What the Talented Russians Can Teach Us About Wire...

I've often said that you can tell where a wire piece was designed by its "look." Those of us who bend wire for fun can easily spot wire work from South America with its curliqued jigged designs and fanciful filigree patterns.  Americans are currently all about the "Bohemian" style--mixing metals and making, well, "raw" and incongruent shapes and designs into bold fashion pieces.

But those are all things we've seen before...and, while pretty, it has never held my attention for long.

Enter the work of our "wired" sisters from the Eastern Europe.  Now, HERE is something different! As if made by fairies or elves, the crafters and wire workers of the former Soviet Union have kept their wire secrets hidden for years.  Take for example, this lovely fish made by one of my personal favorites, Alevtina Gersenko.  Alevtine crafts gorgeous animals from wire, including cranes and peacocks, tigers and lions. This fish is a classic example of her "paddle" wire wrap art, and it's beautiful.

Did you see the Lord of the Rings movies and, like me, marvel at the glorious wire work crowns supposedly made by Elvin Metalsmiths.  Well, those weren't Elves, they were Russian wire workers.  Here is an example of some beautiful work by Alba, who juxtaposes round with pointy and uses "layers" of wire to create an effect that appears almost "fantasy" like in quality and design.   Simple, beautiful, elegant, that's Alba's style.



Need more proof? Check out the work by the very talented Elena Strukova.  Here is an example of one of her pendants.  Elena has also turned the Egyptian Chain on it's "head" and mashed, smashed and destroyed the old "closed" spirals to create a crazy attractive chain that can be used for necklaces, bracelets and pendants.  You can see more at her site. Here's her pendant...lovely!


Check out the LiveJournal.RU pinterest board for even more fabulous wirework from Eastern Europe and marvel at the incredible talent of these wire bending magicians!