automaton #1

did I request thee Maker from my clay to mould me?
fine silver, bronze, sterling silver, copper, quartz, paper, wood
kimberly nogueira 2011

did I request thee Maker from my clay to mould me?
fine silver, bronze, sterling silver, copper, quartz, paper, wood
kimberly nogueira 2011

did I request thee Maker from my clay to mould me?
fine silver, bronze, sterling silver, copper, quartz, paper, wood
kimberly nogueira 2011

i am so grateful to metal clay today, the online magazine for metal clay education, inspiration and resources, for hosting their quarterly challenge competitions. because of the most recent one, metal clay in motion, i changed my artistic direction entirely. my family might not say for the better, since i become mia from the household duties when i am in the final stages of construction of one of these pieces! i've always been exquisitely delighted by anything tiny that is mechanical, and much of my past work has revolved around themes of childhood wonder--its vulnerability and its resiliency.  in doing research for this challenge, i scoured my collection of moveable vintage gum ball charms for ideas, and researched old folk toys, which i thought of doing in miniature. the final piece encompassed much of the emotion of the past several months from my son's father passing away. i am sure you can see this quite clearly in the piece! but as i was making it, i was unaware of this; it was only after i finished it that i could see the aura of profound sadness, tenderness, and wonder that surrounded this work. my thoughts at the time centered more on the idea of how did we get here? who gave us this gift of motion, of life? what responsibility do we have to the life that we create and to others? i wanted the wearer to be able to interact with the piece, but to have to do it gently, so that they would realize that their movements and actions have consequences. the quote is from john milton's paradise lost.