I’ve been busy working on orders and fighting this sinus/upper respiratory crud (the crud is winning by the way).
I have taken some time recently to catch up on blog reading about the International Polymer Clay Associations recent Synergy2 conference. Every once in awhile, I come out of my hole to see what’s going on with the polymer clay community. My favorite is getting to see photos of so many talented artists and their incredible art on display.
However, I was disturbed to read that some polymer clay artists are dropping the word clay and referring to their work as polymer. Why does this disturb me? Well, mainly because artists have worked hard to get to the point where polymer clay is considered an acceptable art medium. To then change what you call it makes no sense to me. Polymer is a rather broad term that encompasses several different products.
Why is that polymer clay has taken so long to be considered an accepted art medium in the first place? It’s ok for someone to weld some scrap metal and bicycle parts together as a sculpture and it’s called art? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen some incredible sculptures made this way. My point is, why isn’t art appreciated for it’s aesthetic value regardless of material?
At shows, most people think my beads are glass until they pick them up and feel how lightweight they are. Then they will look at me questioningly. When I say that they are made from polymer clay, they reply, “FIMO?”. I work mainly with PREMO!, but the point is they know what it is. Usually the next thing out their mouth is, “I tried working with FIMO years ago, but nothing I made ever looked like this”. Which says to me that they appreciate the work and talent that goes into it because it eluded them. I feel the same way about potters. I love watching them and have such respect for their talent, because I couldn’t get past centering the clay on the wheel. When it comes down to it, isn’t that what we are after? Someone who respects and admires your work?
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Well said! I totally agree and you’ve said it better than I could.
Excellent post! I own some of your art and am proud to have it!
I really think you are right. I am a painter who works with acrylic paint… essentially pigments in a polymer emulsion.
To drop “clay” from the name of your art form is ridiculous. Polymer means nothing on its own because it is too broad!
Thanks Dystini and Regina! Glad to hear I’m not the only one who thinks this way.
Polymer what? Right on! I’ve been thinking along similar lines every since I heard yesterday that the trend seems to be headed that way. I think it’s a mistake, especially given how hard we have fought to give credibility to the medium of “Polymer Clay”.
Hope you are feeling better and may your spring arrive very soon.
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Well and there’s the thing right – I don’t show or enter the highest level competitions (which is what the speakers at Synergy do). So I have rarely had Fine Arts issues at shows. No one I have met in my time claying has sneered at my work and said, oh it’s child’s clay.
They’ve all been impressed with the intricacy and finish.
And I giggle at trying to convince non artists to use ‘polymer’. My techie background includes a lot of association with chemists and biology folks. Polymer is a chem term, much more related to the ‘plastics’ stigma that the fine artists are trying to steer clear of!
Right on Chris! I’m proud to say I work in polymer clay.
When I’ve heard comments about ‘clay’ most have related polymer clay to pottery … not to child’s play clay. I too am proud to be working with polymer clay and intend to continue calling it just that … with my head held high!
I agree wholeheartedly with every word and sentiment that you have so eloquently expressed. Bravo!!
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what gloss do you use for your clay
Meshall, I generally use Future Floor Polish or Varathane.
To me, the word Polymer brings the image of something being poured from a bottle. What we work with is CLAY. I would rather people be confusing polymer clay with earthen clay rather than a toxic goo. Both Polymer and Earthen clay require conditioning, mixing, meticulous forming, sculpting and finishing.
Anna-a fellow Clay Artist in Iowa.