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I learned that computerized metal cutters can create designs in flat metal pieces. Having learned this, I had to find out if I could create a suitable design. I assembled the various pieces for my template and started altering them. Julia looked at the original layout and couldn't visualize it. I wasn't sure either, but I had to try. I have some idea of what's necessary as I took a jewelry class in college. I remember punching a hole in the negative space, and inserting the slender saw blade. I'd reattach the blade into its holder and then cut around the negative space shape.
Julia was surprised at my result and offered the idea of making a diamond shape so the nail would fit better. I didn't want to go too high into the support frame, so I just made a tiny notch above the squared off 'V' shape.
Horus and Set with Ramesses the Third seen at the Global Egyptian Museum website,
housed in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo
Granite, height 195cm, width 72cm, originally found at Medinet Habu
I used the photo of Set and Horus blessing Ramses III as the main template. I didn't want the pharoah in the middle, but rather an image to which more people could relate. So I found a photo of a real scarab and a stylized scarab (which is hieroglyph for 'kheper' aka 'xeper', 'coming into being') on the web, and put the 'neb' hieroglyph for 'lord of' underneath. The 'Ra' sun also serves as a connecting device to the top border. So basically I'm trying to express Set and Horus blessing one's 'willed conscious evolution'.
I doubt I'd have the patience or the accuracy to attempt my design freehand, but perhaps I can make use of such a cutter.
I have created a couple of design variations on this piece. If the maximum height of the wall hanging is only seven inches,
the eyes need simplified:
Nine inch tall version with simplified eyes available as well
And for jewelry pendant size, the design needs simplified still further...
Here is the wall hanging result:
Laser cut from 11Ga stainless steel, 9 11/16in by 10 11/16in (24.7cm x 27.3cm)
If I wanted to, I could have it polished still further but the brushed look is sufficient for now. I am glad I chose the simplified eye design. I later cut the black board to fit the silhouette, so the contrast is heightened.
May 19, 2009
I may polish the wall hanging in the future, but am in no hurry to do so. However, the pendant really needed polishing. The jeweler would not take it on, I had to do it, and it took many, many hours. I'd gotten the front to a decent state, but wasn't quite happy with the back. A couple small imperfections still exist, but Julia assured me they weren't really noticeable. So I put the bale on and wore it for the first time today:
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