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NEW: Treasures from Taiwan - a crafthaus online exhibition...
Treasures from Taiwan - a crafthaus online exhibition shows contemporary metal art and jewelry from 11 Taiwanese contemporary emerging artists. Treasures from Taiwan will be highlighted on Crafthaus as an online exhibition from May 8 to June 7, 2013.
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Anna Sprague joined Heng Lee's group
Treasures from Taiwan
Treasures from Taiwan shows contemporary metal art and jewelry from 11 Taiwanese contemporary emerging artists. Treasures from Taiwan will be highlighted on Crafthaus as an online exhibition from May 8 to June 7, 2013.Curator: Heng LeeSee More
John Lunn added a discussion to the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft
SNAG Toronto 1.0
Okay, I'm better organized now. I'm going to submit a series of blogs over the next few days on the SNAG show. They'll all tie together in the end. The first point for me to make is that Brigitte Martin is a real sweetheart! It was a treat to meet her and catch hold of some of her enthusiasm. If you get a chance to meet her I highly recommend it.Alright, here we go...I was born in Toronto and spent 14 of my first 21 years bere before I moved to New England. I've visited over the years while the…See More
John Lunn replied to John Lunn's discussion Third time's the charm... in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft"You got that right p, Jennifer!"
Jennifer Dewey replied to John Lunn's discussion Third time's the charm... in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft"The computer Gods don't seem to want you to spend too much time blogging... you must be needed elsewhere, with great adventures to be found away from the keyboard! Have fun... hope the weather is fabulous in your former home town. Seems…"
Showing Publicly and Building a Legacy Privately
For the next 13 months we'll discuss the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of exhibiting in art shows as emerging artists and established artists. Exhibition coverage will be balanced with tips on how to strategically build a legacy over a length of time, in a way that makes sense to your individual goals as an artist and maker. Join us each month! There will be surprises around every corner, with photos, videos, SNAG conference coverage, and occasional interviews by rising artists!See More
Sandra Murray left a comment for Pat Morrow"Hi Pat, Thank you for your friendship! It's nice to connect with you on Crafthaus. :-)"
Pat Morrow commented on Pat Morrow's group Signature Work"Tom - time to pick one - you have many that would work for Part 2"
The Justified Sinner posted a blog post290° - The first of the Scottish degree shows
It is that time of year again, when the degree shows in Scotland all kick off. As usual, the roll is started by Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design - DJCAD for short. Regular readers of my blog will know that Dundee is my favourite Scottish city and has been for many, many years, so it is something of a surprise to realise that until last…See More
Tammy Young Eun Kim left a comment for Casey Sheppard"Dear Casey, thanks for the add and your kind words! I enjoy your work also! Love the scarlet hairdo :)"
New blog ...
Showing Publicly and Building a Legacy Privately
- by Rebecca Rose. 2013, SNAG/crafthaus Scholarship Recipient
For the next 13 months we'll discuss the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of exhibiting in art shows as emerging artists and established artists. Exhibition coverage will be balanced with tips on how to strategically build a legacy over a length of time, in a way that makes sense to your individual goals as an artist and maker.
Join us each month! There will be surprises around every corner, with photos, videos, SNAG conference coverage, and occasional interviews by rising artists!
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© 2013 Created by Brigitte Martin.
