4.3.08

Peter Cummings "The Artist as Observer"


Before and after developing a technique I feel an obligation as an observer. Then to present a celebration, a revelation, a conscience or a discussion. There are a lot of personal details here, but different parts will be relevant to different viewers.

Australia.
12 inch high. 14 inch wide.
Applied cameo carving using System 96, Spectrum and Uroboros glass

11 comments:

Cynthia Morgan said...

Peter, I see this as very witty, lots of fun...and it makes me thoughtful. I hope that equals "successful work" for you--it does for me.

Kind of curious about the applied cameo carving technique--intriguing!
--cynthia

Anonymous said...

I can really appreciate the amount of control to realise this finished piece, it's amazing. I was expecting something else though, more close up with the white,gray and dark, maybe showing detail of a upturned VB stubbie top imprinted on some part of face.
With your patience and eye for detail I really hope that the next time we are invited to push it that you have a go at PDV.

Peter Cummings said...

Thanks Cynthia, I didn't go into technique much. A cameo is a relief carving showing the various layers of color. My books describe how the English used acids to take the background away then the cameo was carved using small steel points, like picks and later copper wheels.I've used a sandblaster to clear background for traditional blown cameo glass then drill carved the feature.Before carving, the english applied coloured pieces to blown glass, called pad cameo, the french called theirs marqueterie de verre (galle also did wood marquetery)and some of the roman glass had gems carved of glass applied.Fusing seems the most perfect way to do it. Huge color choice and no real limits on shapes.That figure has a layer of red, then moonlight white and opaque blue, white, and brown boots. About 4 layers as the shirt and jacket were cut to shape not layered.It flattened too much and the red oozed out the back. I hadn't used that blue or white before. Blue too solid but the moonlight white great, as you carve it down the color under begins to show through.This is the "cameo" effect, look at an old shell or gem cameo. It is really beautiful to do, coaxing that shading and depth.
Peter.

Anonymous said...

Great piece, and great explanation on the cameo technique!

Stan Harmon said...

Your work is truly a labor of love.I applaude your patience and planning. Love the perspective!

By the way, If you show this in the states, may I suggest another title, Brutus-"Where's that Popeye?" (google popeye)

Anonymous said...

You described "The Artist as Observer." yet I feel that when I view it, I, the viewer, am the artist observing you, inside your keyhole, unaware that the observer is also the observed.

Anonymous said...

Your attention to the tiniest detail is so incredible. I just love your cameo technique in all that you do, and this piece is fabulous!

Nicole

Anonymous said...

It makes me wonder what you are pondering. I think of looking through a keyhole, but only seeing a partial view of the world, yet this person is seeing the world in it's entirety. Incredible technique, and beautiful detail.

Barb R.

Terrie Corbett said...

Peter,

Your attention to detail, the introspection you convey with the figure and the added psychological impact of "peering through the keyhole" all have combined to make a a very interesting presentation. I am not knowledgeable about this process and I appreciate your additional explanation. I like this very much.

Anonymous said...

This is my favorite piece.

I would like to discuss the technique you used more.

The textural shifts are wonderful - the shiny smooth glass, the leather looking black.

The reflections of light suggest a that there is a bit of depth to the finished piece.

Peter Cummings said...

Hi all and thanks for the interest. If anonamous or anyone else wants more info on technique feel free to email, pm, or ask me somehow.
Peter