Always evolving
Wiwat Kamolpornwijit is an engineer turned artist, now creating wearable sculptures.
Polymer clay comes in almost any color and is an easy medium to play with at home. Easily sculpted, the finished pieces only need to be baked in an oven to be completed. Commonly used to make jewelry, this lightweight clay provides endless creative options for any artist.
Engineer turned artist Wiwat Kamolpornwijit takes polymer clay jewelry to another level. His fluid designs often look as if they are 3-D printed elements because they are so perfectly sculpted.
Using the techniques of caning, weaving, layering, engraving and many more, he sculpts eye-catching organic shapes. Never using paint, each pieces is molded by hand with the original color of the clay. With metal accents made from sterling silver and stainless steel, his clay work is often complimented by additions of hematite and freshwater pearls.
Kamolpornwijit began experimenting with polymer clay in 2004 as a fundraising idea for his temple. After working in Oak Ridge, Tennessee as an environmental researcher, he decided to pursue the craft full time in 2007. Now, he travels all over the country selling his work in galleries, festivals, and fairs, often acquiring awards along the way.
Wiwat is a Thai word meaning “evolving.” He writes,
“I've never really appreciate this part of my name until the last few years when I started looking at how my work has changed. I wish I had all pictures of my old work when I just started out, so I could show how horrible I was in the beginning of my polymer clay journey! With collections spanning over a period of 10 years, I still have a long way to go, but I'll keep walking.”
While he is currently doing some shows in Florida, he works with galleries in Ohio, Illinois, and Florida to sell his work. Follow him on Instagram @wiwatkam for more pictures of his work and check out his website here to see his portfolio and schedule of upcoming events.