| Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study
by Steve Midgett and Other Contributors
Published by Earthshine Press; Franklin, NC; 2000.
Hardcover, color, 8 1/2” x 11”, 157 pages, $34.95.
Reviewed by Katherine Palochak.
Rarely is there a book that is as beautiful in its inspiration and artistic
endeavor as in its content, but this new book, Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive
Study, sets an exemplary standard. Steve Midgett continues his exploration
into mokume gane for the small studio with his concise and informative writing.
Midgett’s previous book and video, Mokume Gane in the Small Shop,
introduced this Japanese technique of metalsmithing to serious students and professionals.
It showed how to successfully use this technique of “wood grain metal”
by introducing methods that help accomplish these patterns without years of study
and with low-tech studio methods. Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study not
only covers the basic information in his first book, but also includes an abundance
of new information. The superb full-color photos of the processes and the completed
projects are especially enjoyable. The design layout of the book makes it easy
to read and understand, with lots of graphic stimulation to help you retain the
written content.
It begins with an historical introduction of mokume gane. You are brought into
its world of development and introduced to its masters — from medieval to
contemporary times, from one global hemisphere to the other. Even if you are not
a follower of historic details, they are presented so well in this book that you
will find yourself reading it just so you can learn more about the seductive examples
of mokume gane.
Metallurgy is a serious consideration when doing mokume gane, especially when
using more exotic metals. The section on metallurgy is thorough, providing the
technical details without technical jargon. A chart of metal compatibility is
included, which allows cross reference to metals that will be the most compatible
when bonding. Besides the common metals of copper, brasses, and sterling, it includes
shakudo, kuromido, silver alloys, white and colored gold alloys, shibuchi alloys,
palladium, platinum alloys, and nickel.
Midgett also discusses important considerations that concern malleability and
ductility when forming the billet. This area shares essential information to help
you make a solid billet that will perform reliably. It’s nice to know if
a billet will handle the stresses of being formed into a dimensional vessel, or
if the metals will stretch at different rates, causing a problem with delamination;
this will save you material and time. This section has lots of important hints
about eutectic bonds, useful for any type of lamination.
In the bonding and firing section, Midgett covers different ways to perform
the bonding according to the equipment you have. This section includes contributions
by other masters of mokume gane. Midgett again presents his homemade mini-kiln
suitable for small and home studios; Robert Coogan presents forge-fired mokume
gane; James Binnion describes the electric kiln-fired version; Alistair McCollum
shows us the solder-bonded type.
The section on patterning the mokume gane is executed very sensibly. There
are side-by-side examples of the functions of various punches, gouges, and chisel
patterns on a mokume gane sheet. Examples of billets before and after removing
the material, and putting them through a rolling mill, clearly show the effects.
It is very helpful to understand how depth, width and intersecting lines complete
a pattern when an item is finally rolled. This is an integral part of developing
mokume gane designs. Midgett also covers twisted patterns, hot forging, veneer,
double laminations, and erosion patterning. Nicole DesChamps presents an exploration
of CAD/CAM patterning mokume gane for modern applications.
Finishing is important to bring out the contrast and pattern of mokume gane.
This is accomplished by etching and patination. Midgett gives formulas and helpful
hints on how to bring out the details of the various metal combinations.
“The Gallery” section has contributions that should inspire you to
explore this area of metal art. Astounding examples of mokume gane used in sculptural
vessels and jewelry are included. You will find a rainbow of colors and a complexity
of pattern and texture that surpass any two-dimensional art.
The final part of Midgett’s book consists of step-by-step projects that
lead you through simple to progressively more complicated pieces. The first project
uses a cast-ring base with a small strip of mokume gane inlaid for an accent.
The second project is a cast ring with a mokume gane band inlaid around the entire
perimeter. This one includes a nifty tip on using a hose clamp to achieve firm
contact with the main casting and the inlay for sweat soldering. The third project,
again a ring, uses fabrication to build an inner liner and guards on the outside
of the band.
A gouge-patterned pin is the fourth project presented. Midgett demonstrates
how to use a rotary tool and a bur to develop a pattern in the laminate. This
is followed by forging and a subsequent round of gouging to enhance the pattern.
The final project is a bangle bracelet. This bracelet has one pattern on the outside
and another pattern on the inside — truly fascinating! This is accomplished
by a forging method of a mokume gane end grain bar rather than by fabrication.
The result is intriguing.
Whether you are a mokume gane novice or an accomplished master, this book will
inspire you to stretch the limits of your creative talent and bring new life to
your designs. Midgett’s tongue-in-cheek wit, attention to detail, liberal
use of tips, and color photographs make this book outstanding.
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