My favorite resources for truly inspiring polymer clay artwork (and I don’t use the word “artwork” lightly):
Most recently, there’s the National Polymer Clay Guild‘s Progress and Possibilities 2006 Catalog. Included are high quality photographs of the top five entries in each of nine categories. This is the most up-to-date, cutting-edge collection of inspiring polymer clay eye candy available.
The Art of Jewelry: Polymer Clay hardcover book features a handful of projects, most of which look like they’d be right at home in a high-end gallery. I wouldn’t recommend the projects for beginners – step-by-step photos are few and far between, but the gallery is a veritable Who’s Who in Polymer Clay, and is dripping with inspiration.
If you are doing nice polymer clay work, but want ideas for elevating your creations to the level of art, these books provide plenty. Check your local library, your local guild library, the National Guild’s library, or you can buy your own copies at my store. Another great (and free!) resource is Cynthia Tinapple’s blog Polymer Clay Daily where she highlights recent noteworthy works. Checking that blog is a highlight of my day.
Lisa