just got my photos today!

and i have to say that my photographer (roger schreiber) and model (sarah loertscher) both did fabulous jobs! this weekend i will try to put up all of the photos on my website, so check back to see more.

electroforming

i am very happy to say that my electroforming endeavor is well underway. i have to admit i was a little nervous setting it all up and with my first couple of samples. but now i have been electroforming nonstop! i am very happy with the results and it was much easier to set up than you might imagine. this is what i used and it is all you really need.

i got an acid safe plastic container from the restaurant supply store. and a slightly larger cheap plastic storage container. i figured it wouldn't hurt to double up, its easier for storing it and i don't have to worry about anything spilling )

i have a three gallon tank filled with electroforming solution from rio

(order # 335-074 $16.45 per quart)

18amp precision plater from rio

(order # 335-187 $280)

i like to do my sculpting and carving with castilene. (i prefer the med)

i got my copper paint from safer solutions. (they are in philly)

for the anode i used 16 gauge pure copper sheet from rio

(order # 132-116 @$16.00 per 6"x12")

and 10 gauge pure copper wire from rio

(order # 132-310 @$13.00 per lb spool)

i also used this wire for the rods in the tank and the cathode rods.

don't forget to cover the cathode rods with electrical tape or the copper will plate them too.

here are some examples of just a few of the things that i have plated. check back for more work in progress photos

here are a few helpful online electroforming resources

sothernflames.org

instructables.com

jewelryartistmagazine.com

Life Under a Rock

"Two"
brooch 2007
electroformed copper, enamel, carved turquoise, carved tagua nut and sterling silver.
photo: ken yanoviak


"Lone"

brooch 2007
electroformed copper, enamel, carved pink turquoise and sterling silver.
photo: ken yanoviak

death, decay and preservation

neckpiece 2007
stuffed mouse, electroformed copper, sterling silver and silk.
photo: ken yanoviak

treasure

brooch 2007
silver, electroformed copper, enamel, found objects.
photos: ken yanoviak

Group Charm Bracelet

I made the toe

Electroformed copper, enamel, sterling silver and nail polish.

Angelito, a Mourning Portrait.

brooch 2006
electroformed copper, enamel, sterling silver, 18k gold and gold leaf.
Photo by Ken Yanoviak

“Angelito, a Mourning Portrait” is my interpretation of a traditional piece of mourning jewelry. When children are subjects of funerary portraits, they are often depicted as little angels; in Mexico they are known as “angelitos”. The life of a child is such a precious thing, and in return the death of a child is horrific. This is why I chose to replicate a plaster cherub face to depict death. There is a fragility about the small face, lovingly held in its setting like a precious gem, that evokes the feeling of an ephemeral life.
To miniaturize the form to make wearable I used the 3-D scanner and printer, technologies answer to molding and casting. I then electroformed the resin print out in copper and removed the resin leaving a copper shell to enamel on. Like a painter, with subtle use of color I was able to capture the feeling of life slowly fading out of his face.

growth

2006
electroformed copper, found objects.
model: maeve scully
photo: by artist

sponge tea strainer

2006
electroformed copper, silver.
photo: by artist

electroformed ring

2006
silver, electroformed copper.
photo: by artist

pendant

2006
18k gold, electroformed copper, enamel, glass, lace.
model: maeve scully
photo: by artist

Electroforming

"moon rock brooch"

brooch 2006
copper, cut stones.
photo: ken yanoviak


"xenophoria V"

2006
copper, found objects.
photo: ken yanoviak