 |
 |
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study Reviewed by Katherine Palochak. Rarely is there a book that is as beautiful in its inspiration and artistic endeavor as in its content, but this new book, Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study, sets an exemplary standard. Steve Midgett continues his exploration into mokume gane for the small studio with his concise and informative writing. Midgett’s previous book and video, Mokume Gane in the Small Shop, introduced this Japanese technique of metalsmithing to serious students and professionals. It showed how to successfully use this technique of “wood grain metal” by introducing methods that help accomplish these patterns without years of study and with low-tech studio methods. Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study not only covers the basic information in his first book, but also includes an abundance of new information. The superb full-color photos of the processes and the completed projects are especially enjoyable. The design layout of the book makes it easy to read and understand, with lots of graphic stimulation to help you retain the written content. It begins with an historical introduction of mokume gane. You are brought into its world of development and introduced to its masters — from medieval to contemporary times, from one global hemisphere to the other. Even if you are not a follower of historic details, they are presented so well in this book that you will find yourself reading it just so you can learn more about the seductive examples of mokume gane. Metallurgy is a serious consideration when doing mokume gane, especially when using more exotic metals. The section on metallurgy is thorough, providing the technical details without technical jargon. A chart of metal compatibility is included, which allows cross reference to metals that will be the most compatible when bonding. Besides the common metals of copper, brasses, and sterling, it includes shakudo, kuromido, silver alloys, white and colored gold alloys, shibuchi alloys, palladium, platinum alloys, and nickel. Midgett also discusses important considerations that concern malleability and ductility when forming the billet. This area shares essential information to help you make a solid billet that will perform reliably. It’s nice to know if a billet will handle the stresses of being formed into a dimensional vessel, or if the metals will stretch at different rates, causing a problem with delamination; this will save you material and time. This section has lots of important hints about eutectic bonds, useful for any type of lamination. In the bonding and firing section, Midgett covers different ways to perform the bonding according to the equipment you have. This section includes contributions by other masters of mokume gane. Midgett again presents his homemade mini-kiln suitable for small and home studios; Robert Coogan presents forge-fired mokume gane; James Binnion describes the electric kiln-fired version; Alistair McCollum shows us the solder-bonded type. The section on patterning the mokume gane is executed very sensibly. There are side-by-side examples of the functions of various punches, gouges, and chisel patterns on a mokume gane sheet. Examples of billets before and after removing the material, and putting them through a rolling mill, clearly show the effects. It is very helpful to understand how depth, width and intersecting lines complete a pattern when an item is finally rolled. This is an integral part of developing mokume gane designs. Midgett also covers twisted patterns, hot forging, veneer, double laminations, and erosion patterning. Nicole DesChamps presents an exploration of CAD/CAM patterning mokume gane for modern applications. Finishing is important to bring out the contrast and pattern of mokume gane. This is accomplished by etching and patination. Midgett gives formulas and helpful hints on how to bring out the details of the various metal combinations. “The Gallery” section has contributions that should inspire you to explore this area of metal art. Astounding examples of mokume gane used in sculptural vessels and jewelry are included. You will find a rainbow of colors and a complexity of pattern and texture that surpass any two-dimensional art. The final part of Midgett’s book consists of step-by-step projects that lead you through simple to progressively more complicated pieces. The first project uses a cast-ring base with a small strip of mokume gane inlaid for an accent. The second project is a cast ring with a mokume gane band inlaid around the entire perimeter. This one includes a nifty tip on using a hose clamp to achieve firm contact with the main casting and the inlay for sweat soldering. The third project, again a ring, uses fabrication to build an inner liner and guards on the outside of the band. A gouge-patterned pin is the fourth project presented. Midgett demonstrates how to use a rotary tool and a bur to develop a pattern in the laminate. This is followed by forging and a subsequent round of gouging to enhance the pattern. The final project is a bangle bracelet. This bracelet has one pattern on the outside and another pattern on the inside — truly fascinating! This is accomplished by a forging method of a mokume gane end grain bar rather than by fabrication. The result is intriguing. Whether you are a mokume gane novice or an accomplished master, this book will inspire you to stretch the limits of your creative talent and bring new life to your designs. Midgett’s tongue-in-cheek wit, attention to detail, liberal use of tips, and color photographs make this book outstanding.
|
Check out the selection of books we're selling in the Lapidary Journal Store.  Check out Reference Shelf, our experts' picks of recommended books in different fields. Some book publisher links: |
|
________________________________________________________________ Feature Stories & Artist Profiles | Step-by-Step Projects & Workshops | Technique Articles | Business Articles | New Products | News, Conferences, & Deadlines | Take our Reader Survey
Articles & Workshops | Bead Fest | Jewelry Classes | Show Calendar | Search for Products & Suppliers | Classified Ad Deals | Advertising Rates & Information | Media Reviews | Store - Books & Back Issues | Contact Us | Links | Site Map
About Us | Subscribe to Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist | Subscription Customer Service/Account Lookup Contact
us. |
