Art Forms

Someone once asked me what the difference between art and science is. I thought this was a silly question at first, but they explained that science produces repeatable results, and that is essentially what art does.

My opinion on this is as follows:
All art recognizes science, but not all art is science. Allow me to explain. Science produces exacting, reproducible results. These results are almost indistinguishable from one scientist to another. Not so with art.

There are scientific methods that can be employed, but every artist will have their own flair, style, and that is what makes it beautiful. This applies to all art forms: Dance, drawing, painting, sculpture, martial arts, etc. No two artists will perform or create the same piece of art the same way. For example, there is a scientific set of steps to correctly perform a pirouette in dance, yet no two dancers will ever perform a pirouette the same way. They both follow the scientific methods, but there is something beyond the science that draws us in. The emotion that the artist emparts on their art form leaves a lasting impression that the world can see.

So there is almost always a scientific foundation to art, but art itself goes beyond science to create something greater. In essence, the artist imprints part of their soul into their creation, and that's what we find so beautiful.

Neverland update!

Just finished the main shaping in the guard! I am much happier with this version. More to come soon!

Inspirational Plaque Time!

Finished another project today! This is an inspirational plaque that was commissioned recently. I bought a wooden plaque from my local craft store, but decided that it needed a vintage and worn white-washed look. As soon as I was out of the store, I threw the plaque on the parking lot and stomped on it, and kicked to my car, creating a rough, lightly beaten texture that one would expect on an old vintage plaque.

Next, I aged the wood to give it a driftwood appearance. Finally, I painted the lettering on and added a few light passes of whitewash, sanding it down in places to accentuate the aged look.

This 9x11 plaque was given an old, rustic farm-plaque look

I really like this piece and hope you do too!

Progress Update - Neverland

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I would say that I was solving world hunger or some other valid reason for neglecting my blog, but since some of you are probably hungry right now, we know that I've just been lazy...

I've been work on getting the new guard carved out of the thicker stock aluminum. I'm starting to hate myself for designing complex shapes for my projects. Here's a progress picture of the new guard:

My next challenge will be anodizing the aluminum to a fantastic dark brass/bronze color. Anybody have any tips? I also have to find material for the acorn-shaped pommel at the end of the grip. Time for a shopping trip!

This is the point of the project that is the most trying. You're not far enough into the project to see the end. You are forced to improvise or try something you are unfamiliar with, or to go shopping and spend money. So for my bit of imparted wisdom: There are 3 dynamics to any project. Time, Money, and Quality. You are usually forced to choose 2 of them.

Say you want to craft or purchase a new outfit for your next event (comic-con/renaissance fair/LARP event/what-have-you). You have several options:

• Pay a lot of money and get a quality product in a reasonable time (VERY expensive),
• Pay less money and get it fast (quality suffers),
• Pay less money and craft it yourself to get high quality (time suffers and is dependent on personal skill).

I've opted for the last option with this project. Let's see how well I do!

Neverland In-Progress

I thought you might appreciate some in-progress pictures this time! I am creating a completely original sword and am very excited and nervous. This sword's design has changed so many times, I can't even remember the original concept that I had. Everything will be handcrafted by me except for the blade, though I am planning some exciting artistic treatments for it as well. Enough talk, let's see some pictures!

Imitation is flattery

Every artist wants to create something unique, something special, and something "all their own". But trying to build up your skills only doing original works can be tough. How do you create that depth? How do you draw wrinkles? How do you get that hand to look right?

I have found two answers to this question. First, is learn as much as possible about your subject. Are you drawing a human? Learn anatomy. By understanding what goes on under the surface, you can more accurately recreate it on paper.

The second method that I have found is to copy other artists. This is especially useful when learning a new art style. I recently found an old book of poems and loved the artwork. I copied one of the drawings and I would like to share it with you.
I do not own the artwork, and cannot remember the original artists name, but I would like to give them proper credit.

So, practice, learn, practice some more! You will become a better artist, and a smarter person!

Branching Out

You may be starting to wonder if the only thing that I do is sketch and do simple digital coloring. The answer is a resounding no! In fact, I have branched out considerably in recent years. As an example, take a look at one of my projects:

Brand new hilt furniture!