Polymer Clay As Art: Meet Kathleen Dustin

Since falling head-over-heels with the polymer clay medium, I've been searching the internet for other artists who use it. My friend, Glennis (the other Shibori Girl), sent me to Kathleen Dustin's website. When I got there, my jaw hit the floor for two reasons: 1) the stunning beauty of her handbags and jewelry, and 2) the elegance of her website.

What Kathleen says about her work:

"People often ask me,'Where do your ideas come from?' I feel that part of my job as an artist is to pay attention, and so for 30 years I have been paying attention to the stages in my life and those of women around me, to the lives of women in exotic places where I've lived, and now to the quiet life I live and the natural world around me. The imagery of my work comes form taking a deep look at my life, responding to it, and expressing it so that it strikes a chord in someone else too, encouraging them to pay attention."

What got MY attention was her subtle use of color shading and delicate use of texture. Her pieces are exquisite.

(Click on the images below for information about each piece)

"Opening Seed Pod"

"Blowing Grass Purse"

"Apple and Granite"

"Double Brush"

"Leaf Bracelet"

"Stone Ladder Neckpiece"

Kathleen asked that I mention that by May 1st she will have a shop online at her website. Mother's Day is coming! :)

Kathleen will be exhibiting at the Smithsonian Craft Show, April 21 - 25, 2010, at the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. (Metro: Judiciary Square) If you haven't seen this show (the top juried craft show in the country), it's a must. If you are in the area, please stop in for a visit.

Her work is represented in the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Racine Art Museum, Racine, Wisconsin, frequently regarded as North America's principal museum of Fine Craft, Ornament magazine, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, and the Wenham Museum, Wenham, Massachusetts.

Now, I'm off to practice some color blending...

Note: All images used in this post are copyright protected and the property of Kathleen Dustin. I used them here with her written permission.


copyright 2010 Shibori Girl