There are no limits to the imagination when creating with polymer clay. The work in the cartoon style of Sheree McCready, with roots in Aotearoa, New Zealand, is a great example. Although we do not see similar pieces often, they are simple, ingenious, and, above all, visually stimulating!
Looking at these photos, one could easily mistake them for great cartoon drawings. The black color components she uses perfectly complement the black outlines, the asymmetrical shapes add to the authenticity of the comic style, the colors she uses work well together, and the surface shines nicely, emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the earrings.
Previously working as a nail artist, Sheree’s collection was inspired by the trend in acrylic nail art. “They are extremely talented artists in their own right and super innovative. I came across the style and thought it would be amazing to try the technique in my own work,” she explains.
“I also came across amazing cake makers and cars that used what they called a cartoon effect which was much bolder and usually only effective when photographed from one angle or one side. I wanted to put my own spin on it so that the effect looked like I had drawn the earrings from any angle. I have been figuring out whether I prefer the style of resin coated or just simply hand-painted, and to be honest, I kind of like both,” says Sheree and adds she is excited to see her jewelry worn by her customers.
Her knowledge of color theory and also intuition play an important role. “I’m inspired by my mood, music, and environment. I make bold choices and often pair colors that traditionally wouldn’t be considered as a pleasing color combination.”
She puts emphasis on contemporary style, bold color, fundamental skills, and connecting with fellow like-minded creatives. Recently, she has delved into epoxy resin casing to add more dimension to her work, enabling her to create matte components using glitter, ultra neon pigments, and micas. Even though she started with a very minimalist style at the beginning of her journey, there were bright pops of color already at that time, a prominent element of her artworks.
“Over time, I started to evolve and become more true to myself as a creative rather than creating what I thought people would purchase. I began making what I loved - working in a color-blocking style with distinctive graphic patterns that represented my personality and aesthetic,” Sheree adds.
