Sept 01 Jade contest entry, first fitting of eyes

wow, just, wow!

If that fantastic creation in your avatar is of your making then those critics must be quite harsh.

While this started out as an idea about to older girls having fun despite a lifetime of hardship, the turn of events came about 5 weeks ago with seeing the head of a blackbird rather than an angel-face between them and the usual negative symbolism attributed to ravens and crows as carrion-feeders.

Was a bit conflicted, but still went ahead with the birds head in the end, and finally got an idea that seems to fit perfectly to the resulting image a few days ago.

Will either title it "No Fear" or "Who is afraid of black Peter". The second of which, I presume, is something Europeans would understand better as I'm not aware that this children-rhyme and associated superstition has gone into the "New Worlds"

The idea hence is how people deal with death (the raven representing the proximity of that event). Most people fear death and only make their peace in talking about it as a form of showing off. The immense fear of it is something that often hinders or even paralyzes us from having a fulfilled life as long as it lasts. We seem to be driven throughout our life by fear of some sorts of loss, instead of enjoying what we have, to the fullest.

Here now, you got the two girls having a blast and enjoying themselves, even though the end might be nigh.
I placed the hand of the girl on the right, firmly on the wing intentionally, as indication that she is fully aware of whats to come. The wings wrapped around them, basically indicate that there is no escape, and the bird towering above them, that its going to happen rather soon. Yet despite of all that, I want this piece to represent the ability to enjoy and celebrate life as long it is given to us. And that is only possible when free from fear of what tomorrow might bring.

I really really like your work on this piece KK. The detail you have put in such a small piece is amazing. And knowing you someone will be stunned when you give it to them. You are an excellent hoomanbean, carver and an inspiration to many.
Jim

I know what you mean when you say you are saving this one for yourself. I have a few that I keep hanging on display because no matter what I put around my neck it makes me itch and it seems a bit silly to just keep them in a box.
Jim

I'm in awe, Kurt. You're doing amazing work and exhibiting unusual patience and dedication.

I have a suggestion for making the opal eyes that might (or might not) work. If you can epoxy one of your cab blanks to a Foredom bit of some kind -- or anything that will fit your #30 handpice chuck -- it could be rotated slowly (under water) against an abrasive surface like a diamond file or an old diamond bur. If you tilt the stone while grinding to make a slight cone shape you'd then have a round preform with a "sweet" spot of the diameter you need. Simply round the top of the cone and cut the round cab off at the "sweet" point. Hope that makes some sense. Given your artist's ethic maybe the procedure would be too "mechanized" for your taste. I know the play of color in opal can be tricky when the color plane varies and that could be a problem.

I know you'll do well in the competition. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

I had to leave some sort of a hint. I new a few of you would figure it out sooner or later. I just cant get into the old name because of a forgoten "hint" word for my password to one of my old email addy's.