Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Inspiration vs. Copying

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layering.JPGJust a quick and friendly reminder that I feel needs to be said today. The images shown on here from myself and other artists are not for you to copy. Unless a project is posted with a link to a tutorial or the instructions, I am providing the images for your inspiration and to get your gears turning.

I’m not debating using techniques or giving credit to the original artists. I’m talking about artists who have a visual language, they use polymer clay to express their artistic vision and story. As a fan or admirer and fellow creator we have no business making something that looks like their work. Ever.

I’m talking about intent here. Similar projects crop up all the time, I know there is nothing under the sun. But if we see someone’s creation online and think, “Wow I want to make one. I bet they did it like and this.” Go for it, create it Then put it somewhere in the studio for inspiration. Our version should NOT be shown on the internet. It shouldn’t be shown as our artwork. Because it’s not. We copied, we know did, it’s fine. I hope we learned something along the way and that it inspired us to try something else and move in a new direction.

As an artist, I’m never flattered when someone copies me. I’m not threatened either. I’m disappointed. Creativity isn’t a pie that we need snatch up the slices before they run out. Creativity is an ocean and there is no end to the new things we can create. Dive deep. Tell your own story, make something personal, create your own visual language to express yourself. The world is waiting to hear from you.

Learn from others, but don’t step on their toes while you are standing at their work bench.

(I’m not directing this at anyone, it’s just a reminder and some encouragement to trust your own creativity.)

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Comments

  1. Nicely said! Kim Cavender has written about how some people take classes and turn around and teach them.I’ve wached people demonstrate techniques on youtube that were originated by others. I don’t know how someone could feel good about themselves when they do these things. Art is a personal expression and the true beauty of art is when that individualism is expressed. My hope is that more people feel the joy of expressing their own unique vision.
    Debbie Tlach a.k.a. Artistgirl

  2. Yes Debbie this has been a hottly dedated topic online over the last year or so.

    I felt like I needed to put out this reminder. I didn’t want there to be any confusion since this blog is geared to both those who are just starting out, with sharing techinques and projects that I find online and to inspire those who are moving in their own direction.

    I don’t want to stiffle anyone’s creativity and I strongly believe there is a difference between techniques and someone’s personal style. As creators we need to make sure we use techinques to express our own style.

    Happy Creating!

  4. I really think this is an issue that spans across all situations.some folks get so caught up in how they want a piece to turn out that they miss out on an opportunity to communicate from the heart. When i think of a deeper theme for a project, the depth is easier to achieve…smudges and fingerprints may even authenticate it’s character more effectively than a perfectly executed skinner blend/mokume gane/metal leaf rendition of what we thought looked dope. Art is a messenger,saying something real in it helps everyone out. Jam on!

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Mache Molding Compound

There are some craft projects that feel like they belong on a rainy afternoon kitchen table, and this Milk Mache Molding Compound is exactly one of them. It is part craft, part science experiment, and part “wait… did we just turn milk into something solid?”

This clever little project from CraftBits shows you how to make a simple homemade molding compound using just milk and vinegar. The idea is wonderfully old-school: when the vinegar reacts with the milk, it separates into curds and liquid, leaving you with a soft mixture that can be pressed, shaped, and dried into a hard, stone-like material.

It’s a lovely one to try with kids, especially if you enjoy hands-on STEM-style crafts that do not require a trolley full of supplies. You can use the finished compound to make small charms, beads, ornaments, rustic tags, or simple molded shapes. Just keep the pieces small and thin, as this is not really the sort of compound you would use for large sculptures or anything that needs to be perfectly smooth.

What I like most about this project is how accessible it is. Most of us already have milk, vinegar, a bowl, and paper towel in the kitchen, which makes it a brilliant last-minute craft activity. It also has that slightly magical quality children love — one minute it is liquid, the next it is turning into a moldable material.

A couple of tips before you try it: use whole milk if you can, as it tends to give a better result than skim or semi-skimmed milk. White vinegar is also the best choice, as darker vinegars may affect the colour and texture. And don’t rush the draining stage. If the mixture is too wet, it will be soggy and hard to shape; if it is too dry, it may crumble.

This would be a fun companion activity for our other kids craft ideas, especially if you are looking for something simple, inexpensive, and a little bit educational. It also fits nicely with home crafts and handmade gift embellishments if you want to turn your dried shapes into tags or decorations.

Would I call this a polished, professional clay substitute? No. Would I call it a wonderfully curious, messy, memorable craft experiment? Absolutely.

If you enjoy homemade craft supplies, kitchen-table experiments, or easy projects that make children ask “how did that happen?”, this Milk Mache Molding Compound is well worth a try.

You can find the full project instructions here: Milk Mache Molding Compound