ECU Metals Symposium is just around the corner!

I can't believe it's almost here, the annual ECU Metals Symposium.  I love that it becomes a lil reunion for me as I get to see all my old friends from, what seems like ages ago, when we were all in school together (Kat Cole, Laura Wood, Sarah West, Heath Wagoner, Marissa Saneholtz, Tara Locklear, Autumn Brown, Danielle James, Laritza Garcia and many others).  It was a bit of a renaissance at ECU, not to be cheesy or romantic, but at that time there were so many talented and budding super-jewelry stars at ECU, learning new methods and just beginning to find their voice (and not to say that there aren't the same now).

And now all of those jewelers and makers are out in the world making big things happen.  And we come full circle to having major talent come to Greenville and make further connections.  I'm really excited about all the great workshops and speakers, like Jamie Bennett (enamelist king), Rachel Shimpock (have you seen her hilarious jeweler in the kitchen video?) and Kim Cridler (amazing ironwork).

If you're attending the symposium, I'll see you there - if not, you should sign up for next years!

I love this poster (aka sprued rings)! Designed by Danielle James extraordinaire!

Thanks for reading!!
Pin It

Art Avenue Cinco de Mayo member social

Art Avenue is hosting it's 2nd Annual Membership Social.  Last year was such a success for the gallery and studio space that it was inevitable that we do it again.  It's our way of thanking our current supporters and members and also raising funds to maintain the studio space and gallery.  

We are at a definite cross roads at Art Avenue; on the cusp of truly being a business but not fully, we've gone through growing pains and now is that time to move it into the next phase.  

The membership social is next Monday, May 5th from 6-9pm.  There will be live music, food, drinks and of course the infamous Jalapeno beer! (I really loved it).  You can RSVP for the event on FB. 

The infamous jalapeno beer.  Freshly brewed.

Art Avenue's wonderful supporters!

Pin It

ECU Symposium 2014 Presenters announced

Once again, it's that time of year to begin preparing for the 

ECU Metals Symposium, this year's title is: Image & Meaning.  

I think that title is appropriate and really great.  As well as the presenters, every year it gets better and better! I have to say that for several reasons, the symposium is near and dear to my heart.  I was here (in Greenville, still am!) when it was conceived by Laura Wood, it's small and intimate and also...I don't have to travel and it isn't expensive! (I know I'm a bit lazy).  

This years presenters are seriously good, Arthur Hash, Avery Lucas, Teresa Faris, Christine Clark...and MANY MORE!!! 

From the first symposium part at Tipsy Teapot (sorry for the bad quality image)

And did I mention that we have the coolest tshirts and pin swap?! Registration will open October 11th, so mark you calendars! 

If you'd like to read about the past symposiums, please scroll through my old posts here. 

Thanks for reading!

Pin It

Copycat

I didn't think or perhaps prepare myself for one day I'd be accused of 'ripping off' another jeweler but it happened.  It's so disheartening and a struggle to push out the negativity but I'm getting there.  I've always been the kind of person that just keeps moving on, to not let the naysayers bring me down, and I'm going to keep on doing just that!

I'll flesh out this story with how I came across the beautiful crow claw my fiance found when he was a kid, he's kept it for over 15 years and thought perhaps I could do something with it.   I believe it was almost two years ago that I started making a pendant and ring with the wax models I had.  Of course, it didn't cross my mind that I was making something revolutionary, I couldn't have been the first one to think up using a crow claw in jewelry.  And I wasn't.  There are many jewelers on the internet that use all kinds of animal parts (humanely I hope) with their jewelry.  And I wouldn't think they were 'ripping me off' because I borrowed from nature, which I didn't create.

The Hunted: bronze crow claw ring with black tourmaline.

I want to tell you that it is the story, the image and idea behind my jewelry that I'd like the public to enjoy.  What I make is very much rooted in myth and story; animals are very interconnected to humans and sharing in this relationship is the mythology and history of how we interact with animals.  

It is really up to you whether or not you like the style and manner that I present my jewelry.

Now, I will take the stance that under no circumstances do I believe it is okay to directly 'copy' another artists or jewelers work.  And the public and you will see the difference between which is an original and which is a fake.  With that being said, there are many instances in a field, especially art, where one can see a similarity, a likeness but understand that each artist is unique in their presentation.  It is human nature to be influenced, but it stops when they consistently copy another person and try to present the entire body of work (that was copies) as their own.

I hope that this post helps you to distinguish between my jewelry and others.

Thanks for reading!

Pin It