Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Daniel Icaza Artist Interview on "On My Work Table" Blog

I was recently asked if I would like to do a guest post/ interview for a fellow artist and friend. I am very happy and honored to have been thought of and included in this lovely blog. 
Please CLICK HERE to read the interview and be sure to check out the rest of Jimena Bolaños's blog, as she has some pretty cool creations of her own. 
Screen shot of interview from Jimena Bolaños's blog,  "On My Work Table". 
I hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as I enjoyed it.
I'll be back with more to share soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Monday, May 28, 2012

Artus

Another brief picture post. This ring is constructed out of sterling silver wire and features a purple corundum stone, set upside down.
Artus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 18ct Purple Corundum  
Be back soon with more.
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Narcissus

Recently I was inspired to create this sculptural pendant. I still have not decided on the chain/ necklace part of the piece, but, I will figure some thing out eventually.
Narcissus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Mirrors, 12.5ct Yellow Corundum 
The story of "Narcissus" is from Greek mythology. As the story goes. . . Narcissus was a young hunter who was incredibly beautiful and proud. So much so that he had contempt for those who loved and admired him.
Narcissus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Mirrors, 12.5ct Yellow Corundum 
The Greek goddess Nemesis had noticed Narcissus' behavior and beauty. Due to his hubris, Nemesis caused Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water.
Narcissus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Mirrors, 12.5ct Yellow Corundum 
Unable to remove himself from his own reflection at the pool of water, Narcissus dies at the side of the pool (from starvation or drowning depending on the version of the story).
Narcissus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Mirrors, 12.5ct Yellow Corundum 
After his death, the gods decided to honor his beauty by turning his body into a beautiful flower which we call the Narcissus and we associate with the modern daffodil.
Narcissus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Mirrors, 12.5ct Yellow Corundum 
This piece is supposed to provide contemplation on the idea of narcissism and beauty.
From the exterior, the closed bud of the flower provides beautiful intrigue and mystery. However, it is not until the flower is opened and its hidden inner beauty is revealed, that we begin to understand where true beauty and the essence of the individual lies.

As the Greek myth tries to teach us that obsession with exterior beauty can be a very dangerous attraction. I like to encourage people to look deeper to find the true beauty and worth contained within all of creation.

I leave you with this contemplation of beauty for now and will return soon with more to share.

Until next time.
Peace and Love

Friday, May 25, 2012

Torquent

Just a brief picture post to share another new ring.
Torquent, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 5ct Red Corundum 
I will be back again soon with more.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Sensualis

Another wire design ring, only a few more of these are in the works as I am getting ready to repair my rolling mill.
Sensualis, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, 14ct Pink Corundum 
I really enjoy making pieces out of wire although it does pose a few interesting challenges.
I'll be back again soon with more news.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Scallop

For a long time now, a few people have been asking me to make hair clips, combs and hair accessories; so here is the first one.
Scallop, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver
I really like the way this clip turned out and I plan to make a few more of these when I have the time.
Scallop, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver
There are a number of interesting challenges in trying to create a strong structure and spring out of silver because it is so soft (even if it is sterling). 
Scallop, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver
But I enjoy a challenge, it is always great to learn form your mistakes and as the old saying goes "practice makes perfect".

I'll be back with more to share soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Monday, May 21, 2012

Duodecim Spiris

Another commission in gold. This time based off of the wire ring designs. Like this one for example "Aurea Ovum".
Duodecim Spiris, Daniel Icaza, 2012, 18K Yellow Gold, 14.26ct Amethyst

I love the way this ring turned out. It is really striking with its bold yellow color and deep purple upside down amethyst stone. The picture really doesn't do the piece justice compared to seeing it in person, but I guess that is always the case.

I'll be back again soon with some more news.
Until next time.
Peace and Love 

Friday, May 18, 2012

Umbra

Yet another wire ring to share today. I was thinking I was going to be done with this wire experimentation a bit sooner. But, I still have quite a bit of wire ready to go, so I can't help but want to make more wire pieces. At least until I am done with all the wire I already made.
Umbra, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 14ct Pink Corundum 
I'll be back with more wire creations to share soon.
Until next time.
Peace and Love  

Oculus

More wire rings in the works. Here is one of the new pieces. I have a few more in the works as well as some commissions, and the replacement parts for my rolling mill we be arriving very soon as well. 
If you haven't read about my broken tool, feel free to follow this link to be brought up to speed 
"Broken Tools = Set Backs".
Oculus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, 4ct Blue/Green Corundum 
Although I am really looking forward to fixing my rolling mill I am a little sad because, I really enjoyed making designs using only wire. I guess I can always make designs out of wire even though I will be able to make sheet metal again. 

I'll be back again soon with more news.
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Conicis

A little more fun with wire and up side down stones.

Conicis, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, 12.5 Light Blue Corundum
I´ll be back soon with more to share.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Monday, May 14, 2012

Aurea Ovum

Just finished another new wire ring!

Aurea Ovum, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, 22.5ct Yellow Corundum
I am really happy with the way this ring turned out. I had been wanting to mount some stones in different ways and I love the way this stone looks upside down. The way the facets of the stone reflect and distort the image of the wires of the band is absolutely mesmerizing! There are a few more rings that I made in this style so I will be sharing those soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Trinitas

After playing around with my wire for a few weeks, I have finally become inspired to make a few wire rings. 
This is the first one to be made; and there are a few more up my sleeve. 

Trinitas, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver Sterling Silver, 7ct Green Corundum ("Green Sapphire")
I am really happy with the results, although this particular ring ended up a bit heavier than intended. I am looking forward to trying to make some lighter rings soon.

I'll be back with more to share soon.
Until next time,

Peace and Love

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Celtic Knot Pins

Finished a few new pins. I was inspired by the last set of pins I made "CLICK HERE" to see those pins.

Elements, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver
As usual these simple motifs always flood my mind with all sorts of symbolism and I always like to hear how other people relate to the designs.
Pyramid, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver
Another important aspect of these pieces is that the are fabricated entirely out of wire. I have really been enjoying the challenge of creating and figuring out how to produce flat surfaces and volume out of wire. 

Seven Circles, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver
If you would like to know more about why I am working only with wire at the moment please feel free to follow this link:  "Broken Tools Set Backs"
Ill be back again soon with more,
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Circuli Caeruleus

This is an older ring I thought I would share today. I don´t have to much to say about it but I am looking forward to making more rings soon; I have to many stones waiting to be mounted at the moment.
Circuli Caeruleus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, Blue Corundum
Hope to be back soon with some fresh new pieces.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Rhino Hunter

I call this knife the "Rhino Hunter". Not that I actually support the idea of killing rhinoceroses. When I was making these knives I was intentionally trying to make them overly intimidating in a subtle and simplistic way. The heavy over sized blade on this knife makes it look like something you wouldn't want to mess with to much.   
Rhino Hunter, Daniel Icaza, 2010, Pattern Welded Steel (Damascus Steel), 
I was thinking of myself as some sort of prop designer making weapons for imaginary character's in crazy imaginary settings.

Maybe some day I will get to play around with these ideas some more.
But for now I have had to put any ideas about blacksmithing on hold.

Be back again soon with more.
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Golden Garnet

Here are a pair of earrings I was recently commissioned to make. This is another example of the great versatility of wire. So far I have managed to find some pretty nifty solutions to needing sheet it has been quite fun and I am looking forward to future challenges.
Golden Garnet, Daniel Icaza, 2012, 18k Yellow Gold, 1ct Red Garnet/s
For now I have to go play with some more wire. I will be back again with more soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love