ECU Symposium Material Matters review; Part 1: Reliqury Redux Exhibition

Per usual I will do a review of the symposium; they will be short and sweet.  First I'm going to begin with one of my favorite exhibitions from the weekend, the Reliquary Redux which was curated by my good friend Danielle James, Kate Speranza and Zach Lechtenberg.  

I've always held a fascination with life and death and the morbid things in life, so it's no surprise this was my favorite exhibition.  What I loved most about this exhibition was the range in pieces; some where objects, jewelry, sculpture and prints.  And they all touched upon death and the memento of death and life in such diverse means.

Here are images (from my iphone..) that were my favorite.  Please excuse the photo quality, I'll never be a good one!  

For some reason i couldn't get the entire show title, but I really loved it.  Looked so great
next to the hanging piece

Lin Stanionis piece...AMAZING to see in person.  

If this were life size, I'd crawl into it!

My favorite of all the exhibition pieces.  So haunting.

My roomie from last year, Emma Olivia's exquisite pieces.

Luana Coonen's amazing pieces, I've long admired her work.

Pin It

RAW Awakening selected artist

Well here it is, I'm doing my first big show/sale of the year.  I'm really excited to be a part of the RAW events, I'd heard about them before through several other jeweler friends.  

I'm also very excited it's going to be part of a bigger event, as in, so many other talented artists will be at this event as well.  With that said, I need to sell tickets! 

If you live in or around the Charlotte, NC area, I would love to see you at the event, you can purchase tickets here.  The tickets are only $15, which I think is a great deal for a show.  And see my profile here. 

And for anyone that purchases a ticket to the event, will be entered into a raffle to WIN a Hunted bronze owl talon charm & chain.  

If you can't attend the event, I completely understand but you can still support it! If I don't sell all 20 tickets, they come out of my pockets...which are quite small.  Thank you in advance and thank you for your constant support!

Pin It

Taxidermy and jewelry

I've always admired Julia's gorgeous jewelry, but didn't know she was a taxidermist.  I love this video of her slowly working on a baby chick for a future exhibition.  

I've seriously considered taking taxidermy courses and learning the craft.  Julia inspires me, especially with her ethical stance on animals.  

Pin It

Boticca Designer spotlight

Beside myself over this gorgeous inspiration board/interview Boticca did on my jewelry.

Here's the full interview.  Boticca really is amazing at the type of exposure they give to independent designers.  I feel so lucky to be part of their website and company!

Pin It

Renovations and new studio spaces at Art Avenue

 So it's been awhile since I've given you an update on Art Avenue.  Not sure if I even posted it, but Art Avenue did receive a city revitalization grant of $15,000 - woohoo! Which is what led us to move forward with renovating the back studio space; creating four new spaces for rent.  

First the floors were stripped of the very ugly tiles that have been there for ages, then we hired several guys (Jeremy Fineman and Andy Denton being two of them) to build wall space and floor boards to designate the new studio spaces.  We are beyond thrilled at how this will benefit the arts community in Greenville.  

And all of this will be semi-ready for the ECU Metals Symposium happening this coming weekend.  We've been literally busting our buns (from painting and squatting) to get this all done in time.   Some may not realize it but everyone that 'works' at Art Avenue is a volunteer; none of us are paid but we do it for the love of our art community and to make it bigger and better. 

Below are photos, taken by our resident photographer, Aileen Devlin of the all out paint/renovations we've had.   There are even more photos on the Art Avenue Facebook page. 

Sarah Setzco and Autumn paint the doors.

Andy bein' his usual silly self.

Our awesome construction/builder guys BJ and Mike.

Holly, a resident ceramicist came to help with her husband! We're so grateful!

There I am in the window on the other side of one of the new studio spaces.

And Jeremy Fineman bein' a clown! 

Pin It

50/50 Exhibition

Following my previous post, here is the poster for the exhibition I'm participating in that will also be part of the ECU Symposium.  I was a bit speechless when I saw the list of participating artists, how did I manage to get invited to this stellar exhibition????

When Tara first sent me the invitation, I didn't realize it was 50 artist invited...and that I'd be among such talented and veteran artists.  I really can not wait to see the pieces in the exhibition, but I"m also a bit nervous that my piece won't hold a candle to the other works displayed.  

Nonetheless I am beyond honored to participate and feel immense gratitude for the invitation.  

Pin It

5th Annual ECU Metals Symposium: Image and Meaning

As I was typing this post I couldn't believe that it's been five years since the first symposium!!!

It gets better and better with each year.  I always look forward to the symposium because it's a reunion of sorts, with alumni visiting the school as well as Art Avenue and catching up with old friends and making new ones.  

With that I'll do a very short review of some of the events that will be happening in conjunction.  

The poster with a list of the presenters and workshops.  The ECU Metals guild does such an
awesome job of making everyone welcomed at ECU and Greenville. 

Of course Art Avenue is participating in the fun; we'll be hosting the exhibition curated by Mariah Ross, Nick Heyl and Samantha Clarke.  

And I'm especially excited to view the Reliquary Redux exhibition.  Reliquaries have such special meaning, it'll be interesting to see the many interpretations.  
The Reliquary Redux is curated by Danielle James, Kate Speranza and Zach Lechtenberg.

Psst. for first ECU Symposium post on my blog, click HERE and second click here. 

Pin It

Boys & Girls

When I first began my Hunted line of jewelry or for that matter most of my jewelry, I never really considered if it was meant to be worn by a man or woman.  And when I think upon the subject, I am certain that jewelry should be genderless  (not that I don't believe a jeweler can have the intention for which gender it is meant for) .  So with that said, I love it that my jewelry is so unisex; it goes beyond what gender the wearer is and becomes a talisman of sorts. 

Jodie Bakker wearing her new Hunted bronze double badger claw necklace.

NIkki wearing the same necklace and his owl talon ring. 

I really am so lucky to be friends with quite a few of my customers and that they take the time to send me photos of them wearing it - thank you Jodie and Nikki!!

And thank YOU for reading. 

Pin It

Year in Review, sayonara 2013

When I mentally review how this year has gone by I'm overcome with gratitude for the many opportunities and blessings that have come my way.  

Here's a short list of my accomplishments and lessons:

Accomplishments: 

• My business grew twofold
• my studio practice is more organized and exciting.  
• I've worked with so many talented artists from various methods (photography, graphic design, fashion, writers and more)
• Jewelry published on the cover of Eide Magazine, featured in Bella Magazine, The East Carolinian, The Daily Reflector, Equinox exhibition postcard and soon to be in Behind the Brooch (you can order it now!)
• I co-produced my first fashion show, Auerlian nights
• released my first video & lookbook
• worked with Art Avenue to promote their events and increase membership

Lessons & Goals:

• Before jumping in headfirst to wholesale, I've begun consignment then transitioning to wholesale
• Cushion more time into preparing for a large project, like a fashion show and lookbook
• CONTRACTS are essential when working with other artists and individuals
• Research deadlines for grants, exhibitions and shows.  Several opportunities I could've used slipped by because I didn't write them down or research for them. 
• Save more money and draft an advertising & marketing plan

One of the outtakes from a photo session with Aileen Devlin.

My new slightly cramped but cozy space at Art Avenue

Thanks for reading! And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pin It

Playing on the boys team

Another great collection of pieces put together by Fashiongentrix.  

Pin It

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

May your holidays be filled with happiness, joy and maybe cats?! Mine definitely will be. 

Pin It

Maleficent and the Hunted

Did a lil' google search yesterday of Eilisain Jewelry and look what came up?

I love surprises and gifts like this; my jewelry included in an inspiration board.  CreamStyle fashion blog did a great style board inspired by recent movies or soon to be released and the Hunted sterling silver crow claw ring with amethyst was included.  

I very much approve of her combination, it' one I would definitely wear!

Pin It

Earrings for Matt

Tis the season to give, and giving to a cause is very much part of what I did in my former profession (working for nonprofit, advocacy groups).  And giving is a part of my current business model.  

What better way to give a gift than with 100% of the proceeds going to a worthy cause?  These earrings are one of a kind and made by talented artists!

Tara Locklear is one of the most generous people I know; she really commits to sharing her knowledge and time. Matthew McClain, a tattoo artist, died several months ago at the hand of a drunk driver.  Matt's family is struggling to pay his medical bills and live a sustainable life; in efforts to help Tara organized the Etsy shop, Earrings for Matt.  

More information about Matt:

Matt was a motorcyclist and tattooer formally of Purple Heart Tattoo in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was in a tragic motorcycle accident with his girlfriend of 6 years, Kathrine Collins who is currently healing injuries from the accident. Matt walked to the beat of his own drum. He was funny, silly, serious, deep, kind, caring and loved his circle of friends and family with a passion that could fill many pages. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere at any time. All of your support and purchases are greatly appreciated.

Pin It

LIGHT Art + Design Gallery

Last weekend I went to the holiday exhibition opening Metal 3 at Light Art + Design Gallery in Chapel Hill, NC.  I'd heard many great things about this gallery, especially since several of my friends and ECU alumni are represented there, so I was very happy to be invited to stay at Tara Locklear's place and spend the evening in a city, that is so close that I'd never been to.

Light is owned by two interior designers so the aesthetic and feel of the gallery lends itself to a modern and visually appealing space.  I very much enjoyed the feel of the gallery, as well as ogling the gorgeous jewelry and sculpture on display.  I was also very happy to see Hoss Haley's pieces (that my Penland Class had seen in the process) exhibited!

This was also a celebration of sorts as I got to spend the evening with Sarah West and Tara Locklear, whom I haven't been with both at the same time in awhile.  The three of us were the older ladies in the ECU undergrad studio back in the day (about 3 years ago).  It was really great catching up with them and reliving old memories.

I hope you enjoy this post! 

Hoss Haley sculpture

Hoss Haley

Of course, the ECU metalsmiths are very well represented.  Laura Wood and Zachary Lechtenburg are also represented by Light. 

The ladies in action, Sarah West on the left and Tara Locklear on the right.

Pin It

FREE SHIPPING on all Holiday orders

There is still time to get your holiday gifts, I'm offering free shipping on all orders for the holiday season.  Last day to get yours in time for Xmas is December 16th!

Pin It

Wild Hand Workspace Presents SWANK Jewelry Pop Up shop

Really psyched to have been invited to participate in this 'swanky' jewelry shop.  In my DC, Panda Head, aka Morgan Hungerford West, crafter/lifestyle/photographer and all around creative extraordonaire is part of the team behind this event.  

If you are in DC, stop by and soak in (and buy) gorgeous handmade jewelry.  Wild Hand studio is located at Monroe Street Market in the Brookland/Edgewood neighborhood of DC.  

The event runs from December 12-22.

Pin It

Featured Artist: Jeremy Fineman of Bullfrog Ceramics

I can't believe I haven't blogged about Jeremy before, other than about Art Avenue bizznass.

Jeremy Fineman is pretty much my studio mate at AA, and our go to guy for any construction or building at Art Ave.  Oh and the reason for this post, he is an excellent ceramicist! His pieces are quirky and odd...kinda like Jeremy.  No seriously, there is a fun playfulness and intentional unbalanced nature to all of his pieces.  He likes to put rattles in the handle of his mugs or as below in the spinning top to his sugar bowl. 

His pieces make the best gifts, people love them!  And it has the special quality of being handmade and one of a kind.  I've given them as wedding gifts, birthdays and of course, Christmas gifts!

On a side note from Jeremy's awesome work, I can't say enough how essential he has been to the progress of Art Avenue.  He's helped recruit volunteers, members, supporters, given time to reorganizing the artist's studio and helped me fix some of my own equipment. 

Sugar bowls

My favorite mugs!

And Jeremy to the left of me, enjoying Andy Denton's ode to Art Avenue.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget: BUY HANDMADE THIS SEASON! 

Pin It

Video of the Day: Walking Through That Door by Future Islands

Future Islands: Walking Through That Door on Nowness.com
 

I love this video for so many reasons; the artistry, stop motion animation, it's done by Greenville locals Future Islands and ECU Alum Kymia Nawabi, the song is wonderful and this strange love story between a bear and a girl.

 
Pin It

the months that just keep giving

The sales just keep on comin'! Enjoy friends

Pin It

Birds

I didn't realize until several minutes ago how much I love bird imagery.  It sounds like a duh moment, considering my most popular jewelry is cast from birds but I guess I never really analyzed it.

My late grandmother, Anne, loved birds.  She had a whole room devoted to birds, we called it the bird room.  My grandma was such a wonderful person and I'd like to think she somehow passed her love of birds on to me.

With that this post is dedicated to the beauty of birds and the delicate and somber art of Lauren Gray of The Haunted Hollow Tree.   

It's on my Christmas wishlist to get one of her prints!

The Gathering print by Lauren Gray.

Flying barn owl drawing by Lauren Gray.

Raven Study drawing by Lauren Gray of The Haunted Hollow Tree.

Pin It