This past Sunday I studio sat at the Torpedo Factory for Jenae Michelle whom makes very cool and stylish handbags. While I'm 'sitting', I work on my own jewelry! I began a 2 shank silver ring with an agate ring.
The cab and bezel setting.
Range of Emotion, handbags by Jenae Michelle. I've been lusting for one of her bags!
Dawn Benedetto is the other artist sharing studio 262, Dawn is the creator of Poppi Jewelry . I'm really going to miss the wonderful creative enviroment on that I've been blessed to be a part of. I first began part time making the rings and earrings for Dawn and from there she connected me with other jewelers; since then my experience continued.
Tonight was my last enameling class and it was sad - Abby Goldblatt has been another wonderful blessing. Ramune brought cupcakes and I brought a four pack of white wine for Abby, Rae and I to drink.
I began working on the chain for my painting inspired pendant. I am worried though that I made them to thick and thus too much for the entire necklace. I need to let the idea marinate.
That's how it felt last weekend. It's been a bit crazy/busy for me lately. I flew to San Diego last Friday to work for HRC at the San Deigo Pride Festival booth. Every year I always forget how much hard work it is, staffing a booth. Anyways, it was still great to be back on the West Coast, I love the vibe and just the nearness of the ocean. I was kinda sad I didn't get to visit the beach but that's okay. It was somewhat ironic though that our booth was next to 2 jewelery booths. One, I was particularly enamored with, Coco Loco jewelry. I bought 2 pairs of earrings...I shouldn't have but I knew that if I didn't I'd kick myself. I rarely ever buy other jewelry as I like to wear my own but when I find something I really like, I get it. the wood earrings are very cool, that is one thing I definitely want to learn at ECU, woodcarving. I bought a pair of the Coconut carved earrings that look like 'spacers' - earrings that usually heavy metal peeps wear. I've already worn them 3 days in a row...sorta addicted. I don't usually wear earrings because I've been making some larger neckpieces but these earrings have me thinking on broader terms....which leads me to the doodles I did at a meeting today. I was listening at the meeting! I've read numerous reports that say state that when one doodles they are more apt to remember what it was they were listening to. Here are some of the fun 'doodles' (aka sketches) I did. I really like where I was going with the sketches and definitely plan on working out a necklace with the trapazoidish designs. I want to make some triangle earrings. I was telling a friend, that I'm really tired of round designs. Not that round is bad...it just gets boring when you see the same design, over and over again. Yet, I find myself doodling lots of triangles...that's where I get stuck, combining different elements.
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Like a storm gathering in the distance or mold slowly growing on fruit (that's a fun analogy), I've been building and preparing for going to art school to study metalsmithing and jewelry for the past two years. Taking enameling courses, working weekends at Lawrence Miller & Co., working at craft shows - whatever I could do to build a resume and knowledge. It's been a dream of mine to study full time. My dream has partially come through. A long and complicated story, I was initially declined from my application to the MFA program at ECU. I knew it was a long shot, considering the small graduate program, the fantastic professors and art school ECU boasts, needless to say I was sad. However, one glimmer of hope was that I could attend the undergrad BFA program and re-apply. I was willing to go with that option. That was one hurdle, I figured financial aid would be a breeze. No! Because I'm obtaining a 2nd degree option and as an out of state student...they didn't award me much. So I'm going part time, which is fine, I can build residency in NC and then get in state tuition after 1year. I've never wanted anything so bad. I'm reminded of an Indigo Girls song, 'Closer to find'. I'm closer to find my vision and voice as a jeweler. Did that sound corny enough? I don't care. Here's another crappy photo of one of my new pieces, my second try at prong settings. I've had this stone for awhile and finally set it in sterling silver. When I'm in school I'll have awesome equipment to take photos of my jewelry AND I can take art classes in fashion, painting...well, one at a time...since I'm going part time. Doesn't matter, I'm getting the heck out of dodge, moving to a new town and living by myself!!!! Pin It
I just pulled this from another jeweler’s blog and it makes SO much sense.
Despite my attempts to get off the couch and make things…I haven’t been too good about following my intention. Often times I want to make something but I need a teacher, someone to get their wisdom! I have been good about first making samples of work before I actually get to using silver.
One project I’m really excited to work on in the future, is this awesome triangular lapis lazuli cab. I’ve had it for 2 years now, and I decided that it needs to be set in gold. The flecks of gold in the lapis contrast well with it. so first I’ve started in paper and this is the sketch I have worked out. I’ve never worked with gold and I’m excited yet a bit scared…
In the meantime I’m working on my painting inspired neckpiece, here’s where I am so far.
I'm pleased with the colors however it definitely took some time to get all the different enamels on the back piece. In the following week I'll need to purchase some small rubber washers; as recommended by Abby to layer inbetween the pierced piece so as the protect the enamel. From there I'll thread wire through the holes to set up the necklace.
The piece above is a continuation of my seashell. I really enjoy working on these easy pieces as their more of a test and break from more intricate enamel work. All I so is fold form the copper and hammer it for texture and sift a transparent enamel. For this one I used ...oh fudge I forgot the name!!! argh, well as you can see it gives it a beautiful leathery look. I'm very pleased.
With all the websites and blogs I’ve been reading lately, I came to a conclusion: I need to push myself; to get off the couch and make new and different pieces with all the scrap jewelry I have. I want to push my boundaries, in terms of materials and expression.
A new project as emerged from a group of artists called Radical Jewelry Makeover, which is a project of Ethical Metalsmiths a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people with responsibly sourced metals and gemstones. You can read more about their project on the blog. What I love about the concept is that it not only works to recycle and reuse old, discarded and unused jewelry but to challenge the jeweler/artist to create a new object out of different materials thus giving the piece a varied and fascinating landscape. For example, Amy Tavern’s necklace is so cool for her use of silver, green thread and faux gems.
Tonight I tentatively began my own 'radical jewelry makeover', though I wouldn't call this 'radical'. However I do have plans to convert some old clip-on faux gem earrings into a pendant. I love the mix of faux pearls and silver chain on the necklace I made tonight, from an old silver bracelet used for charms, some scrap chain pieces I've had and some pearls my Mom wasn't using.
What I look for in other artists that I admire and aspire to be like, are ones that give texture, quality and thought to their pieces. And I’ve increasingly found European, specifically German, Dutch and Australian jewelers to be leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of us (Americans). That’s not to say that we don’t have our own pool of brilliant artists but they just have such a rich and imaginative way of expressing themselves. I’m constantly in awe.
For example Isabel Schaupp mixes enameled silver with oxidized silver, I love her use of mesh wire layered with the enamel and silver.
Last week I was completely lazy in doing anything jewelry related. I didn’t even sketch! I think it’s okay to take a timeout and let your brain absorb and rest – we need that, I definitely need that.
I also blame it on the extended weekend in celebration of Independence Day. I really enjoyed it too, went to the pool, watched movies all day Sunday. Those are the best days!
Anywho, I’m back this week and trying to get myself back in the swing of things. I had my enameling class last night, and I was still not as motivated to work on my current projects. But I did make good progress. I’m working on this one piece that requires layering different colors and it’s painstaking but I think it’ll look really cool in the end – so it’s worth it! And here is the other…
it’s growing on me, I first enameled a bright yellow that I’d planned on complementing with a transparent yellow…didn’t work out the way I’d planned. Nonetheless I’m layering a beige on top to tone it down. I’m very happy with the shape. Flames seem to be a theme that comes up in many of my pieces. I’m already formulating my
*I apologize for my crappy pictures...my camera was NOT meant to take pictures of jewelry, much less anything that needs detail.
Moving on, new fashions have been released and Christian Lacroix stunned the fashion world with his recent collection. It’s truly magnificent and reminds me of old paintings and Catholic images. I want to be that woman, with the black open back dress going to a fancy dinner and wearing my own jewelry.
Psst. if I could pick several wedding dresses...this just might be one of them, being married in a castle...
You'd probably ask, well what jewelry would I wear? of course my own and what would it look like?I'd have to sketch that out however, this is one ring I'd wear around the celebrations:
Queen Min Ring; 18kt gold and hand carved amethyst. Which brings me to a subject I've been thinking about lately, higher level or more to the point corporate, mass produced jewelry - do these individuals that represent the brand, for example Wendy Brandes...make any of it? At what level are they involved? I don't know...but for any jewelry I buy, in the future that isn't antique, I'd much rather buy from someone that is completely involved in it's production. If anything, know how to make it. That's my 2 cents on it. Nonetheless, I can appreciate the design and thought behind it(if they are truly hers). Wendy does have a blog, but she doesn't really cover much about her design or overall process.
Well, maybe they do...it's a phrase my Mom uses whenever she gives me any of her old jewelry. As if to say "you better appreciate this because there aren't many of it's kind." which is true. And I love it when she says it...one day I'll be saying it to my daughter!
I just got this book recently and though its short on the text, it is a great book with beautiful images of Byzantine, Egyptian, Levant, Persian and Mesopotamian jewelry. It truly is amazing how jewelers were able to fabricate jewelry in those times without the many conveniences and tools we have now however the methods and technologies are relatively the same. We must still use our hammers, anvils, sanding papers and stone setting tools that they used. My anthropological studies as my undergrad degree certainly come through with my studies of jewelry. I absolutely enjoy the history and repetition of history in the jewelry making process.
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Phillip Crangi for Vera Wang Robert Lee Morris for Donna Karan Christian Lacroix per Style.com
Accessorize, Accessorize.
The fashion industry and jewelry have been going through beautiful relationship as of late. It’s all over the fashion mags, that big, chunky and statement jewelry is the way to amp up an outfit. I just hope that this current relationship lasts longer than the trysts fashion has with all the other trends. In general, jewelry and the craft is experiencing a revolution of sorts. Collectible and significant jewelry must no longer be made of precious materials but more should be made with innovation of materials and daring conceptuality.
The big players in the fashion industry have taken notice and enlisted well known jewelers to collaborate with them.
When I flip through fashion magazines and read about which jewelers are collaborating with fashion designers I find myself wanting to be there, be in that world but at the same time I hesitate to think of the massive competition but of course, the competition is there no matter which direction I go in.
I'm still working on this bowl1 year after taking my first metalforming class; I only work on it at the shop with the right hammers and tools they have. And as I said in my previous post...where does the time go? Usually the guys and I will do a 'Sunday Funday' when we can squeeze in some extra hours and play, make martini glasses (okay, I'm not there yet but Lawrence made one) or fold form copper. Today I inched much closer to finishing it. I planished the bottom of the bowl and began filing the sides. My plan is to pierce a lovely swirl/feather design along the sides. File it up some more and polish it reeeal nice. I'm looking forward to adding it to my collection!
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one of my favorite Nina Simone songs but so appropriate for now....I never have any time to hang out with my friends. I try to make time, make plans but it is never there. This weekend I worked at our shop's open house, 'jewelry party', needless to say, not many people showed up, other than supportive friends. So, here I am, midnight on a Saturday....blogging oh and watching the Fall...AMAZING cinematography. Lee Pace is easy on the eyes...I'll be dreaming of him this evening.
For now, I will post one of my new favorite artists. Stepanie Tomczak. She's abstract but blends a cast-off/found object jewelry medium. And Appart, new and very cool contemporary artists website, Julia Turner is my current favorite. She uses wood and paints it, adding gold, silver and enamel. This reminds me of a spider web. Whenever I find new jewelers online...it challenges me to look at jewelry in a different angle, to use new materials and functions. Jewelry doesn't HAVE to be made of only silver or gold. But really, anything. I recall the days of when I made fimo barrettes and friendly plastic earrings. I was always crafty but it wasn't until several years ago that it dawned on me that jewelry has ALWAYS been a part of my life. Julia Turner Eily O'Connell is also super talented. She casts her pieces from found objects such as twigs and webs. Pin It
Throughout the course of this past year, mainly during my enamels class, I’ve begun to ask myself, what is my style? Or as many say in the contemporary jewelry field say, your ‘language’. I think I’m getting there; in developing the idea and message behind what I create. This blog is certainly helping me formulate my style, as I analyze and contemplate what I’m making and challenging the wearer to do the same.
With my post about influence, it prompted me to think how universal myths about regeneration, shape shifting and transformation are representative of the many experiences we go through everyday especially in relationships. ‘The Fire’ represents a transformative part of life. In Pagan beliefs, the cauldron is an event (like near death or an accident or simply a revelation) that changes you; into the cauldron you go and come out inspired and renewed.
The word cauldron is a figurative word, however such a word conjures more of an understanding of what it really is. I pulled out one of my John and Caitlin Matthews' books (they are experts on Celtic mythology) and found this quote
'The Gundestrup Cauldron, a vast silver vessel discovered in Denmark and dated to the 4th of 3rd centurcy BCE depicts a queue of warriors waiting to be deposited into a deep cauldron in an initatory or sacrificial way...As the cauldron was the primary giver of bodily nourishment, it is hardly surprising that it was also a symbol of inspiration, knowledge, wisdom and rebirth.' They go on to say the following 'In our time, where direct sources of inspiration are mocked and marginalized, such a fundamental trust seems misplaced. Yet all artists learn to trust the imagination as the seed-bed of inspiration training it to receive the eternal truth and the deep knowledge of the otherworld.'
So relevant to how important it is to support artists and nurturing them. for if we did not have artists, stories and history would never be carried on, to provide us context and lessons.
I could go on and on about the Celts and their belief system but the point of this post is that it has led me toealize my beliefs and desires to translate myths and stories are surfacing. The question is, how to do I translate them? How do I put my own stamp and recognizable style on my jewelry, while also making it wearable. That is yet to be developed!
Here are some sketches and ideas of what I'm thinking of doing...
Tonight I finished setting my fabulous new stone ring and used my flex shaft for the first time! It was def exciting. I'm already shopping on Rio Grande for new tools and toys for my bench...not good for my credit card. But it's so much fun to sit down at my own bench and not have to transfer tools as much as I used to, I pretty much go to the studio in Old Town to either use the torch or do heavy duty metalsmithing at the shop. I love the feeling of working at home on my jewelry, it has been somewhat of an investment but a very good investment and not as much of a financial burden as I thought. I've found a renewed sense of creativity in working on setting the stones I've collected and using new methods...now if I could only find more time!
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I had a good, successful day at the studio. As evidenced by the ring to the left. Everything seemed to work so smoothly today, I didn't have to solder anything twice, the bezel fit perfectly. I haven't had a day like this in a long time. I've been collecting cabochons for awhile now and have just begun to put them to good use. Now I have a big ass ring to sport on my lovely hand, makes me a happy girl. However, even completing a successful project doesn't come with out it's lessons. I could've mixed up the back of the ring and piereced a pretty design or elevated the cab. I'm not completely done with the ring, so I'm thinking of giving the bezel some texture with my Fretz hammer...but I have to be careful with the stone, it's soft. All in all, I'm quite happy with myself!
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One of my favorite studios/galleries is having a summer show this weekend, and I plan on attending tonight.I always enjoy visiting the jewelry galleries in the area to see what contemporary jewelers are creating, to network and gain some insight.
I met Analya Cespedes 2 years ago when I was working as an assistant for Biba Schutz (an incredible artist) and Analya was working for Petra Class (another amazing artist), our booths were across from each other and as most of these shows go, artists will wander to other booths and catch up. Analya and the other jewelers at 4903 are all wonderful people and their work is very cool. So if you live in the DC metro area check it out tonight or Saturday, June 20th 12-7pm.
Studio 4903
4903 Wisconsin Ave., 2nd Fl.
WDC 20016
202.641.4248
Jewelerswerk is another great gallery that has international as well as stateside artists.
I listen to music pretty much every day…I can’t imagine a day without it. I wake up to the local jazz station when my alarm radio goes off. I download new music almost daily. I listen to Pandora at work and play my IPOD as I walk to the metro and on the metro…there are some days though that I take a break from the IPOD…it’s nice to listen to random conversations.
Anywho, music is ALWAYS playing when I’m making jewelry or prepping. 95% of the time it’s jazz music, I can’t have too much craziness going on while I’m trying to concentrate. When I was in college the only jazz I listened to was Billie Holiday, I was obsessed with her and listened to the cd I checked out from the library nonstop. Then about 2 years ago I dated someone that had great musical taste and he made me several cd’s of jazz (Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins along with funk and blues). Music was the best thing that came out of that relationship!
Needless to say, the wonderful thing about music is that you can always discover some new song or a sound you’ve never heard and it’s such a revelation.
*Current jazz obsession, Nina Simone, such a powerful woman to look up to.
Here are several of the songs that I’m currently obsessed with.
See, I can't even imbed my own songs! I'll just list them:
I’ve been day dreaming of having my own place, whether it be renting or owning (I’ll be renting for a while…), for the past several years. I first moved into my current apartment, with 2 roommates, about 4 years ago. And at first it was great, I was happy to simply be living near the city and be out of my parent’s basement but now I dream of having a separate room as my studio and then re-decorating and simply living alone. I look through my old Domino magazines (for which I mourn it’s passing) and want to paint walls in a rich eggplant and then the living room a burnt rusty red and just have fun. I also have been fantasizing more about my own place since I discovered this glamorous blog. From which I used these lovely images.
I know it’ll happen one day, hopefully soon, but for now I have to be content with my little shoebox of a room and my new jeweler’s bench.
Just as much thought as I give to what inspires me, I also consider what has influenced me. Influence and Inspiration may be thought of as the same thing however I consider influence to be a mainstay whereas inspiration changes.
So here goes, what has influenced my style and jewelry.
Number #1 goes to my mother. When I was younger, maybe 12/13 years old…and embarrassingly enough to this day, I would take out all her jewelry and play, putting it on and asking her where she got it and when I could have it. She’d say ‘when you’re older’ which at that time seemed forever! But now, she gives me her jewelry on my birthday or Christmas…or when she’s feeling generous. My father was in the Army and we traveled and lived in Central and South America and when I was just a baby we lived in Japan. She has a treasure-trove of international pieces. Her jewelry was a lesson in historical craftsmanship and styles that spanned the globe. They taught me that color, material and style can be interpreted in so many beautiful ways.
#2 – My beliefs and spiritual inclinations. Just before I graduated from college I began to explore various religions; I was at a place where I wanted more than the usual church/bible experience nor did it resonate with me (Catholicism). So I began reading what really fascinated me, Norse and Celtic mythology. I know, it may sound hoaky, but in general mythologies always intrigued me. The stories of Gods and Goddesses rising up (or descending) from the earth mingling with humans, shape-shifting and the symbolism of governance of land with higher principles and ideals. Of course the same can be said of Christianity but Celtic culture and beliefs just made more sense.
Where am I going with this? What I create with my hands and the images that come into my mind are based on my own beliefs and fascination with the Celts. In addition to their innovation and spiritual representations. Bronze, gold and copper chased bowls, torcs and headpieces are amazing outlining a myth.
#3 – Other artists and mentors. Lately, I’ve been discovering some amazing work and ridiculously innovative ideas that has spurred me to think outside of the box, to consider ALL materials, functions and methods. One recent artist that has me baffled and curious is Lisa Jeun, she uses fake nails, FAKE NAILS to make incredible brooches. I love it how she mixes them with enameled steel and silk floss. My jaw dropped gazing at her pieces. That is one criteria I aim for in most of my pieces, a mix of elements, leather, metal, shells – whatever just as long as it’s all mixed up.
As for mentors, I’ve gained several over the past 2 years. In the jewelry world, it’s difficult to find one especially because they’re all busy just trying to get their business going. However, the wisdom and knowledge they’ve dispensed to me is worth the time. Abby Goldblatt my enameling teacher has had a big influence on me, she’s one of those great teachers that knows just when to offer advice but also when to listen and let me run wild with an idea. Just when I feel frustrated and want to throw a piece across the room she offers options and ideas to turn something shitty into a gem! Here’s one of her beautiful pieces.
*I'm still configuring how to put pictures in the right place.
Above picture is Abby's.
2nd is my Mom and I.
This past Sunday I studio sat at the Torpedo Factory for Jenae Michelle whom makes very cool and stylish handbags. While I'm 'sitting', I work on my own jewelry! I began a 2 shank silver ring with an agate ring.
Range of Emotion, handbags by Jenae Michelle. I've been lusting for one of her bags!
