Mike Robinson Making the Phoenix - a Mini Series

[Echidna]

Klewis, this is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing

 

[chrono]

The level of skill and care is astounding. There is no need to apologize for anything.

 

[Aoife]

Klewis, thanks for asking Mike my question about his work process. I am just beyond fascinated and impressed. The medium varies, but every once in a while you find an artist/craftsman who has (Caution: hooey-hooey alert!) an almost mystical connection to his/her work, and watching this entire process unfold gives me the feeling that Mike Robinson may be one of those artists. I had that sense from Arjunajane's post in SMTB about her amazing ring made by Mike, and your fabulous Phoenix ring confirms it. What a phenomenal artist, and what an incredible ring.

I would love to see a handshot with your SO wearing the ring, at some point, if you could persuade him!

 

[Arkteia]

How can an artisan be so talented? So patient, so detail-oriented?

 

[klewis]

Thanks guys - I'm glad you're interested.

Aoife - I am going to try to get a hand shot this weekend, but SO is not that patient when it comes to that sort of thing, so it's going to take a bit of clever thinking on my part to achieve it.

Crasru - I was bemoaning this process of posting so many pics - choosing-uploading-adding-inserting- cutting & pasting text - previewing-submitting. Then I think of the work that has goes into pieces like this. The time and thought and artistry involved

OK next batch of pics

Plate of 18ct gold for making the body.


Rough shape of the body domed up and the shape of the Phoenix body drawn on in ink.

 

[klewis]

Body cut and domed to shape, pictured with the waste gold.

 

[klewis]

the start of one of the clouds/smoke sections.

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

Just a few more pics to go now before our ring is finished.

I have been intrigued by what happens to all the bits and pieces of gold scraps and dust left over from the cutting and filing and drilling. There was an interesting blog by Richard Wise about this and the spot price of gold http://rwwise.com/blog/
I hardly ever get this link-thing right, but If I don't, do persevere because it's very interesting, at least I found it so. Just scroll down to
'The Spot Price'

 

[Lovinggems]

Excellent photos, fascinating, some jewellers are true artists.

 

[yssie]

this is an amazing sequence! I love this artists journals - yours and the one AJ posted one in SMTB, watching the creation of a work of art is a real honour

 

[klewis]

I was going to post these final few pics tonight but I will do it now that I have the chance.

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

 

[klewis]

I'm so thankful that Mike has gone to the considerable trouble to take these photos and add comments.

 

[Aoife]

Thanks to Mike Robinson for the photos and for the commentary, and to you, klewis, for posting them here! If anyone ever wants to know what goes into a handmade piece of jewelry art, and the range of skills that requires, they need look no further than this thread, and arjunajane's SMTB thread.

Now I'm off to drool over the photos of the finished ring. I'm still hoping for handshots at some point in the future.

 

[Supers]

Truly masterful work.
Thanks klweis for sharing.

 

[y2kitty]

It was interesting to see it come to life, thank you.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

This is an AMAZING thread!!

 

[chrono]

Phew! That's a lot of time and work involved. My thanks to both Klewis and Mike Robinson.

 

[iota15]

Thank you for posting this series, Klewis. I know it took a lot of time, but I'm so very glad you shared it with us.

This is amazing. What skill! Unbelievable.

 

[Fly Girl]

Thank you so very much for making these posts. Fascinating look into the process of making a fine ring.

 

[Mike R]

I know this is a very old thread but I was just re looking through it again this morning, I wanted to thank everyone for the kind comments about my work, I'm glad you all enjoyed the journey.

 

[Starzin]

You deserve every accolade anyone can give you for the design and quality of this piece Mike. It's nothing short of spectacular.
(I was a lurker at the time but followed along).

 

[justginger]

I hadn't seen this thread before and am so glad it was resurrected (fittingly). It is AMAZING. I can't comprehend that level of artisan skill, but I can certainly appreciate the end product! What a beautiful ring!

 

[Lula]

Wow! That is an amazing ring. I loved seeing the detail and care and craftsmanship that went into its design and construction. Beautiful!!!! Thank you so much for resurrecting this thread.