Posted by ateliersisk | November 9, 2015
2015 Ornament: Five Golden Rings
The design of the fifth ornament in the Twelve Days of Christmas bas-relief ornament series is underway and you can follow the progress here. It is possible that the ‘five golden rings’ is a reference to ring-necked pheasants, and in keeping with the song’s early emphasis on birds, we are going that route.
The pheasants are rearranged in an arch format.
Many have expressed their enthusiasm for the pheasant, but some associate the bird with thrift store hunting scenes. In the year of the Three French Hens, a visit to a student’s farm revitalized that piece before the deadline, and live pheasants were located in a bid to inject this year’s work with similar good humour.
The friendly farmer warned that Death might be glimpsed in the enclosure due to the occasional visit by a hawk. The actual concern was the sight of birds lifting into flight only to fall again to the earth. And so I was very still and they gradually drew near.
A detail of the sealed original.
The raw casts.
The ornaments with their Antique, Verdigris, and Gold Leaf (limited edition) finishes.
Hi Amanda,
I hope you got safely back to Vermont. The meeting went a little too long, at least the listening to someone talking-part of it, so I was glad to get out of there. It repeats all the time and this one was the worst we ever had.
I looked at your work and I’m totally amazed. Of course I saw your portrait at the Langdon house, and was wondering who was so skilled to do something like that. I also was present at the prize-giving event but don’t remember seeing you there.
In any case, your work is wonderful and I wish you great success in every respect.
Your figures have great movement and harmony, and at the same time I see a lightness in their creation, or should I say they look like they were created effortless, which brings them right to life.
All the best,
Thomas
Dear Thomas:
Thank you for taking the time to write. I enjoyed meeting everyone and did indeed return safely. As you were engaged with another when the group moved on, I neglected to speak with you about your figures in the wonderful fish. My compliments on your respect for Nature and the notion that we are but guests or travelers in it. I simply wished to say that I have never been satisfied with the play of light and shadow in a relief. I understand that frustration very well, but please know that to the eyes of others, your figures in the fish read beautifully. I wish you joy in your work, much peace, and zero encounters with unfriendly bears.
Kind regards,
Amanda
A,
Your work never seizes to amaze me! I need to plan a trip north to come see everything you’ve done.
Lots of love,
R
R:
That, or I ought to plan a trip south. The mid-summers and early autumns are nice in New England. If I am still here in the future, do come visit…the figures I’ve been carrying with me all these years are next on the studio to-do list, and so there may be something of substance to view. Sending all best wishes for your own creative pursuits.
<3 A
Hi Amanda,
I like how the ornament came out this year, great job! I am always amazed by how you manage to convey a sense of depth in these bass reliefs. It’s so interesting to see the process involved, thanks for sharing that.
Anke
Thank you, Anke. Their wee eyes did not come out well in the casts, but as a maker, you know how it is: we always see at least a dozen areas for improvement. I wish you a winter of great creativity and productivity!
Hi Amanda,
I was so glad to receive your atelier email announcing this season’s ornament as I have been meaning to start my set ever since I first met you. (Retirement has somehow kept me way too distracted & disorganized!) Know, however, that your beautiful cicada has found a comfortable niche in the farmhouse where I stop regular to wonder at its beauty and your skill. It also brings back fond memories of your time on “The Hill” with us. I look forward to receiving my five ornaments!
Warm wishes, Daisy
Daisy:
It is a true joy to hear from you. I hope that everyone is well on “The Hill” – the time I spent in that peaceful place will be cherished forever. I miss the porcupines.
Your order will ship on the morrow!
The kindest of kind regards,
Amanda
Your talent always amazes me and warms my soul. Thank you!
Dear Cassie:
My path would be a worthless one if it were without the warming of other souls here and there along the way. Thank you for your wonderful support.
All my best to you and yours,
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
This year’s ornament is lovely. I would enjoy it in a red finish, too, like the French Hen ornament. Any possibility of that? I saw a St. Gauden sculpture in Central Park a few weeks ago and thought of you!! Hope you are well.
Best,
Lane
Dear Lane:
It is good to hear from you! I hope that the writing and any other creative projects are going well. Yes – I made some custom ornaments for someone last year and I remain open to doing that. If you decide that you would like this year’s ornament in Crimson, just let me know and I will make up a sample for you.
Was it the Sherman that was recently re-gilded in Central Park? Did you ever visit Saint-Gaudens? I think that you would like the site.
All my best,
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for getting my order for the four “Five Golden Rings” so quickly. Everyone who has received one so far, loves them, including me. I will always be in awe of your talent and spirit.
Namaste,
Flo
You’re most welcome!
<3 Amanda