Being Ethical...an Ethical Metalsmith

     I was recently called on the other day by Christina Miller, Executive Director of Ethical Metalsmiths to check in on my studio practice and inquire anything she could do to facilitate a better, and more ethical studio.  It was very refreshing to receive this phone call as well as inspiring.

I feel guilty saying this, but I hadn't really thought about it.  Yes I do try to use recycled metals and try to be as ethical as possible but then it got me thinking, what exactly is ethical in my studio practice?   It really is a hard place to be in, I love making jewelry and need metals to make it yet  I'm so removed from the entire process of how the metal actually gets to my door! 

I do know that there has been proposed mining in Alaska for copper and other metals and I've opposed this mining by contacting my senators and legislators.  And I take any opportunity I take to make my voice heard against the destruction of more wildlife is very, very important to me and my practice.  However, when it comes to where the silver and bronze comes from....I'm not as clued in.

So here goes, I'm going to make a goal and statement of becoming more involved and vocal about where I source my materials, specifically metal.  For any of you jewelers out there that would like a listing of ethical suppliers you can look here.

Below I list some of my current ethical practices.

Bronze castings fresh from the kiln.

 Current Ethics of Eilisain Jewelry are as follows:

• All deer antler, bones, and talons have been found, not killed or hunted.
• A twice yearly contribution is made to the Center for Biological Diversity, Nature Conservancy and Ethical Metalsmiths
• Some metals are recycled and reused.

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Sweet video of ASU Metals Department

ECU needs to make one like this.   SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) is hosting a call for entry for videos featuring metalsmiths or anything related to the craft for their annual conference this month.  The due date is the May 19th.  Here is more info.


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all in one day...or more

I have three projects somewhat due this week...right before Thanksgiving break. I'm almost done with my wooden jewelry box; it was due last week. Oh and I need my wax rings ready for investing tonight and one more project due on Tuesday....I don't have enough time or hands! ack. Pin It

ECU metals guild charm sale

We're hosting our 'first' (we had one many moons ago but no one from our current guild organized that one) Charm sale!

Following our successful charm swaps; we decided to create a good event to sell our charms - perfect in preparation for the holidays. I'm definitely excited to see other work this coming Thursday at the sale.

Timothy Weaver, a graphic design major, at ECU designed the poster. I think it's pretty sweet.

Here is a professional photo of my charm from the last swap. Tara Locklear has been very good about getting photos taken of the charms for a future book...I've mentioned before.
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Featured Artist: Andrew Kuebeck

Andrew's work is phenomenal and I had the pleasure of getting to know him better this weekend, as he was visiting a mutual friend here in town. Andrew is currently a metals graduate student at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

His work combines imagery of himself as well as explorations of the male human body in movement. My favorite of Andrew's work is his latest piece, Finally Coming Home. The necklace has a gritty however hopeful feeling.

Here are several shots of his work. You can view more on his Crafhaus page.


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I got the job!!

At Emerge Gallery teaching Introduction to Continuing Metal Design. I'm so excited and a bit...nervous, I've subbed classes but this will be my first time teaching a class.

But I'm also really, really pumped to plan my projects and meet the students. My first class is next Thursday, September 9th. Plenty of time to get ready. Pin It

senior shows

I've just discovered another fun and wonderful way to connect and learn from other artists.

Senior shows! As you may infer, graduating seniors (both BFA and MFA) exhibit their work at a local gallery, bar, restaurant. They represent themselves, print postcards and gain an understanding of showing their work. This past month I've been to several; metals, painting, sculpture and fiber.

It's gratifying to celebrate others artwork; to congratulate and share with them the wonder of art. This past weekend I went to a painting/sculpture show (combining shows saves money and energy). And it was so much fun, many of my fellow metalsmith students came as well as other department students. There was great music, even painting for yourself and food!

Here are some pictures.

1. Jon Graham painting

2. Myself, Laura Wood and Kat Cole Pin It

another go at it

Since I royally f*ed up my first attempt at champlevee, I'm trying it again. Using the lessons I learned. I'm excited tho, I think it's going to be very lovely.
Last night when I was in the studio, I was talking to another student and we both agreed that it's always nerve wracking to begin a project that you can be so excited about because, we know as artists, the final product can end up very different from what we intended...or at least that is how it is for beginning metalsmiths.
but I have learned to go with it, to allow the piece to teach me just as much as I'm willing it and forming it to my will.
It's amazing the transformating that the final piece and myself go through. Pin It