Ondine Collection Trunk Show at Schroko's Hair Studio

I love having my studio in Uptown Greenville especially because I've made several life long friends with other business owners, such as the ladies at Schroko's Hair Studio - Sarah Schroko and Candace Joyner.  Two fabulous ladies that LOVE doing hair.

I met them about three years ago, right around the time I moved into Art Avenue and I'm very excited that I'll be hosting my next trunk show at their hair studio!  If you recall back about 3 years ago, Schroko's Hair Studio worked with myself and Paula Chrismon for our Auerlian Nights Fashion Show - the hair they did was SO baller.

Ondine rings, in bronze, sterling silver and oxidized silver. Photo by Tara Locklear.

 

Of course Candace Joyner at Schroko's does my hair and it's the best whenever I go to their salon.  I get the four star treatment! I mean, she made my hair purple!!! I want to go back again so bad but alas...it's too much maintenance. 

So if you live in Greenville, I hope you will come out to the trunk show and purchase new and old pieces from Eilisain Jewelry! 

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Having a teammate

Ya'll have heard me sing the praises of having Ashton Neibel in the studio, and it's true.  Not only is it fantastic having her assistance but also it's amazing having someone to bounce off ideas and share the ups and downs of being a jeweler.

I look back over the past six months of having Ashton in the studio with me and I cringe to think of how I would've survived if I hadn't had her help.  Obviously I'd survived but it would've been incredibly stressful.
It's not just having her help that has made my life in the studio easier but also mentoring Ashton and watching her grow has given me a sense of purpose, pride and made me more aware of my habits and work ethic.

So here are some fun and candid shots Aileen Devlin took of us in the studio.  Laughing, working and being silly.  Oh and side note, can you tell I love to accumulate notes, inspirational cards and stuff?!

This is the true spirit of my studio, being real and having fun!

On the grind, literally.

Talking out ideas, upcoming events and our adventures from the weekend.

We're trying to be cool here. 

Ashton Neibel in the zone...jewelry zone

Thank you for reading and indulging me in celebrating my amazing intern!
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The process

I realized the other night that as much as I post about new pieces or collections I'm working on, I haven't elaborated enough on the process.   How do I make all my jewelry you may ask???

And though you may be well aware that the method I use to achieve my pieces are through casting, the beginning is researched and sketched out several months in advance.

My notebook is where it starts, writing out ideas, small sketches that move into images and drawings of stones.  I also 'play' and arrange some bones and random bits I keep in my studio.  Then once I have an idea of what stones and bones will be used I layout the pieces and put the connections together, of how they will interact.  This is truly the fun part for me, where the collection fleshes out.

 I also create a Pinterest board, collecting colors, outfits and more that shape the mood of the collection.  For me this is where my inner fashion designer lives. 

Once I have a strong and cohesive collection designed, I work on the actual pieces.  I make molds of the bone, for example the Bast collection and play with the wax pieces.  Combining them in new ways and how will these pieces work on the body and hands. 

 
I transition throughout the weeks, sitting at my wax station to finishing the pieces at my bench.  I do enjoy the back and forth of creating and then finishing.  I've gotten better at it over the years as well, knowing when I need to sit down and dream up new pieces. 

So there you have it, the process in a nutshell!
Thanks for reading.
xo-Lisette

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The Afterlife Exhibition and the ECU Metals Symposium

Ya'll know the routine here (in January) - I get super excited and tell you all about how amazing the ECU metals/jewelry symposium is and what's in store.  One of the big reasons I love it so much is I get to reconnect with my old friends and geek out over jewelry and metal objects. 

As you know I'm co-curating an exhibition with Barbara McFadyen to be held during the symposium at Art Avenue.  The Afterlife Exhibition showcases objects and artwork that display imagery of bones or using bones in a new and dynamic way.  The submissions were all beautiful and amazing and we curated pieces that work so well with each other. 

I'm really looking forward to meeting some of the artists at the reception/symposium.  So here's a bit of a sneak peak at some of the exquisite pieces in the show.  AND if you are in town, here is the FB event for you to RSVP.

The poster I designed last night, I love the simplicity of it.

Royal Mourning by Luci Jockel

Garrett Allen's super cool bracelet.

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First Friday in Uptown Greenville

I'm quite excited that I'll finally be in town for a First Friday here in Greenville.  It seemed that every show I did for the past several months were during First Friday, and I missed them!  Of course I'll be repping at Art Avenue, we have a great holiday booth show with makers featuring pottery, textiles, jewelry and holiday gift sets.

And the best part is attendees get a FREE shop small business bag, I love these bags as they're great for grocery shopping or when I hit up CVS (I love that store)!

If you'll be in Greenville Friday please stop by, you can RSVP for the event here.

So I'll see you Friday!
stay lovely,
xoxo
Lisette
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Transition and making changes

It's interesting how when the weather changes or it becomes, Autumn/Spring, especially I find that some pretty major life changes happen - especially for me.

Over the past several months I've weighed heavily on my work schedule and how to best manage my time.  Some of you, my dear readers, may or may not know that I juggle about 3 different jobs.  While of course my main focus is running Eilisain Jewelry, I also teach classes at Emerge one night a week, I work part time at a law firm and I also worked at a jewelry repair shop - whew! Just typing that out sorta stresses me out.

I love staying busy and I managed this for awhile however I never really felt like this was productive for me.  In comes a special email I received about a month ago from Ashton Neibel, a recent SCAD BFA graduate, inquiring if she could work for me.  Well, as you can imagine with juggling three jobs I was in no position to hire, however I was definitely looking for an apprentice and team member.

And thus I made the decision to cut down my work load and increase my hours in the studio and have Ashton work with me at Art Avenue.  I just started this schedule this week however I'm already feeling incredibly light and fulfilled.  Even though this could be a pay cut, I'm much happier with my work load and future - so stay tuned, the future is bright and exciting!

Life can be a basket full of flowers! Photo by Aileen Devlin.

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The Afterlife exhibition at Art Avenue call for entries

The call for entries is finally here for the Afterlife Exhibition at Art Avenue which will be opening the weekend of the ECU Metals symposium.  As you know from my previous post about the symposium, I'm super excited to host and jury my second exhibition.  It's been much too long and I feel that professionally it is very edifying to run an exhibition.  You learn so much about how to handle work, correspond with artists and view incredible work.

With that said I present the poster for the CAF, it's a bit hard to read as I had to snapshot the pdf of the poster - but for now, all the details are there. 

If you're interested in submitting, send images of your work to eilisain@gmail.com with Afterlife entry in the subject line.  Submissions are $20 and can be made via paypal to ecusymposium@gmail.com.

And of course let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for reading and as always - stay crafty!
xoxo

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ECU Metals symposium presenter lineup

Wow I can't believe it's October and I also can't believe that we're already seeing posts for the annual ECU Symposium 2016.

As usual I'm super excited for the symposium and seeing all my old friends/classmates as well as participating in all the great workshops.  Every year the metals grad students and undergrads do a killer job of presenting thoughtful discussions and selecting fantastic presenters.  The symposium is completely student run and I'm always amazed at how they cover every detail and make the school welcoming to so many attendees. 

I'm even more excited about the symposium as I'll be curating an exhibition in conjunction with the symposium that will be held at Art Avenue, of course?! I haven't curated an exhibition since Preyed Upon, which was back in 2012.

The Afterlife exhibition will display works/objects that give new life to the bones of the departed.  Bone art has existed for as long as humans have been alive and the significance to bones is deeply rooted in many cultures.  Over the past several years I've come across some amazing artists that use bone in such fascinating ways.  We will be releasing the call for entries soon, in the meantime I wanted to drop a lil hint.

Afterlife Exhibition print design by Kayla Staigvil

Sarah West represented at the Jewelry Edition pop up at the ECU Symposium 2015

As always, thanks for reading and stay lovely!
xoxo
Lisette
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Monsters Under the Bed exhibition opening tonight

The title for this exhibition is just too perfect for the Halloween season.  I'm happy to announce the Bast one of a kind necklace was accepted into this show.

Granted cats aren't monsters under the bed however ghosts do linger and perhaps even ghosts of animals? The First Friday Artwalk is this evening in Uptown Greenville and Monsters Under the Bed will be exhibiting at Art Avenue, you can RSVP for the event here. 

As I've written previously, Bast is the patron deity of cats in Egyptian culture and this cat specifically was the remains of my husbands family cat.  I'm paying her homage by having her next life be as a necklace.  But really what I felt was appropriate for the exhibition is that skulls and skeletons are spooky, they're hollow and bereft of life.  

If you're out and about tonight, please do stop by Art Avenue to see this very well curated exhibition; I already got a peak at some of the pieces and some are super haunting and a bit scary!

Bast necklace, 2015. Photo by Tara Locklear

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The Contemplative Vessel exhibition

For so many reasons I really love having my studio space at Art Avenue, and one of them is seeing all the great exhibitions in our gallery space.

Longtime AA studio renter and supporter, ceramicist Hollie Lyko will have her first solo exhibition at Art Avenue on the First Friday Art Walk in Uptown Greenville on Friday, September 4th 5-8pm.

Her newer large vessels are awesome and the glazes she uses are layered and subtle.  I'm really looking forward to this exhibition, if you're in town I hope you make time to view the show.

As always thank you for reading and stay lovely!
Lisette
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What lies in the shadows or under the bed!

Upcoming exhibition opportunity for any of you looking to submit, it's only $10!

My friend Vincent Li, as well as awesome painter, will be jurying this show.  I love the theme and it'll be perfect for the upcoming fall season.  

I hope you'll apply!
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Maker.Jeweler Profile: Brittany Nicole Brisson

I haven't done a profile in a long time and it's apt that I do one on my good friend Brittany Nicole Brisson.  Brittany is having her senior exhibition tomorrow night at Art Avenue and I'm just so proud of her, she's one of the hardest working students I know!

Isn't her poster fun? ECU Alumni and illustrator Alice Holleman designed it!

Brittany is not only a BFA candidate in metals but also Art Education, which is a hard juggling act.  Students getting a degree in Art Ed have a much heavier work load as well as get a dual degree in a specialized program, such as metal design.

Brittany and I became friends 2 years ago and she's helped me cast in the studio, assisted for the Aurelian Nights Fashion show and just hang out.  I truly admire and respect Brittany, she juggles work, school load and creating awesome pieces.  She's an innovator and loves to play with all kinds of materials.  Here are several of her pieces that do just that!

GeoJane Necklace

2013

Brass. Powder Coat.
Fabricated.

Bolo Tie for Joe Bova

2014

Sterling Silver. Copper. Enamel. Photo Decal.

"Don't Hug Me" Brooch

2014

Brass, Enamel, Beta Sand, Sterling Silver.
Die-pressed, Formed and Fabricated.

Sugar Skull for Theresa Holtz's Clothing Line for 2014 AIMO Fashion Show

2013

Necklace.
Steel. Enamel. Photo Decal. Powder Coat.

You can view more of her work here.  Thanks for reading!
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How my business has changed me

Many years ago when I was just beginning to learn jewelry making and taking my enameling classes at the Art League in Old Town Alexandria, I used to think to myself, 'I could never handle the business aspects of owning my own business'.  That somehow someone else would do it, what a joke I know!  I think back then I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that some day I would own a business. 

So here it is almost 10 years later and I am running a very small business.  Granted I only started 2 years ago but even before then I was planning and working towards the start.  Being the boss (and only employee) has taught me discipline, integrity, hard work and patience.  Traits that I honestly didn't expect from myself when I worked for my previous jobs, which I'm not proud to say but it's the truth.  

I'm going to take this moment to give props to several people that encouraged me to follow my dreams and gave me some great advice along the way. 

This is me last year in the main gallery at Art Avenue, I look happy and somewhat successful.

This was me in 2009 at my last enameling class with Abby Goldblatt, mentor and friend.

And my last visit with the guys at Lawrence Miller & Co. (Lawrence Miller on my right and Tim Shaheen on my right)

Above are photos from part of my beginning in learning business and creativity.  There are many people that contributed to my understanding best business practices and fueling my love for making.  It takes confidence to even take the first steps to beginning a business, I didn't have as much confidence when I got started but now I know that I can do it. 

I'm so grateful for the knowledge passed on from Abby, Lawrence and Tim.  I left Northern Virginia with experience and understanding of the jewelry business and it really prepared me for the great adventure of being a jeweler and business owner. 

I hope that if you are a beginning jeweler or even business owner that you have the same mentorship and support, if not - seek it out!

Thanks for reading as always!
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Fugheads and Spazzing out

It's been awhile since I've posted any events happening in Greenville and especially at Art Avenue; we're still going strong and hosting great exhibitions.

This upcoming First Friday in Uptown Greenville Art Avenue will have Andy Denton display a variety of his works; sculpture and ceramic pieces.  Andy is a playful artist and has delved into a variety of materials which I really admire and appreciate.  Andy's latest venture of creating facial mugs, bowls and planters are fun and comical. 

 

You can RSVP here.

Another awesome event coming up is SpazzFest, founded by local music supporter and manager Jeff Blinder.  And of course Art Avenue is participating.  There is still time to apply for the exhibition, here are the details:

Spazz Within Juried Exhibition: Deadline *HAS BEEN EXTENDED* to SATURDAY MARCH 14TH! Drop off your works during business hours (12-6pm at Art Avenue) OR submit via email at contact@artavenc.com. This exhibition includes all types of medias. Entry fee is only $10 ($5 for second entry, etc.) Cash prizes will be awarded! Submissions must include a paragraph that relates to the exhibition theme. The theme is celebrating uniqueness within a community. This can be expressed in any way you can think of. Examples: It may relate to personality, personal style, artistic style, micro view point within society, a personal experience, macro/existential ideas, and/or spirituality. Reception will be held at Art Avenue March 21st, 3pm with music performance to follow!
 

As always thanks for reading!
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Naughty Narrative: Lives Revealed

Along with a fantastic roster of presenters and workshops at the ECU Symposium, there will also be a slew of, what promises to be, amazing exhibitions.  Most of the exhibitions will be opening on Friday night, January 16th and run through the month.  One of them is Naughty Narrative: Lives Revealed, curated by my good friends Danielle James and Andrew Kuebeck, both very talented metalsmiths and educators.

The exhibition will take place at Art Avenue and will have some, maybe NSFW pieces.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what pieces will be in the show!

Poster/postcard for the exciting event!

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