Saturday, September 22, 2012

5th Beijing International Art Biennale

The date has finally arrived. This week I will be traveling to Beijing to attend the 2012 Beijing International Art Biennale.
The opening reception will be on the 28th of September in the National Art Museum of China. The piece that was selected to participate is "3Dollars?" from the "Monetary Bondage" series.

"3 Dollars?", Daniel Icaza, 2009, Copper, Vitreous Enamel, Silver, Brass, Paper Money
"3 Dollars?", Daniel Icaza, 2009, Copper, Vitreous Enamel, Silver, Brass, Paper Money
I am not sure how much access I will have to the internet in China, so I may not have much to share until I get back. Hope to find a way to still share things.
Regardless I will be back soon with more to share, one way or another.
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Treasure Chests : Part 2

Part of the challenge of creating these "treasure chests" is deciding how to finish them. 
I wanted to go ahead and try something bold to see how it looks. Hopefully is does not distract or compete with the art work within the box. We will just have to wait and see. . .

Working
This gold leafing process is quite lengthy just because of the drying time required. This stuff stays tacky to the touch for days. . .

Applying adhesive medium
Hopefully it is worth all the waiting. 

Black leaf on box
Even if it does not work out for its intended purpose. It is most definitely going to be an awesome box.
Back soon with more.
Part 1 --- Part 3
Until next time.
Peace and Love 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Treasure Chests : Part 1

Finally got around to working on "Monetary Bondage" again.
For a long time now I have been trying to find a display and transport solution for these art works.

Box making station
It has been a long evolution of different stands and cases, but I think I have finally found the solution I had been waiting for.

Close up of the box making station
I have begun making little "treasure chests" to house and display this collection of work.. It is a labor intensive process, but I do enjoy it.

Boxes in various stages of construction
 For now I am still playing around with different formats and designs, but I like where this is going. 
I will be sharing the progress as things develop.
I will be back with more soon.
CLICK HERE to read Part 2 of this series.
CLICK HERE to read Part 3 of this series.
Until next time.
Peace and Love  



Friday, September 14, 2012

Master Card?

Recently finished the newest addition to the "Monetary Bondage" series. 
"Master Card?" (front), Daniel Icaza, 2012, Copper, Brass, Nickel, Credit Card
This is the second credit card in the collection. 

"Master Card?" (back), Daniel Icaza, 2012, Copper, Brass, Nickel, Credit Card 
If you would like to see the first one feel free to CLICK HERE

"Master Card?" (front), Daniel Icaza, 2012, Copper, Brass, Nickel, Credit Card 
I am really looking forward to spending more time on this series and playing around with some new ideas.
I will be back with more to share soon.
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Working Hard

Just a few pictures for now. . .



I am always amazed by the things that emerge from this "chaos" 



Special thanks to Kaylee for taking these pictures for me. . . 
Be back with more to share soon.
Until next time.
Peace and Love 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Ag : Silver

Casting Silver! Making a bunch of sterling silver and fine silver ingots. CLICK HERE to learn more about casting ingots.
Sterling Silver and Fine Silver Ingots
Fine Silver and Copper : In 1oz (Troy Ounce) Piles Ready for Casting into Ingots 
BEFORE:
Fine Silver and Copper : In 1oz (Troy Ounce) Piles Ready for Casting into Ingots 
AFTER:
Sterling Silver and Fine Silver Ingots
Time to keep working.
Until next time.
Peace and Love






Sunday, September 2, 2012

Dollar ReDe$ign Project

I recently had a friend share with me the "Dollar ReDe$ign Project". 
It is a very interesting project with many contributors and different points of view. I highly recommend checking it out even if only to look at some of the interesting designs for a moment. 
Some designers/artists really took the project to heart and have made some amazingly beautiful, intricate and intelligent designs. I took a slightly different approach to re-designing the dollar and focused more on the concept of fiat money rather than the actual design of a "money note". 
 
 
Here are a few of my favorite contributions...

Dollar ReDe$ign Project contribution: "Chopped $alad": Mark Wagner

Dollar ReDe$ign Project contribution by: Joshua Lamey
 Design featuring Nikola Tesla: Arguably the most amazing scientists that ever lived! Click here to learn about his life, accomplishment and tragic end. 


Dollar ReDe$ign Project contribution by: Petit Inventions : Infographic Coins
I hope you enjoy the "Dollar ReDe$ign Project", and don't forget to look into Nikola Tesla as well! A truly mind blowing story.
As for me its back to the studio to keep working.
I should have some new pieces to share soon.
Until next time,
Peace and Love