Post #495696 by amybean on Wed, Nov 25, 2009 12:49 PM

Thanks, all!

Also having a grand time digging up projects I started 10 years ago...just before digital cameras! haha
Old and new, traditional and experimental, deep or wide- the core purpose of my art business is to Have Fun.

After reading the thread on the Tiki Merit Badge, I couldn't help but notice that I know very little about real tiki culture. But I finally have some time to explore and learn, and I'm thrilled to find such a focused community of incredibly talented people who are excited about sharing.

This piece has a 2-way spring mounted figure, so there's a bit of physical action in the mix:
(I took hula classes years ago, and I'd say this dance is Tahitian Ori based on the wiggle speed and the grassy skirt)
The total height is about 9 3/4".

For the cardboard edges, I use some combination of Dap vinyl spackle applied with a square-tipped exacto blade, or some thick acrylic sculpting gel that combines well with acrylic paint...sometimes I just jam some paint in there, or fill with hot glue (using hot glue for basic construction in this scale- if larger, I'd use wood glue). Cardboard paper cuts are the worst! Also- fingertips can get VERY dried out after much shaping and handling- much manicuring has been accompanying this project.

I want to finish the back-lit pieces before I photograph them, so will be posting shots over the next week. The show hangs next Thursday, and there's an opening party on Dec 11, if you are in the CA 94501 area- come on by! (afterparty at Forbidden Island yeah!)

http://www.rhythmix.org/content/09gallery/091211.html