A Cut Above

So, finally a tiny peek at one of the projects I was a part of at the Emma International Collaborative help this past summer in Big River, SK.  I can't begin to explain what an overload of creative energy the event is.  100 artists and craftspeople from all over the globe, brought together for a week of nothing but what can only be called creative genius.  The energy is frenzied at times.  And, I am always amazed to see the end results.  Given that I am usually absorbed in the projects I am trying to complete, I often don't get to see what has happened until the very last day when I bring my head up for air.  At this particular event there were well over 300 art pieces completed - so this gives you an idea of how productive the week can be. The Emma Website is here - for more information on the event and its history: http://www.emmacollaboration.com/index.htm

Of course every item has a story and this one is no exception.  Dad often makes his knives in this pattern – called Damascus Steel.  This process has several layers of steel forged together a number of times to get these beautiful patterns and quite often the layers number in the hundreds by the time he is done.  This one is made from a timing chain of all things!  Once he had completed the blade and I saw what I had to work with, I began the process of creating the handle in glass.  I attempted to mimic (randomly) the pattern in the blade using Borosilicate glass – a very hard and durable glass capable of withstanding repeated use.

This little endeavor wasn’t without it’s hang-ups either.  In the midst of making the handle I had my oxygen tank run out and had to desperately finish it up long before I would have liked to.  Luckily the shape worked out quite nicely – it fits in the hand comfortably.  (Of course you can’t test this out when making it given the glass is HOT)....so you kind of have to wing it and hope for the best.  (Kind of how I operate most of the time!)  When all is said and done, overall I’d have to say I’m happy with the final result.  For me, the biggest treat is to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dad....not something we get to do very often.

We called it if course...."A Cut Above"  and it is currently being auctioned at the Emma site with a deadline for bidding of October 29th.  Have a look!
http://www.emmacollaboration.com/online-auction/knife2.htm
For a look at some of the other great pieces created you can check out this link: http://www.flickr.com/groups/809014@N24/