Below the Surface – Carol Holaday 2013
Photo of one of my favorite Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibits.
seascapes
“Sanctuary Talisman”
The “Sanctuary Talisman” expresses my reverence for:
the natural world
the water that supports all life
the beautiful ocean
Inspired by the Monterey Bay Sanctuary that I see every day, I created this pendant for the upcoming Monterey Peninsula College art faculty exhibit.
3/4″ diameter glass cabochon created with a torch, carved moonstone, aquamarine, sterling silver, fine silver chain
“Sea Flowers” ring
A silver ring featuring a bezel set lampwork glass cabochon I made using murrini from Double Helix Glass. Lots of shimmer provided by the silver rich glass. The ring band was roller printed with a photo-etched plate I created from a photo of a basket.
Sea Flower Cabochon
My first attempt at making a glass cabochon in the flame of a torch. I need lots of practice for sure, but I am pleased with this first try.
About 3/4″ in diameter, this will make a nice ring or pendant after it is set in a bezel.
Sanctuary
This is the ring I created for the Monterey Metal Arts Guild http://www.mbmag.org/ exhibit currently showing at the Pacific Grove Art Center in Pacific Grove, Ca. The title/theme of the show is “Sanctuary” and this seemed a good title for the ring as well.
The unusual piece of abalone shell was selected because it reminds me of the look of the dawn light on the ocean surface on a peaceful morning. Living within sight of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary is a blessing and a daily reminder of how lucky I am to be near such beauty. In fact, from my bedroom window I can watch the dawn arrive and see how the color reflected on the bay changes from moment to moment. Morning is my favorite time of day!
The silver bezel and ring band were roller printed using a texture plate I created by photo etching an image of seaweed I took at Asilomar Beach.
drifting
tiny floaters drifting with the current
dreaming deep
dreaming deep floating beneath the waves drifting, drifting
One lampwork glass bead, three views. Photographing in sunlight brought out surprising red flashes in the clear encasing glass.
Indigo Sea
Pictured is a lampwork bead I made last year. It is one in a series I call “Indigo Sea”. The bead was made on a 1/4″ mandrel and the hole is lined with sterling silver to give it a finished (and smooth) setting for the tiny seed beads to slip through. My friend Karin Salomon, seed bead artist extraordinaire, selected the beads and created the necklace that I am very happy with. A successful collaboration.
