Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Spectro : Ortceps

I want to share a pair of mirrored paintings I made a while back as part of the "Imperfect Geometry" collection.
Ortceps, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Acrylic on Canvas
I have not made many paintings in this series, but I do love making these pieces.
Spectro, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Acrylic on Canvas
This pair of paintings in particular are so glossy and vibrant they can't help but catch your eye.
Spectro, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Acrylic on Canvas
I was particularly happy to have their vibrancy come through in these photographs.
Spectro, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Acrylic on Canvas
I am not sure when or what the next addition to the Imperfect Geometry series maybe; as it is more of a side project than a focus at the moment. Maybe someday it will become a more dominant part of my work. For now I just enjoy working on different projects to spice things up from time to time.
Ortceps, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Acrylic on Canvas
I just hope the next painting/s I start turns out as well as these did.
Ortceps, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Acrylic on Canvas
I guess time will tell when inspiration strikes and the next additions to this series becomes a reality.
I hope you enjoyed these new paintings as much as I do.
I will be back again soon with more to share.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Monday, June 25, 2012

Transformoney Tree!

Hello everyone!
As some of you may know, I have been doing a little collaborating with artist DADARA on his money based art projects. Feel free to click here to learn about our on going collaboration!
I wanted to take a moment to share with you his most recent "money" based art project, the "Transformoney Tree".

King Washington (Front)
He is looking for people to help collaborate and donate to the project and it is a really interesting and fun process, so I recommend taking a few moments to check it out!


King Washington (Back)
These Dollar bills are my contribution to the project and if you would like to be inspired by some other cool contributions and learn more about the project, I encourage you to visit this link: "Inspiration"

Duality (Front)
This project is going to be exhibited at the Burning Man Festival 2012 and is the newest addition to the Exchanghibition Bank project. 


Duality (Back)
I hope you decide to make a small contribution, it doesn't take much and can be quite fun! Here is a way to turn the project into a small party! CLICK HERE to find out more!
That's all I wanted to say for now, but I will be back again soon with more to share.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Solo Exhibition!

I am very happy to announce that I will be having a solo exhibition featuring the collection of work from "Monetary Bondage" at the "Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano" around June of 2013. 

Grouping of work from "Monetary Bondage" by: Daniel Icaza
I am very excited and have a lot of work to do; as I need to complete the Costa Rican series of "Bonded Money" for the show.
Title: 5 Colones? (back) Medium: Copper, Silver, Paper Money DIMENSIONS: 6", 3", 1/4" Date: 2011 Artist: Daniel Icaza
I am looking forward to sharing the progress and further details as they occur.
Until next time.

Peace and Love 

Friday, June 22, 2012

Mongolian Motif Wedding Bands

I was recently asked by a friend if I would be willing to make a pair of rings inspired by the motifs and designs present in traditional Mongolian wedding bands, architectural elements and art.

I told him I would be glad to, and the picture below is one of the images he sent me for inspiration. Apparently this decorative wooden "pole" that in my opinion resembles a crutch is actually a large central support column used within traditional Mongolian homes called "gers".

Mongolian Tulguur, used as a central support column in traditional Mongolian homes called "gers".  
As my friend explained circles and diamonds are constantly present in Mongolian life, and it is easily understood when one examines their architecture. One can easily see the motifs of interlocking circles and squares in the colorful designs painted on the wooden supports that make up their homes.

The gers themselves are circular structures with interlocking square grids for the outer wall that resembles a trellis. If you would like to learn more about Mongolian gers, I recommend this web site that does a pretty great job of explaining what a "ger" is... Feel free to follow this link... "Click Here"...

Mongolian Motif Wedding Band Her´s, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver 
My friend continued to explain how these designs are even present on traditional wedding bands with interlocking diamonds represented on the female ring and interlocking circles on the male ring.

Mongolian Motif Wedding Band His, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver 
These are the interpretations I came up with. I am very happy with the results and feel that these rings are pretty cool and I would not mind keeping them for myself. Which is a rather satisfying feeling as commissioned work can often times be more than a little stressful.

Mongolian Motif Wedding Band His & Her´s, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver 
Although, as I have mentioned before, it can be nice to work under pressure as it adds an element of urgency which motivates me, not only to work on the project, but to create something special as well.

If any one would like to discuss an idea for a ring feel free to let me know: danicaza@gmail.com

I hope you enjoy these rings as much as I do.
I will be back with more to share soon,
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

China Here We Come! "5th International Beijing Biennale"

Exciting news about an upcoming exhibition. I just received notification of my selection to participate in the "5th International Beijing Biennale"!

TITLE: 3 Dollars? 
MEDIUM: Copper, Vitreous Enamel, Silver, Brass, Paper Money 
DIMENSIONS: 6”, 3”, ¼” 
DATE OF COMPLETION: 2009
It is quite an honor to be selected to represent Costa Rica at this important event. The selected work for the event is "3 Dollars?", one of my favorite pieces from the "Monetary Bondage" body of work.

TITLE: 3 Dollars? 
MEDIUM: Copper, Vitreous Enamel, Silver, Brass, Paper Money 
DIMENSIONS: 6”, 3”, ¼” 
DATE OF COMPLETION: 2009
I have a few more upcoming shows and will be sure to share more information about those soon!
I will be back with more to share next time.
Until then.

Peace and Love


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Gurges

Another new ring. This is a special creation for some one who wanted a special gift. This particular client was on a budget and wanted a ring reminiscent of another I had made a while back. Here is a link if you would like to see the inspiration for this ring: Circuli Caeruleus
Gurges, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 13ct Blue Corundum
If you take a look at the link you may notice that the two rings are quite different. However you can see many subtle similarities as well. I try and never make two pieces exactly the same. If I wanted to make pieces that were perfect and identical, I wouldn't waste my time making them by hand, there are better ways to do that kind of work. Personally I find the subtle imperfections to be part of the appeal of hand made goods.

That's all I have to share for now, it's time to go back to the studio and make more things. I will be back soon with more.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Monday, June 18, 2012

Multiverse

I have not been doing a very good job of sharing my non-metal work lately. . . I recently finished a few new "Universal Metaphor" drawings. This is one of the newest and a personal favorite.
Multiverse, Daniel Icaza, 2012, 11"x15", Ink on Paper
Although some of these drawings are actually several months old I only photographed them recently.

Illusion, Daniel Icaza, 2012, 11"x15", Ink on Paper
I need to work a bit on staying current I guess. . . On the bright side I now have some nice new colorful pieces to share. So I will be sharing more of these in the next few weeks.  
I will be back with more soon. 
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Friday, June 15, 2012

Racemus

I have a new ring to share today. I wanted to make this ring for quite some time. 
Racemus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Amethyst 1ct (each), Citrine 1.74ct
I knew I wanted to mount these three stones together in a ring however, I knew I wanted to use some sheet metal in the design. Unfortunately my sheet rolling mill broke so, I had to set them aside until I was able to repair my rolling mill
Racemus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Amethyst 1ct (each), Citrine 1.74ct 
Now that it is up and running again I couldn´t wait to make this ring.
Racemus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Amethyst 1ct (each), Citrine 1.74ct 
It turned out better than I had imagined, and when it was all said and done, it reminded me of a bunch of grapes on a twisting vine; even the stones remind me of the colors of grapes and wine.

That's all I have to share for today but, I will be back with more soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Nodum

Time to share another new ring. . . I am also happy to say that I have added a few new items to my Etsy shop, including this new ring.
Nodum, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 6.5ct Light Green Corundum
I hope you have enjoyed this ring. This is one of the first pieces to incorporate sheet metal back into the construction since my rolling mill has been repaired.
I hope to post a few more items to my shop soon.
Regardless I will be back with more things to share soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Tortilis

More new rings are on their way... I have a few more wired based rings to share, and plan to put some up for sale on my Etsy shop soon.
Tortilis, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 5ct Dark Blue/Green Corundum
I am also planning a few other surprises. Hopefully I find the time to get them all done.

Back to work for now... I'll be back soon with more.
Until next time.

Peace and Love 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Some Color to Brighten up Your Day

I wanted to write this post to share some of Kaylee's newest work; which I love and find to be most impressive.
"Mandala #5: To Infinity & Beyond". By Kaylee Hinrichs. May 2012. Inks.
For the past several weeks I have seen Kaylee be completely captivated by her sketch book, hours fly by meanwhile she draws and colors in her intricate mandalas.
"Mandala #11: With Love". By Kaylee Hinrichs. May 2012. Inks.
Here are two of my personal favorites as a small preview.
To view the collection so far feel free to follow this link: "Twelve Mandalas"

I hope this post brought a little color into your life and I highly suggest following this link to view the full collection.

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

Peace and Love

Ionic

I had a great time making a hair clip not too long ago so, I decided to go ahead and make another one. If you would like to see the first one feel free to follow this link... "Scallop"...
Ionic, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver
This is the second hair clip I have ever made, but, I don't think it will be the last. It is a fun little mechanical device to make and fabricating a silver spring is a particularly interesting challenge.

Ionic, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver
Fortunately I always learn something new when making things that I have never made before and it gets easier every time. As the old saying goes. . . "Practice makes perfect". . . 
Ionic, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver
The aesthetic of this piece reminds me of Ionic Greek columns which became the inspiration for the name of this hair clip. I look forward to making some more hair clips in the future. 
For now its back to the studio for more work.
I will be back again soon with more to share.
Until next time.

Peace and Love 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Purpura Coronam

Here is a new ring I would like to share. This ring is made with a wire based construction. I really enjoy the design of this ring. It has a very light look but actually has a fairly weighty construction due to the large silver granules.

Purpura Coronam, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, 14ct Purple Corundum 
Now that my rolling mill is repaired I will probably make fewer wire based designs but I do like playing with wire so I'm sure a few more may pop up here and there.  If you would like to read about mt rolling mill getting repaired feel free to follow this link: "Rolling Mill Repairs"

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

Peace and Love

Monday, June 4, 2012

Rolling Mill Repairs

I recently received my new rollers to repair my rolling mill. If you would like to read about my broken tool please follow this link "Broken Tools = Set Backs. . .".
New rollers and other pieces of my rolling mill preparing for re-assembly
It was a long wait but the new parts finally arrived and I can now begin to put my tool back together.
 Cleaning and lubricating rolling mill parts for re-assembly
Before I can re-assemble the tool every piece needs to be cleaned and then re-lubricated. A dirty job but worth the mess.
Broken bottom roller 
Pictured above is the component of the rolling mill which broke. I have mixed emotions about having my rolling mill repaired. It is really nice to have it up and running again, but I was having a lot of fun challenging myself with a wire-based construction. I guess I can always work with wire if I want. In the end it was a great learning experience and I came away with some cool new ideas and insights. I guess it is now time to bring things back together again. 
New rollers installed on my rolling mill
Here is the rolling mill back in action and looking better than new. It certainly is a good feeling to know I can make sheet metal again if I want or need to. I did run into a scary snag however. When I was cleaning the new rollers I discovered some small imperfections that impeded the re-assembly. Fortunately with a little help from a fellow metal smith and mentor, the imperfections were rectified and the damaged part was still usable. A great relief to still be able to use the part although not an ideal situation to receive a new part and have it be slightly defective. I am still waiting to see how the tool manufacturer deals with this issue. 

For now it's time to get back to work. I still have some wire based projects to share and I am sure that sheet metal will start to make its way back into my designs soon.
I will be back with more to share soon.
Until next time.

Peace and Love 










Friday, June 1, 2012

Spiralem

I love spirals, that is probably one of the main reasons why I love working with wire. I am always captivated by the movement and visual metaphor/symbolism of beginning and end; and infinite possibility represented by spirals.

Spiralem, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, 12.5ct Purple Corundum
I am quite fond of this ring simply due to its abundance  of spirals. 

I will be back again soon with more to share.
Until next time.

Peace and Love