LaPlantz Studios

Clinging, grasping and wishing to hold on for as long as we can. Old loves, old memories, old ticket stubs, locks of hair, snippets of fabric, buttons and bows – all reminders of our rear view mirror. Let ’em in, let ’em out – stay today, in the moment. It is all that is real. All else belongs somewhere else, where it was and where it still exists in time and memory. 

“ClinGPeAcH” Brooch. By the Lake E, 2″ diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz & Sand in Shoes, Bench Pin Creations, 2014.

Walking gingerly on the newly fallen snow, being careful because of the unseen, yet icy ice her footsteps made their way to the eternity called the main road. Glimpsing the sunrise onset, the road became more visible and clear, as if to signal a new start. As the footfalls increased the distance between then and now, she knew the next day would beckon the reality she had dreamed of, between dreaming and waking. The new day dawns as the old day makes its descent into memory and the behind the scenes shadows.

“ShirtDropSteps” Brooch. 2″ diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz and The Next Phase, Ben Pin Creatives, 2014.

Every day, when David sits down at his bench, he wonders what will emerge from a pile of tools, metal and his imagination. Some days are better than others. One cannot be hot every day. Some days he wishes he could start over, yet by pushing just abit harder, a breakthrough just might and (often) occurs. With these two particular brooches, David went some where else. He arrived at a crossroads he had not anticipated. Other pieces from last week wanted to be explored more, but were not to be. These two emerged and what you see is what grew out of the wondering/wandering that surprises any artist, as we work through our demons and dreams.

“TwinsWithAttitude” Brooches. Both brooches = 2″ diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, pierced, punched engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz and The Try Harder, Bench Pin Creators, 2014.

When the invert meets the ’round midnight,’ a new session of romantic music ensues that only 11:11 could produce. It’s been quite a very long time, since 11:11 thrilled the heart and rocked the souls of 2 from the Prospective Arch. The bliss of the night watchman pretense will always be a lovingly, warm shadow in the memory.

“InVertV2Balls” Brooch. 2″ diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz & The 11:11, Chaos Bench Pin Creations, 2014.

Yet another “gasser from the passer,” another brooch from 1998. Fabricated with industrially painted aluminum, dyed wood and fabric mesh. © David LaPlantz, 1998 and 2014.

Sprinkled with the longevity of levity, the “Three” knew when to stay quiet, when to fold and when to cut “Their” losses. We could all learn to use, “Those” that the “Three” have reckoned to peruse. Coming on the heels of the “Twos,” The “Threes” have their muse. What?

“ThreeOfThoseAgain” Brooch. 2″ diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, pierced, engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz and Silly Phrases, Bench Pin Creations, 2014.

David was looking through his back catalogue of work yesterday. Here, from 4/3/1998 is a brooch that seems to be perfect for the day after Valentine’s Day. Looking back, looking forward and happy to be where we are (today) is always a pleasant diversion from whatever we may be experiencing currently. Stay alert, focused and in the now…

“4/3/1998″ Brooch. 2 1/4” diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, dyed tagua nut (vegetable ivory), engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz, Out of the Past, Bench Pin Creations, 1998 & 2014.

In the Ying & Yang of Love, sometimes the twain simply never meets. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how compatible the two hearts might be with each other. Sometimes they just can’t meet, even though the passion is sweet and hot.

“YingYangof LOVE” Brooch. 2″ diameter, hand fabricated industrially painted aluminum, engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz,  Ying/Yang Opposites, Bench Pin Images, 2014.

Well, well, well – Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and the bite is still to register some marks and crimson fluids to drain. Got your tourniquets ready, girl and boy scouts? Be prepared like the “motto” says. See YOU on the other side of midnight, huh? 

Does it always come in 3’s?

“CoUnT5TaKesABitE” Brooch. 2″ diameter, fabricated industrially painted aluminum, enamel paint, engraved & cold connected. © David LaPlantz and Buck Slooding, Bench Pin Daggers, 2014.