Curious devices, forbidden artifacts, mysterious creatures, and intriguing documents.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Ovoid
The immensely talented Don Simpson brings us this curious pendant. One of the things I love about his art is how each piece seems to have mystical importance. He has a real gift for crafting items of power.
I really like this piece because it’s such a departure. It doesn’t match any known human culture and it is very difficult to even guess its function, if any. The technique of carving these canals that run inside and outside make for a very sophisticated piece of work despite it’s apparent simplicity. This is an example of known and unknowable “idols” that are a basic symbol of highly complex abstract (or totally alien) thought. The idea of simple complexity puts me in mind of such pieces as Cycladic idols, especially the “violin” shaped ones or the “plank” shaped or the Easter Island Moai. For that matter the concept of the Yapese Rai stones, which represented an abstract of wealth, obligation, and status all at one time – in fact physical possession was not necessary to gain power from these stones. Just because something comes from an earlier culture doesn’t mean that is any less complex than what is produced now.
Sorry bit off topic, but I couldn't figure out how to reach you other than on here.
you made a post a while back: http://propnomicon.blogspot.com/2010/09/dragon-scale.html
you stated the creator but google doesnt have much on him. do you know if this guy has contact info or a sale shop? i really love the scale he made and was interested in buying one.
Mr. Simpson is a master at creating the look of a shamanistic object, even when he's using invented symbolism. I wish I had a smidgen of his talent.
@ Gabarielle Wertzbaugher
Unfortunately I don't have any more information about the artist. I do know a few other artists have taken a crack at creating dragon scales. All I can suggest is a Google search. My apologies for not being more helpful.
I really like this piece because it’s such a departure. It doesn’t match any known human culture and it is very difficult to even guess its function, if any. The technique of carving these canals that run inside and outside make for a very sophisticated piece of work despite it’s apparent simplicity. This is an example of known and unknowable “idols” that are a basic symbol of highly complex abstract (or totally alien) thought. The idea of simple complexity puts me in mind of such pieces as Cycladic idols, especially the “violin” shaped ones or the “plank” shaped or the Easter Island Moai. For that matter the concept of the Yapese Rai stones, which represented an abstract of wealth, obligation, and status all at one time – in fact physical possession was not necessary to gain power from these stones. Just because something comes from an earlier culture doesn’t mean that is any less complex than what is produced now.
ReplyDeleteSorry bit off topic, but I couldn't figure out how to reach you other than on here.
ReplyDeleteyou made a post a while back: http://propnomicon.blogspot.com/2010/09/dragon-scale.html
you stated the creator but google doesnt have much on him. do you know if this guy has contact info or a sale shop? i really love the scale he made and was interested in buying one.
Oh and can contact me through this gmail account im posting from.
ReplyDelete@ CoastConFan
ReplyDeleteMr. Simpson is a master at creating the look of a shamanistic object, even when he's using invented symbolism. I wish I had a smidgen of his talent.
@ Gabarielle Wertzbaugher
Unfortunately I don't have any more information about the artist. I do know a few other artists have taken a crack at creating dragon scales. All I can suggest is a Google search. My apologies for not being more helpful.