Construction Exhibition photos

So along with missing the Fred Fenster workshop I also missed my classmates Senior Exhibition, Tara Locklear, Nick Heyl and Crystal Lin - talk about terrible timing!!! Grr, however, I did snap photos of their exhibition and here they are.  I really, really loved how Tara displayed her jewelry on these vintage photos of female steel workers - it really brought home the use of material and tying it into the style of that era, costume jewelry and Tara's innovation with enamel decals.

Crystal and Nick's work was just as impressive - they are masters at manipulating copper and fabrication.  I so want Crystal's fork, spoon and knife, she carved from wax the handles!  And Nick's family series of caps for the fabricated vessel was very symbolic of his life as an adopted child.

Enjoy!

Steel worker wearing Tara Lockear's steel enameled earrings. 

Female Steel workers, wearing Tara's enameled Steel earrings.

Tara Locklear's Skate Deck Series.

Crystal Lin's reversible chain mail necklace.

Nick Heyl's beautifully copper blue teapot.

Nick Heyl's metaphorical family ancestors.

And here is a short yet funny video of Tara showing us a sneak peak into her process and installation piece for the senior show. And also check out the ECU undergrad studio!

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Inside Jim Cotter's studio

Isn't this a great video of Jim Cotter in his Colorado studio? Jim Cotter was a visiting artist almost two years ago at ECU and I missed his workshop....I could really kick myself! I'm hoping he'll come back one day...soon. For now I'll enjoy this video of all the amazing jewelry and art he's creating.

check it out...




Jim kinda reminds me of Bob Ebendorf, and ironically they happen to be good friends.


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Featured Artist: Tara Locklear

Tara herself, in Italy last summer.

If you follow my blog or have read older posts, you'll recognize the name Tara Locklear.

Tara is also an undergraduate student in the metals program at ECU and a friend of mine. We work well together in the undergrad studio; from running the metals guild (Tara is the treasurer), maintaining the studio to coming up with ways to boost income for the guild and students.

Not only is she an awesome guild treasurer but a very talented metalsmith. It's been inspiring watching her work evolve and progress. Her work challenges me to rethink the material and have fun with it. You can see both an elegant lady but also a punk-rock chick wearing her pieces.

Tara loves experimenting with new materials and putting a modern spin on them - especially the look of gemstones, whether it's cast in silver or concrete.

Unbridled Royalty, 2010
(Tara has won several awards for this amazing necklace)

The Lighter Side of Status, 2011

Close up of center pendant.

Pile of Rocks ring, 2011

Cocktail Overload bracelet, 2010

Too Many Coctails ring, 2010

Rings on Deck, I & II (the ring on the left is mine and on the right is Kat Cole's) - from a trade)

Cast in Stone, 20111

From the pieces Tara's turned out within the past 2 years - I can foresee Tara going to some high places.

Stay tuned for details on our combined trunk show along with Sarah West this summer...it'll be kick-ass!

Thank you for reading and Happy Eostre!

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