How to turn sunlight into solid gold
The weekend is approaching, which means lots of free time to get creative in our SMK + Shapeways jewelry design contest [link no longer active]. What better time to share some more of our favourite details from the selected SMK artworks that provide the raw materials and inspiration for the contest?
Vilhelm Hammershøi, Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor, 1901, Statens Museum for Kunst. Public domain
Hammershøi, Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor (1901)
Detail of Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor (1901) by Vilhelm Hammershøi
Hammershøi captures the ephemeral sunlight and turns it into a graphic pattern — when seen in isolation almost an abstraction.
Detail of Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor (1901) by Vilhelm Hammershøi
The fine play of grey tones and silvery light in the paned windows is a hallmark of Hammershøi’s interieurs.
Detail of Interior in Strandgade, Sunlight on the Floor (1901) by Vilhelm Hammershøi
The seated figure makes for another graphic element in the composition, positioned to balance the lines in the finely polished, dark wooden furniture. Everything on the image plane is delicately atuned to create a sense of suspended equilibrium.
Jerichau Baumann, An Egyptian Fellah Woman with her Baby (1872)
Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann, An Egyptian Fellah Woman with her Baby, 1872, Statens Museum for Kunst. Public domain
Detail of An Egyptian Fellah Woman with her Baby (1872) by Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann
Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann has condensed the warm sunlight of the near Orient into solid drops of gold, adorning the reclining woman’s ear and neck.
Detail of An Egyptian Fellah Woman with her Baby (1872) by Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann
We love the delicate strands of plant fibres in the palm leaf that the mother is waving above her dozing child.
Detail of An Egyptian Fellah Woman with her Baby (1872) by Elisabeth Jerichau Baumann
Some motifs are obvious candidates to “jewelify”, like the magnificent golden bracelet — almost print ready as is. But wouldn’t it also be cool to transform that awesome green pitcher into a finger ring or pendant?
We can’t wait to see where your creativity brings you. More inspiration to follow next week.
Deadline for submissions is 16 June 2017.
https://www.shapeways.com/contests/smk-open-jewelry [link no longer active]