Studio visit with Joanna Gollberg

Two days ago, our Kinetic Adornments class took a field trip into Asheville to visit several artists' studios and also check out galleries. 

We were so lucky to have Shana Loconsole in our class; she knows and works for several artists in Asheville and she was able to use her connections to get us a special tour of these artists.  I'll be posting photos of the visits over the next several days.  

Our first stop was Mora Jewelry, and Joanna Gollberg's amazing studio.  Joanna was so gracious, knowledgeable and forthcoming with her struggles and success' as a jeweler and co-gallery owner with Marthe Le Van (Mora Collection Jewelry).  Joanna has such a great studio space and methods for working with a wide variety of stones. 

Below are photos I snapped, hope you enjoy!

Bench of Jeff, who co-rents the studio with Joanna.

Shana and her brother looking over Joanna's bench, as well as Shana's bench.

An ingenious system for drawing down wire!

Joanna being her funny, smart and generous with her time! 

SO envious of her stone collection, was like being in a candy store!!

laid out pieces and jewelry ready for stones to be set.

Our class (minus 3 students).  We've become a little family over the past two weeks.

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Moving On collective

Being in a class with people from all over the world and of different experiences really introduces you to ideas and concepts that may not come to you otherwise.

Sophie Main is one of the students in our class that is at Penland on a scholarship from London.  Sophie's work at RCA (Royal College of Art) deals with the history of objects, collecting and cataloguing  historical works and objects.  I've really enjoyed watching her thinking process in the objects and sketches she's done in class.

Sophie is also part of the Moving On collective, a group of artists from RCA that created a wonderful interactive exhibition.  The artists carried/wore their jewelry on ribbons and the piece was placed in a jar to protect the object but then could be taken out to show the viewer.  

MOVING ON / 8,207,654mm from YUEN.HSIEH on Vimeo.

Once again, I just really enjoy these kinds of projects, creating an event and/or method to introduce art jewelry to the public, making art accessible and less confined.  I hope you enjoy the video!

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I'm at Penland!

So here it is another beautiful and glorious summer at Penland.  We're only four days in and I'm just loving it!  I'm learning alot and having fun at the same time.  I'm assisting my good friend Amir Friedman.  He is teaching a kinetics adornment class which covers so much yet it's essential to learn in jewelry and metalsmithing.

this will be brief as I'm also working on several projects and commissions all at once! Below are 'sketches' in wire of springs and forming them in endless ways.

I'll continue to post more over the several days and weeks so stay tuned and thanks for visiting!

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Because of the night

Last weekend I worked with my good friend Paula (owner of The Closet Consignment boutique) to shoot some photos of my jewelry for my upcoming debut on Boticca.  

Ashleigh Bowden was my model, isn't she beautiful? I love her dark features and she wears my jewelry SO well.  All of these photos are also attached to the jewelry on my Eilisain Etsy shop!

And psst, don't forget I'm still having my summer SALE, 20% off all my jewelry, use coupon code: SUMMA20.

Ashleigh wearing the resurrection ring, bear claw charm pendant and several other necklaces.

Looking enchanting with the crow claw pendant.

My fav earrings, the beaver teeth hoop earrings.

A masquerade!

and wearing the triple owl talon pendant with purple fluorite stone.

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Werk it

I still can't get over how sexy and glamorous this photo is of my customer Anja of Germany, she looks gorgeous and the ring is perfect on her!!!

Anja wearing the silver triple crow claw ring with black tourmaline chip.  Available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

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Summa SALE

Don't miss out on my summer sale! Enjoy 20% off ALL MY jewelry in my Etsy shop. 

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why buy handmade?

I've been thinking about this topic for the past several days; the importance it means to artisans and local business' that the general public understand the meaning of 'handmade' and buying local.

I'll tell you how buying handmade affects my life.  Whenever I make a sale, it means I can pay my rent, car payments, buy new equipment, get groceries and maybe one day have employees.  I always tell my friends that it means your putting dollars back into your neighbors wallet. 

I also thought of the other angle, that 'hey, I'm shopping for a bargain' which, I'm almost always doing.  However, I also want something to last and be worth my money.  I'll admit, I love going to TJ Maxx and getting something on clearance.  But nowadays its for necessities; like running shorts or shoes not a candle or a coffee mug.  I made a conscientious about seven years ago that instead of buying crap, like tshirts from Forever 21 or Target, that I'd save my money and wait for something that I knew would last, even if it meant wearing or using old things that I was tired of.   

When I'm searching for a wedding gift, I buy handmade, or any gift really.  Buying handmade means supporting your local economy as well as the artisan economy.  There is a deeper meaning and story behind the object you purchase and that's special and worth spending good money.

So with all that said, I urge you to do the same.  Invest in pieces that are unique, one of a kind and keep the history of handmade objects alive.  

Me, using my hands to make individual and memorial pieces.  

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Sail

this song is now trapped in my song due to my friend introducing it to me.  

when I used to DJ and even a few years ago, I was all about discovering new music and now, it's fallen by the wayside.

enjoy and happy 4th of July, be safe!

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Momentary Myth opening reception

The photos are here from the opening night of the Momentary Myth joint exhibition with Sim Asher, all of the photos were taken by Aileen Devlin's Dad, Mr. Devlin.  He did a great job capturing the evenings attendees and all of us celebrating.

I could seriously pinch myself, I feel so lucky for the supportive community in Greenville.  People are always willing to contribute and do what they can to provide exposure for up and coming artists like Sim and I.  

Anywho, enough of that, below are the photos!

The team: Sterling Lieske, Aaron Iaquinto, Sim Asher, Nikki Lee, Khristie Thomas
me, Ashleigh Bowden, Meagan Wilson

Paige Thomas, Meagan Wilson and an attendee.  

Great photo of the displays.

Deer antler jawbone and the Deep Sea bronze sea horse pendant.

Old friends came out and it really made the evening better!

Me chattin' it up with Ellen Hinrichs of Geoflora Jewelry.

My work bench.

Great shot of the back studio space at Art Avenue. 

My fiance is so supportive, always comes out to cheer me on.

Aileen Devlin and Claire Edwards,
two awesome women working to bring arts to the Greenville community. 

My jewelry on display for the exhibition.

Stylish ladies at the exhibition.  

Processing a sale!  

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It's written on the walls

About the project "The Richmond Mural Project is a yearly event with the goal of creating over 100 murals by world renown talent in the first 5 years alone. The recurrence and solidification of the project throughout this time will establish Richmond as a landmark destination for internationally recognized murals and will create exposure for the city, establishing it as a premier art destination.  By concentrating a large number of murals throughout the city the project will increase tourism and will bring the much needed “Feet on the Street” which will help local business thrive.  Along with this mission there are many additional benefits that these murals will bring to the city of Richmond.  These murals will serve as positive catalysts for change by specifically placing them in areas that are in disrepair. These environments include neighborhoods with abandoned buildings and low foot traffic, areas with high crime, and newly developed areas in need of identity."

I wish Greenville would do something like this.  Having art out of the gallery and on the street shares the beauty of what art is all about.

Thanks for reading!

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Eilisain Jewelry Lookbook

I realized the other night that I completely forgot to post photos from the Momentary Myth photoshoot on my blog! Of course, all of these photos are on my website but I still like to share images on the bloggedy blog.  

Sim and I worked really well together on this project because our styles are so similar and we're friends with the models too.  I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity to work with Sim and Spike, my videographer.  Speaking of, if you haven't seen the Momentary Myth video, it's pretty awesome...

Aaron modeling the Keeper ring.  Bronze 18kt gold plated bronze.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

Ashleigh wearing the Deep Sea one of a kind necklace.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

Sterling wearing the beaver teeth earrings and the Hunted crow claw pendant.  Sim Asher photography.
All rights reserved.

Awesome shot of the Epona ring and the Hunted ring.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

Sterling wearing the Epona one of a kinda necklace and ring.
Sim Asher photography.  All rights reserved.

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Gettin' there

As you know, I've been working very hard on getting my jewelry out across the country in shops and boutiques.  And I'm proud to say I've got a couple new places my work is being carried.

Ghost Gallery in Seattle, Washington.  Laurie Kearney carries limited edition prints, small scale sculpture, miniature works of art and of course jewelry.  

Not Just a Label is a UK based company that primarily sells online exposing small and independent designers to the public, especially stylists and fashionistas.  Check out my shop on their website.

The Eilisain Jewelry pieces sold on NJAL are exclusive and not sold on my website.

I will also soon be selling my jewelry on Eide Magazine website, a company based out of Atlanta, Georgia that celebrates all culture and art based in the South.  

The Hunted owl talon ring in bronze.  Just took a new photo of this ring.  

 Stay tuned as I've got some more up coming projects in the works.  So far, the year is going pretty good!

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Rawr!

Just discovered Deedee Cheriel's pieces via Coolhunting.

I love the mix of bright colors and emotive expressions.  Her work is now on display at Merry Karnowsky Gallery in LA.  This series of work is called "Episodes in Abundant Oasis".

Image courtesy of Coolhunting.  

Image courtesy of Coolhunting.  

Image courtesy of Coolhunting.  

Hope you enjoyed reading and had a great summer weekend!

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Mercury Studio

I've been following Mercury Studio for awhile now and it's really great to meet the founders and learn more about how they are creating such a welcoming space for entrepreneurs in the Durham area.

I hope you'll help them out with their cause.

And as always, thank you for reading!
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Behind the Brooch book

I'm surprised that someone hadn't thought up the idea of this book before; however I'm so very happy that Lorena Angulo was the one to curate and launch the book.  She is a woman of force, constantly working in new mediums and experimenting.  I always enjoy reading her blog and facebook updates. 

Below is the cover of the book.  I seriously, CAN'T wait to get my hands on it, I'll have to wait about 14 months!    

The book will be available in February 2014 at Schiffer publishing.

 It's something of an inside thing, with jeweler's and metalsmiths that we always look at the back of a brooch; to study it and see how the designer utilized the back and incorporated design elements.  As with any object that is handmade or meant to last, it's so important to consider each part and function of the object.  

I'm very excited to say that I'll have two brooches featured in the book, this will be the first time I'll be published in a book!!!!  Can you tell how thrilled I am? 

Orthoceras brooch back, 2011

Be sure to bookmark Schiffer publishing and save the book to purchase next year.  Thanks for reading!

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The Detailers

Sweet lil' video of a jeweler working in her studio. 

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Summerrrr SALE

Take advantage of this SALE today, SHOP on my Eilisain Etsy site

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Song of the Day: Beth Orton "Central Reservation"

This used to be my jam, and album, back in the day.

Enjoy it with me.  Happy Tuesday.
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In case I haven't mentioned

You can follow Eilisain Jewelry on all the fun social platforms.  On each of these platforms I give you a unique snippet of what I find interesting, fun and relevant to Eilisain Jewelry.  

Pinterest anyone? Some of my new jewelry gets posted on Pinterest, along with inspiring and funny images. 

Oh yes and Twitter, follow EilisainJewelry.  

Of course I'm on FB, I love sharing special sales and coupon codes on this platform. 

And I believe my most favorite is Instagram.  Showing you inside views of my studio, and the gallery space that I work at (aka Art Avenue).  

I hope you'll follow me on any or all of these platforms.  

Thanks for reading!

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Copycat

I didn't think or perhaps prepare myself for one day I'd be accused of 'ripping off' another jeweler but it happened.  It's so disheartening and a struggle to push out the negativity but I'm getting there.  I've always been the kind of person that just keeps moving on, to not let the naysayers bring me down, and I'm going to keep on doing just that!

I'll flesh out this story with how I came across the beautiful crow claw my fiance found when he was a kid, he's kept it for over 15 years and thought perhaps I could do something with it.   I believe it was almost two years ago that I started making a pendant and ring with the wax models I had.  Of course, it didn't cross my mind that I was making something revolutionary, I couldn't have been the first one to think up using a crow claw in jewelry.  And I wasn't.  There are many jewelers on the internet that use all kinds of animal parts (humanely I hope) with their jewelry.  And I wouldn't think they were 'ripping me off' because I borrowed from nature, which I didn't create.

The Hunted: bronze crow claw ring with black tourmaline.

I want to tell you that it is the story, the image and idea behind my jewelry that I'd like the public to enjoy.  What I make is very much rooted in myth and story; animals are very interconnected to humans and sharing in this relationship is the mythology and history of how we interact with animals.  

It is really up to you whether or not you like the style and manner that I present my jewelry.

Now, I will take the stance that under no circumstances do I believe it is okay to directly 'copy' another artists or jewelers work.  And the public and you will see the difference between which is an original and which is a fake.  With that being said, there are many instances in a field, especially art, where one can see a similarity, a likeness but understand that each artist is unique in their presentation.  It is human nature to be influenced, but it stops when they consistently copy another person and try to present the entire body of work (that was copies) as their own.

I hope that this post helps you to distinguish between my jewelry and others.

Thanks for reading!

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I won the Makery Competition

Thank you to everyone that voted for me.  Its such a warm fuzzy feeling when your friends and family support you and take a little time out of their day to vote, thank you again!

Next week I'll be featured on The Makery website and possibly sell my jewelry.  The concept is wonderful, to support North Carolina artisans and celebrate how they make their work.  North Carolina has a very rich history of craft and I'm honored to become a part of that fabric.   

I'll keep you posted on my interaction with the Makery.

In other news, I finally photographed this sweet little pendant I finished several weeks ago.  I bought the gorgeous rudilated quartz crystal at Points of Light and found it perfect with the original beetle I cast last year.  

Since last year I've seemed to acquire even more bugs! My future mother in law found a beautiful dragonfly and a lizard....hmmm, the question is should I make them into jewelry? I'm contemplating it.

For now, this pretty baby is on sale! 

Now on sale on my website and etsy!

Thank you for reading and happy Friday!!

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Art Avenue update

I haven't written about the really great progress we've made at Art Avenue (where I run my jewelry business and studio) in awhile, so here is a brief update.  We recently we hosted a Cinco de Mayo member social to celebrate our biggest supporters in the eastern North Carolina region.

The idea came about from Claire Edwards, the Director of Art Avenue, to share with the community how the studio space and gallery has improved over the past year.  We also wanted to tell people about the studio rentals and how much this benefits artists from the School of Art and Design at ECU and at Pitt Community College.  

Below are some of the photos from the event.  We were able to raise a good amount from memberships that will go to making small renovations in the studio space to allow for more renters and future exhibitions.  

Thanks for reading!

A member admiring Jeremy Fineman's Bullfrog Ceramics. Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Me, talking about how important community support is.  Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Andy Denton singing his praises, literally!  Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Jalapeno beer!! I really loved it, generously donated by these young men.  Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Our awesome interns, aka Pitt Community college students.   Photo by Aileen Devlin.

Guests and supporters having fun.  Photo by Aileen Devlin.

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How Animals Grieve

This morning as I was perusing posts on FB I saw one that caught my eye, a brief interview on NPR about this wonderful book by anthropologist Barbara J. King, How Animals Grieve. 

The research and King's statements on the many and various ways that animals can have emotions is very interesting to me.  Animals can experience pain, just as humans can but I think when it comes to grief, happiness and jealousy it can be trickier to discern.  I've always felt that you must have very large respect and caution with animals because as much as we'd like to think we are communicating with them, they are also instinctual and do not have the thought capacity that we do.

This post could go on and I probably wouldn't make much sense (since I'm not the best at writing philosophically); nonetheless it is fascinating to muse and think about.  I plan on buying the book soon, and hopefully read at the beach this summer.  I hope that this post gives you pause for thought and thank you for reading!

Cover of King's book. 

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