Impressive graduate show

ECU's College of Art and Design had several fantastic graduates put on an amazing show last week.

Part of me just doesn't want to accept that these talented artists (and good friends) are graduating...I'll miss them but it's been exciting seeing their work evolve and at the same time being so inspired by where it's taken them.

Ten graduates showing in the art school's Gray Gallery are: Jeremy Fineman (Ceramics) , Liz Steiner (Metal Design), Tim French (Painting), Chris Wooten (Sculpture), Leslie Shira (Fiber/Textiles), Marissa Saneholtz (Metal Design), Andy Denton (Sculpture), Steve Blouin (Wood Design), Laura Wood (Metal Design) and Amanda Micheletto (Fiber/textiles).

The combined show for all of them flowed very seamlessly and felt like being in a museum of revered objects (which they are).

Here are some photos of their work for the exhibition:

Leslie Shira Sculptures

Leslie Shira's awesome sculptures with textiles.

Stacks of Laura's 'paper' plates

Large view of all her pins

Sideshot of pins

Upclose shot of Laura Wood's lovely pins (I want one SO bad)

Chris Wooten's awesome busts

Chris Wooten's sculpture of Andy

Weaving chair (immaculate craftsmenship)

Steve's chairs

Upclose photo of mirror (enameled, tin, copper)

Mannequins and necklaces

Universal joint necklace (=ridiculously talented)

Telephone necklace (brooch/pendant)

Dresser set (comb, mirror and brush)

Marissa's comb and compact

Passover dinner set

Jeremy Fineman's beautiful mugs and sets

Yoga pose - Andy's sculpture

One of Andy's sculptures

*I completely forgot to shoot Liz Steiner's work but you can see some photos of hers on Flickr.

I hope you enjoyed my colleagues work - I definitely did!

Thanks for reading.
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"Jewelry is like food, the more you eat, the more you want" Karl Fritsch

I can't stop - more videos and this one is extra delicious.



I love listening to veteran metalsmiths.

props to Kaleidoscope blog.
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I am not a photographer...

Sterling silver ring; cast from deer antler

I had two pieces left from my castings for the deer antler necklace. On Sunday, while taking a break from raising I decided to turn the casting into a ring. And of course, I wanted to focus on that project rather than raising...somehow that happens but it's great because I get to 'play' for a little.

And below is the result of more playing. I finally bought gold leaf and it is SO much fun! I love the contrast of the gold and black - always elegant and sexy as hell.

Pierced and oxidized copper, gold leaf detail

I don't know why I still try and take quick photos of my work!

these are the only decent photos after taking about 30.

Plan on getting a pro soon...after I finish more projects.
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Mystery stone setting - very exciting

yes, another rad video for you!

I've got photos of recent work I plan on uploading but due to finals just around the corner, I give you this gem nabbed from Arthur Ash at his blog, the Art Escape Plan.


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song of the day: Jezebel cover by Anna Calvi

Anna is such a hot minx in this video!

I love her strong and deep voice and this cover of Edith Piaf's song is very cool.



Unfortunately, I will not be DJing tonight at WZMB as we're converting over to a new system to hold all the music, etc.

However, it's a blessing in disguise as I'll have a chance to check out fellow metalsmith, Laura Wood's MFA thesis show! Laura has been a wonderful presence at the metals department at ECU. Laura was the creator and brain behind the first ECU Metals Symposium.

If you're in town, check it out!

Thank you for listening and reading, have a great weekend!
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new Craft in Sight video: Sue Amendolara

Craft In Sight (Craft in Sight is a collaboration between Brian Ferrell and Brigitte Martin (crafthaus.) Our goal is the creation and distribution of videos about crafthaus artists, showcasing a range of craft media, creative processes, and the environment in which craft work is made today.)

They just released a new video, found this from Crafthaus. check it out...
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Featured Artist: Marlene True

M. True herself!

You are the Assassin: Tin, enamel, pearls, etched

Gia: enamel, tin, copper, etched

Hunter's Badge: Tin, copper, found objects, 2.5mm diamond

Ephemeral Series: Steel and plastic

I recently met the infamous, Marlene True, several weeks ago, when I provided visiting artist Jesse Bert a ride to Pocosin Arts Folk School. I write 'infamous' because when I met the other graduate students of the metals/jewelry program at ECU almost two years ago, they raved about Marlene, and simply referred to her as 'M.True'.

I thought, who is this woman? And when can I meet her?! Sometimes when I meet fabulous people, or more specifically an artist, that everyone is talking about, I get shy and a intimidated, so I didn't introduce myself immediately. But when I met Marlene at Pocosin, it was about time I put my shyness away. And come to find, she is very approachable and very, very talented and savvy.

As you can see, Marlene is a lover of tin. And she creates beautiful pieces with tin, that voice her style as a metalsmith but also a modern commentary on classic themes and ideas. Such as Hunter's Badge, a classic image of the deer with antlers but also a distinct red cross and diamond.

The first two photos above are the pieces I respond to the most, and I have a feeling it's older work of Marlene's. I respond to the pendant and brooch because they speak to my own work and what I'm attracted to.

Marlene is currently residing in Columbia, NC where she teaches at the Pocosin Arts Folk School. Marlene has worked very hard to create an excellent metals and jewelry studio at Pocosin; she was able to secure funding to bring big name artist's to teach workshops; such as Jesse Bert, Boris Bally, Bruce Barnett and Tim Lazure, along with many others. You can view photos of the workshops and friend Pocosin on Facebook.

I hope you enjoyed reading about M. True and if you get a chance, visit her at Pocosin and sign up for her classes - it's worth it!

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how I became a metalsmith and jeweler

Me at my dining room table chasing a copper lid.

Often when I catch up with old friends or make new ones I get that question, how did you get into working with metal and making jewelry? I find that most people are intrigued because it's not the common profession, to become a metalsmith.

At first, it can be a scary and daunting journey - to take that first step of moving forward and even knowing where to go but it is so gratifying!

Back in 2001, I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors Degree of Liberal Arts and Science in Anthropology. My last semester at UF, I took a wire wrapping class in jewelry making at the student union. From the first class on, I was in the studio every night. It was like returning to my roots.

So there I was, graduating with a degree in which I had no idea what I was going to do and then rediscovering a lost passion; jewelry and being creative. And I asked myself, how do I get into the field of making jewelry?

I really didn't have much of a choice, upon graduating, I still had to make money! Long story short, I worked for about 8 years in the non-profit field, specifically environmental and human rights. In my spare time I took jewelry classes on the side and towards the last 3 years I began to work part time for professional jewelry artists and in a jewelry/silverware repair shop. Somehow, I made the time to study with other artists: on week nights I took enameling and raising and forming classes, then on the weekends I worked at the shop.

Some days it was tiring (juggling a full time job and part time job) but also very motivating and it pushed me to save money and build up my portfolio. Not only did I get great professional experience and knowledge but also I met very talented artists and craftspeople. Finally, I made the decision to go back to school and get the technical experience I still lacked.

It's the best decision I've ever made, thus far, in my life.

My best recommendation for anyone that wants to get into the arts field is this: find people like you that are interested in the craft, take classes, read about it, and do your research.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey and feel free to share your own.

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A CASA - Brazilian Jewelry Museum

I can't say enough how much I enjoy learning about jewelry artists abroad, especially in Latin American countries.

Here is a video, in which I can understand a few words (that are similar to Spanish words) because it's in Portuguese, from the Museu de Objeto Brasiliero, where Miriam Korolkova, a jeweler and teacher, discusses the work exhibited by contemporary jewelry artists in Brazil.



Isn't the black necklace amazing? Hope you enjoy the video and check out the other ones posted on the Museu's website!

Thanks for reading.
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Visiting Artist: Boris Bally

Images taken from Velvet Da Vinci website

Last night the ECU metal and jewelry department had the pleasure of hosting Boris Bally and viewing his work up close.

Boris is that kind of person that draws you in immediately; demanding your attention. And his journey as an artist and experience is very interesting but not completely unique as a metalsmith/designer/jeweler.

Boris is largely self taught but I found it very interesting that he got his start as an apprentice at 19 years old at a goldsmith studio/shop in Switzerland. And from there, Boris' interest in metals was sparked. Unfortunately I was late (had to work) for the beginning of Boris' presentation, and what his parents did as a profession however I did learn that his family loved to travel and his father taught at Carnegie Mellon University as did Boris.

Boris never went to school for an MFA which is quite impressive when you view his work and how much he learned and investigated on his own. He taught himself how to raise a vessel, and spin on a lathe...I could go on and on.

I have so much respect for artists that take that first step to learn a craft on their own - it's SO hard when you don't have anyone teaching you the right way to do things.

Boris is continuing his visit in North Carolina with a trip to the Pocosin Folk Arts School where Marlene True is heading up the metals program. I'm sure the students and visitors will be just as entertained and enthralled by his artistic evolution as we were!

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brilliant

ok, so this isn't an original post of mine but since I'm crazy busy, I thought I'd share Justin Siow's awesome discovery...

check it out and you won't regret it!

I'll post photos soon of my recent work. thanks for reading!!!


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Youth Arts Festival

Today on the ECU campus the School of Art and Design along with other ECU students held our 7th Annual Youth Arts Festival.

Families came out and enjoyed all kinds of arts for the day - face painting, sculptures, making bird feeders, making clay pinch pots and of course jewelry making!

We had bottle caps that children could dap into domes or flatten on the anvil and then add a jump ring along with yarn to make a necklace.

I organized the metals guild to volunteer - despite most of us attending the many art openings, senior shows the night before (and after-parties)! I was definitely dragging this morning but it's always fun working with kids. They're so enthusiastic and curious.

Above Tina Lazzarine, metals guild secretary, showing a kid how to center punch the bottle caps.

We were fortunate to have some nursing students from the School of Medicine at ECU help us.

Below, Marlene True, (ECU metals and jewelry alumni - currently teaching at the Pocosin Folk Arts School) showing kids how to use her custom made hydraulic press to make small anvil magnets. I kinda wanted to snag one myself!
The day was perfect, after all the stormy weather Eastern North Carolina has gotten.

Hope you enjoyed the photos and thank you for reading!
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progress report

I have been so busy lately; unexpected visits from old friends, summer plans and meeting amazing new people popped up all in the past two weeks. But that is life and I'm taking it as it comes.

Along with all of that excitement I've got three projects due next week and I'm getting ready to pull my hair out with all of the small details I have to keep track of.

Annnnnnyways, here is a photo of my lid and vessel which will soon by attached with my first completed hinge. I'm nervous and anxious to get it over with. It's like surgery or something!

Keep me in your prayers to the metalsmith gods!

And thank you for reading.
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I got the Penland Work/study scholarship!

student at work in one of Penlands many studios (Penland photo)

I'm SO ecstatic I can hardly contain myself or think of anything else.

As you recall in a previous post, I was submitting my applications for several exhibitions and scholarships...I didn't think I'd get it but I did!

I have a feeling it's going to be an awesome summer, I've got some other amazing opportunities on the horizon.

Thank you for reading and your support.

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Visiting artist: Jesse Bert

Jesse Bert and his studio

Our Lady, brooch

Hair Comb

Hablando

This weekend the ECU metals guild hosted alumni Jesse Bert. Jesse was formally invited to be a visiting artist by Bob Ebendorf, Belk Distinguished Professor at ECU.

Jesse graduated from the ECU masters program in 2006 and since then has been living and working as a professional jewerly artist and instructor in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

You can see the Mexican influence in his work, such as in the Our Lady brooch above. Jesse uses found objects, like ivory piano keys, wood, paper, amber, steel and all other sorts of fascinating materials. Jesse's beautiful and detailed chasing and rivets (along with the found objects) really make his work distinctive and unique.

I'm really drawn to Jesse's work because he incorporates his found objects in such an unusual manner. For the Hablando pendant, Jesse uses the latice piecercing already in the ivory as a beautiful backdrop for the swirl pattern of the wood in the shape of a talking symbol he drew from Aztec ideograms. Or his Sole pendant, Jesse used a piece of dryed up rubber sole that mimics some of the stamping/chasing he does on the center silver piece.

Jesse works out of his home studio but also travels across Mexico and the U.S. teaching mini-workshops and one on one sessions. It was wonderful to have him visit and learn of his journey as a metalsmith and how he is able to make an income; for many of us students he is an example of how we can make that same journey and be successful.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed viewing Jesse's work.

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song of the day: Deep Red Bells by Neko Case

I can't stop playing this song. Neko has the strongest and most beautiful voice of female contemporary singer/songwriters today.



And she's quite beautiful, I have a bit of a girl crush on her.

As you know, Fridays evenings 6-8pm, I'll be DJing at WZMB (livestreaming). Tonight's theme will be 'otherworlds'; where does music take you and what songs seem to conjure other planets and lifetimes.

As Andistan (another DJ at WZMB says) turn off the ME-Pod of and turn on the we-pod radio!

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Tosca Teran Nanopod

Handmade Portraits: Nanopod from Etsy on Vimeo.

It's always fun and interesting to see how other metalsmiths work in their studio, where they draw ideas and inspiration.

Tosca has this wise and cool vibe to her look as well as her jewelry. Check her out on her website, Nanopod.

Thank you for watching and have a beautiful Spring weekend!

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artist statement

So I finally finished and edited my artist statement. I'm pleased with it and think it reflects who I am as an artist.

Let me know what you think!

I can vividly recall, when I was a young girl, asking my mother if I could play with her jewelry and then ask her where she bought it. Perhaps it was a silver chased brooch she bought in Thailand or the ruby, pearl and gold earrings that were her aunts from Panama. Stories and memories are carried through her jewelry. My work expresses my own journey and conversation with the material. My habit of collecting natural and found objects such as shells, coral, tagua nuts, deer antler, seeds, and rough stones reflect where I’ve lived and what I experienced at the time.

Body adornment is a significant part of our human culture and history. Archeologists and historians have uncovered a wealth of information from the jewelry and body adornment left behind by our ancestors. I translate my own life, ideas and thoughts through the jewelry I create.

There is a wildness and foreign sense in my jewelry, as if it was found in a remote and undiscovered part of the world. For example, the Epona necklace evokes images of a matriarchal huntress wearing it proudly at a ceremony and my Rebirth ring conjures visions of female anatomy; a ring that perhaps a shaman would wear. My work reflects my own desire to create a world full of fascinating and intriguing ‘artifacts’.

Thanks for reading.
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David Huang bowls

Luminous Relic 724

Sensual Radiance 866

Whorled Flow 877-2

Whorled Flow 877-4

I was recently browsing new work on Crafthaus and spied a new bowl from David Huang. His chasing and repoussee work is amazing. He creates entrancing swirls on his bowls and then applies gold leaf on the inside as well as gorgeous patinas, like the blue/green one above.

As I've worked on my copper vessel, I'm becoming aware of how the metal moves and behaves according to the type of hammer I use and how I want to manipulate it. Looking at David's work, I'm challenged to stick with this new technique and not be tempted to give up when I'm frustrated.

Hope you enjoy his work as much as I do - and thank you for reading!
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Spring Fever feels so good

Spring is my favorite season; flowers are blooming, the trees come alive with bright and lush green leaves, birds are singing and I'm filled with such a wonderful feeling, being a part of something much bigger than myself. I'm humbled.

I especially enjoy the change of seasons when I go for my morning runs.

Here is a reverential narrative video on growing and life filmed in the magnificent redwood forests.

Growing is Forever from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

Many years ago, when I lived in California, my family and I took a roadtrip up to Sacramento to see the redwoods...they are amazing, such wise old energy.

Found this video on 18kt, one of Marta Sanchez Oms' blogs. Check her work out, great use of lovely gems.
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song of the day: The Magic by Joan as Police Woman

I just discovered Joan as Police Woman last week and she is very much a badass singer/songwriter. She just dropped a new album, The Deep Field, and it's as deep as you can get. And I'm not surprised at all that she dated the dreamy and soulful Jeff Buckley.

I love her deep and husky voice and lyrics, they're complicated and tell a story.



How can you not love this woman when she sings of how divine she is?

And ending with this post, I am requesting you check out my radio show tonight, 6-8pm on WZMB 91.3, which also livestreams. Listen online tonight for fresh and feel good music!

thank you for reading and listening ;-)
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on my bench

I'm making good progress on my vessel/hinge project for my jewelry I class...hammering texture on a bowl with pitch is SO much more fun than chasing with little tools.

Below are my black moth earrings but with gold leaf! I am loving this look, adding the gold leaf gives it more pop and bling. These gorgeous earrings will be listed very soon on my Etsy page.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.
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Featured Artist: Ken Bova

Ken Bova's happy face

Ken Bova is my featured artist today for several reasons; 1. Ken is a fantastic instructor 2. Ken is a fantastic artist and 3. Ken is a fantastic person

As you can see he's pretty much an all around awesome person; as mentioned above. Ken Bova is a visiting instructor at ECU's School of Art and Design Metals and Jewelry program. And Ken is leaving us at the end of this Spring Semester. I'm SO bummed, because I didn't sign up for the courses he's teaching this semester because I thought he'd be around longer....but I can't complain, Ken has been kind enough to review my artist statement and I'm so grateful for that!

A mini-album of Ken's workshops.

Ken's work is intriguing because of the many techniques he uses and how he uses them. Ken creates a landscape of different textures and colors on his brooches and jewelry.

You can find his jewelry in numerous private collections and in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Racine Art Museum, the Georgia Art Museum, and the Tacoma Art Museum, among others. (per Ken's website).

The brooch below really attracts me with the cobalt blue, gold leaf and texture of the setting. I'm not sure which materials are which, like the candy wrapper and bicycle reflector but arrangement of it all reminds me of a butterfly wing.

Gleam Revisited

3 x 1.5 inches approx.
(images not to be reproduced without consent of artist)
Bob's Gala Pin

2 x 2 inches approx.
(images not to be reproduced without consent of artist)

Sterling, 23k gold leaf, coral, wood, pearls

Ken is teaching Contemporary techniques (electroforming, creating new and different pinback and other techniques) and Enameling II this Spring semester. Both of which I still need to take.

I really enjoy Ken's style and approach to teaching because he makes it so accessible and easy to understand. Though I haven't sat in on his class, I've copied some of the handouts he gives other students and I'm delighted at how he describes a technique step-by-step.

Even though Ken will be leaving ECU soon, he has definitely left a lasting impression on the metals program and myself.

Thank you for reading!
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Life Anniversary

Is today - someone wished me that - for my Birthday!

I feel so much love and happiness (as dorky as that sounds) today from my closest friends and family, feels good to be loved.

I'm indulging myself with all the things that make me happy, like shopping for new tools. My parents gave me a gift certificate to Rio Grande.
So I'm getting a steel mittering jig and a steel block and some other things I need...it's amazing how quickly money goes when you're buying tools. But I'm grateful just to have what I have.

I thought about getting a Fretz chasing hammer but after talking with my teacher, Tim Lazure, he recommended I get a custom made hammer from one of his friends...I think that's even better.

When investing in tools, I've found that even though some tools are expensive - they're expensive for a reason because they're good; so I always consider how often I'll use it and whether I'm willing to deal with a cheaper quality tool (which I rarely do). Anywho, it's been fun doing my shopping - now back to the real world.

Thank you for reading!
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spring break in the studio

Having a week free to work on my copper vessel and catching up on work has been wonderful. I don't want it to end! I get to sleep in and hit the gym and then head into the studio. Today I spent most of the afternoon in the studio planishing my copper container.

Sometimes I like planishing, it's somewhat meditative and you don't have to think too much, just make sure you hammer at the 'sweet spot' - for that 'ting' of the steel hammer meeting the copper with the steel stake on the other side HOWEVER, my hands and forearms do not like planishing.

I get so wiped out from raising and forming! Anywho, here are some shots of where I'm at.
Okay, my vessel is somewhat skewed to the right however it'll look way better once I chase it.
thx for reading!
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Sketched out

Before the ECU symposium the metals grad students had a brilliant idea to create a book compiled of drawings and designs from attendees own sketchbooks - and now the book is up for sale on Blurb!

Abigail Heuss and Joshua Craig put alot of work and effort to make it happen and I'm so happy they did. One of my sketches is in the book. I'm always fascinated by sketches from artists and how they develop their idea.

I hope you purchase a copy and enjoy soaking in the process as much as I do!

Thank you for reading.
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Fleurs D'Exces

I found this via Nowness, which always presents the coolest of the cool videos. I wish I could paste the video on here but I couldn't get the link.

However, here it is:
http://www.nowness.com/day/2011/3/2/1349/fleurs-d-exces

I love how she encases her creations in glass terrarium containers. Victoire de Castellane is the jewelry designer for Dior. She's very, very talented. Enjoy!

And as always, thank you for reading.
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reaching back in time

Being an artist you can never escape the past but for me it often goes deeper; to the root of spirituality and beliefs - and yes, an ethereal quality.

Above is my 2nd raised vessel - but this vessel is not for my raising and forming class but for Jewelry I, in which the assignment is to make a container that tells a story.

I drew several, unsuccessful sketches and finally came upon an idea to raise and chase a vessel that tells a story of creation and energy. Waves of water on the outside, earth on the inside and a crystal on the lid (the creation). The main and challenging component of the container is the hinge. I'm NOT looking forward to it - more the final and hopefully beautifully made product.
And for my raising and forming class I'm making a necklace - seems contradictory, to be making jewelry for raising and forming and a vessel for my Jewelry I class however, I do not like to differentiate between my classes - they feed each other.

The sketch above may not be what I actually make, I'm still working on more sketches however I do like the idea of the turtle shell skins hanging like they do in the sketch. I may use it for another piece.

However, what is constant is that a torc neckpiece will be the main part of the design. This goes to my nostalgia and love of Celtic culture and metalwork. I've always been completely fascinated by their belief system, culture and language. It is so intriguing to me.
Several taped photos in my sketchbook of inspiration and references.
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song of the day: Last Beat of my heart by Devotchka

Oh Devotchka you're so wistful and romantic.
Perfect music for the coming of Spring and warmer weather.

Devotchka just released a new album, 100 Lovers, and it's as lusty and sexy as it's title name. I've already downloaded several songs for which I can't stop playing.

And you know I'll be putting it on my radio show - TONIGHT - the Feel Good show (every Friday 6-8pm) on WZMB 91.3. Be sure to tune in on the radio on livestream.

Thanks for reading - and listening! Have a great weekend. Pin It

my hands

I'm so grateful for my hands, somedays it really hits me, how I am so blessed to have the opportunity to make and create. Even on days like today, when I come home drained from a day of running around the studio - I still love it. I just love handling metal, bending and shaping it.

I got into the studio early this morning and worked on making a taper and finishing up my hinge sample.

Then I was off to my textiles survey class, which I'm really enjoying. Today I painted a silk scarf; painting silk scarves is almost like water color painting but much easier; if you choose and blend your colors well, you can create some beautiful designs, especially if you use a resist to create patterns.

My inspiration was bird feathers (I always go back to them). But not peacock feathers but the green one in my sketchbook, bottom left corner.

I chose to do an abstraction of the feather, the colors came out well, I did some more dyeing, this isn't the final stage, I still have to steam my scarf.My dyes and brushes.Here are some photos of my scarf and my classmates.

I love the elegance of all three of the scarves.

Well, enough for today - gonna get some rest.

Thank you for reading!
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