"I think I burned out early. I'm not used to being in a crowd scene that much and snuck away when I needed a break. We'll all meet up again, though, I'm sure!"
crafthaus
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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John Lunn replied to John Lunn's discussion SNAG Toronto part 3 in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft
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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. 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
Ford/Forlano Art Jewelry replied to John Lunn's discussion SNAG Toronto part 3 in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft"John. I am sorry I did not meet you. My fault. I had a massively congested head and was floating around in a bit of a haze from it. I may have some thoughts on your thoughts if I can gather them. glad your writing them…"
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I hope I will be able to help SNAG with whatever…"
John Lunn replied to John Lunn's discussion SNAG Toronto part 3 in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft"While, I'm offering some responses and feelings about the conference, it in no way diminishes the overall view that I really enjoyed it and thought it very worthwhile. All of the presentations and exhibits were valuable and help create a…"
Brigitte Martin replied to John Lunn's discussion SNAG Toronto part 3 in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft"Regarding whether or not Toronto was a "good conference", I do respectfully disagree with Harriete. This was my 6th conference (Cleveland, Philly, Houston, Seattle, Phoenix, Toronto) and while I liked them all for different reasons, I…"
Harriete Estel Berman replied to John Lunn's discussion SNAG Toronto part 3 in the group Tapestry of Talents: Bringing Your Whole Voice to Your Craft"Just to respond to a few sentences in this particular post: John said, "At the SNAG conference almost everyone had a college degree in the arts." Actually I think you might be surprised at the number of people at the Conference and…"
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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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