Exploring Experimental Casting: A Journey with Sea Coal

The Allure of Nature's Materials

Years ago, I collected some sea coal from Alnmouth Beach in Northumberland, where I grew up. The unique texture and colors of sea coal fascinated me. I was curious to see what would happen when molten metal was poured onto it. My reasoning was simple: being coal, it should endure the heat. Additionally, it had been in the sea for years, which meant it could survive the washing and cleaning process when transformed into jewelry.

Intent vs. Action

As is often the case, I held strong intentions to perform my experimental casting. However, I struggled with taking action. The box of sea coal sat unused for years. Overthinking and a lengthy to-do list prevented me from moving forward with my ideas.

Embracing Simplicity

Recently, I've embraced a principle of simplification. I often ask myself, "What is the easiest thing I can do to turn inaction into action?" Finding the simplest solution typically yields the quickest results. Many makers, including myself, have a tendency to overcomplicate our work. We think that intricate, time-consuming projects will demonstrate our skills better.

However, most people unfamiliar with jewelry making have little understanding of what truly is complicated. Therefore, we don't need to prove our craftsmanship by creating complex works. I often remind my students that the recipient of their handmade pieces may not realize the effort that went into it. The gift simply needs to be heartfelt. So, take a deep breath, and think about what you can realistically achieve in a single session.

Simplifying tasks often leads to not only completing them but doing so to a high standard, rather than hastily finishing a project.

The Process of Casting

To keep things simple, I made my sand casting mold using a beach pebble from the same beach as the sea coal. After pressing the pebble into the sand, I sprinkled some of the sea coal and gently pressed it onto the sand. The next step was melting some scrap silver and pouring it into the mold. When I opened my mold, I discovered a beautiful replica of my beach pebble, now in silver with a touch of sea coal.

The Art of Minimalism

Continuing with the theme of simplicity, I created a minimal yet striking bail. The entire process took about an hour. It's incredible what can be achieved when we embrace minimalism in our craft.

Capturing the Moment

I recorded the entire process to share with others. The beauty of turning simple materials into unique pieces of art is something worth documenting.

Watch The Original Post Here

---

Moving Forward

I plan to keep embracing simplicity. Maintaining momentum means identifying the smallest and simplest steps. Such an approach can support progress and lead to more fulfilling creations. The journey of experimental casting can be an exciting exploration into creativity, and I look forward to sharing more of my adventures in this art form.