March 4, 2010

• So, just what IS that stuff?

  There was a gathering of polymer clay artists in Baltimore last week, called Synergy2.  (This was the 2nd such meeting - duh!)

  So many big names were there, it was almost beyond temptation for me to try to go.  Several things stopped me.  First, it's rather pricey - worth it, considering the opportunities to meet, greet and learn from so many wonderful, creative and talented people - but more than I could afford at the end of a winter where we need a new furnace!  Also, it's all day, several days in a row affair, and it'd be very difficult, if not impossible, for me to keep up.  To pay all that money and be flat out on my back in a hotel room would stink!  And, I didn't have anyone I know to go with.  I'd really want a buddy for a trip like that. 

  That the event is so near to my beautiful baby boys was only salt in the wound!  But they will be here in just 2 weeks for Jared's birthday weekend.  Whoohoo!

  But back to the discussion at hand.  An ongoing discussion throughout the event (and now post-event, on blogs and websites throughout the PC community) was about what to call this stuff we all love to work with.  It's bubbled into the PCAGOE forum, as well.  Here's what I wrote there this morning:

  My husband and I had this discussion last evening...

  I told him about it and we tossed it around a bit.

  He thinks the idea that we're not using "clay," is silly.  It's a soft, pliable material that has to be kneaded, molded and/or sculpted, and then heat-cured.  In construction terms, there are things they call "mud," that are not organic, dirty, or even terribly wet.  He votes for calling it polymer clay.

  Calling it polymer isn't precisely "offensive," to me, but I'm not sure many folks are going to think "polymer," is any more appealing than "polymer clay."  I am inclined to think, "Hey, do what you gotta do," but I'm really not convinced.  What's the difference between saying, "Hey, this necklace is made from a polymer," and "Hey, this necklace is made from polymer clay."  At least with the old phrase, most people have some frame of reference.  Not sure about the other.

  I guess this means I'm going to continue to just say what it is - polymer clay.

  One of my new friends from the Guild has a blog post with another take: Laurel Steven at blogspot.

  In the forum, I'd say so far the traditional reference is in the lead, as much because so many people have no real idea what "polymer" means.  Lois' son, Ken, is a scientist who specializes in polymer development, teaching at Northwestern University.  I'm sure to him, and his ilk, the word conjures up nothing very "artistic."   

  This will continue in debate for years to come, I imagine.  There does not seem to be a real consensus.  Part of the issue from the standpoint of polymer clay artists is that "real" clay artists (those who use more traditional clays like porcelain or terracotta) reject calling what we use "clay," although there has been some progress there.  Some of them are now "us," having tried and loved this versatile medium.  We're not trying to replace any other clay.  We couldn't - there are unique properties to traditional clays just as there are to polymers.  They can make dishes and mugs and teapots that are food safe.  Such is not recommended with polymer clay, although we can get around such limitations with some imagination.  We can infuse our projects with color and textures much more easily and economically than they can.  And we have the distinct advantage that our clay is so lightweight.  Conversely, "theirs" has more "substance," if you will.  We can't replace traditional clay with polymer clay, anymore than the things we do with polymer clay can be duplicated with any other media.   There's more than enough room for all of us.  We just don't like being shunted to the rear in favor of those "real" artists.  Gaining a more mainstream acceptance is part of the motivation for looking at different things to call polymer clay. 

  What about "George?"

  me<><

  • 4:09 pm
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