Amused!

This month's Art Bead Scene Challenge is focused on a folk art painting of Luna Park, an amusement park that thrived in the early 1900's on Coney Island in New York City.

Luna Park
Vestie Davis (1903-1978) New York :: Oil on Canvas, 16" x 20"
American Folk Art Museum, bequest Gloria Bley Miller 2008.5.16

Luna Park's designer, Frederick Thompson said:

"Buildings can laugh quite as loudly as human beings. A beautiful but excited sky-line is more important in an exposition than the correct demonstration of any man's recollection of the fine points of Sir Christopher Wren's handiwork!"

Mind you, I got this quote from a website about amusement park history, so I can't testify for its veracity, but I still love the spirit behind it! I think little jewelry structures can laugh on their own, too! It doesn't take the wisdom and skill of a seasoned goldsmith to create joy and amusement. Case in point....

This is my entry for the challenge and this is the first time I created my own art bead! I made the pendant using polymer clay in my take of primary colors--the basis for all good amusement park decor. I spent hours working with different combinations and shapes, much to the dismay of my crappy clay/pasta machine which finally gave out...that's a whole other story that involves a happy ending in the form of a new machine ordered on Amazon. haaaaaaaaa

I hope you can share in my laughter over this piece that's ringing in the feeling of amusement parks, popcorn, lollipops, and the all-American summer experience. :)

Jen