Weekly Challenge - Week 20

Much like the oft cursed writers block, visual artists also get creative block... in my studio, it's ruefully referred to as Makers Block and has a myriad of inconsistent cures, and only one or two consistent ones.

There have been many things going on in my life lately that have drained my creative energy to near critical levels- not necessarily bad things- just things that require a certain level of my focus and my will. This is not unusual for a sensitive artist type person to experience- sometimes just day-to-day takes too much from us- the curse of feeling life so deeply. If we try to force the creativity when the energy isn't there, it's obvious in the work that we make. It lacks authenticity, spirit and a voice.

I've pulled designs from my archives to execute and get half way through and realize they're lifeless. and it's my fault. So, i'm going to do what i know works to get the creative batteries recharged- I'm going to spend the weekend in the woods, hunting for textures, rocks, quiet moments and memories with friends and family.

Once i come back, recharged and ready to face the world anew, i'll get my Mobile Metal Studio rewards worked on and send out my next update. I've had to back burner the project for the last few weeks even though it has pained me to do so. I found a VW Bus in Murfreesboro TN, although the rust repair may be more than i can take on with everything else as it is.

In the meantime, here's what i have been working on that i feel isn't lacking in heart because they're technical exercises, samples for my upcoming class. (the top one was made last week- the bottom one the newer, more Art Nouveau approach)

Weekly Challenge- Week 19

I misplaced my sample for my upcoming Jeweler's saw class at the Botanic Gardens, so i had to make another one :) This piece was designed, pierced and cleaned up in 2 hours, using only one sawblade and my beloved Knew Concepts saw. Those super tight cuts were all made using the saw, not notched with a file.

Here's the class description if you're interested:

Sawing sheet metal or: How i learned to love my jeweler's saw May 30th 10am - 5pm

In this workshop class you will learn all the ins and outs of one of the most basic and useful of jeweler's tools, which incidentally, is also one of the most hated. 

 

You'll learn about proper blade loading, which saw blades to use for what, how different materials respond, how to mark your material for sawing, inside cuts and more. I'll have a variety of saws on hand for you to try, including the Knew Concepts saw, which has helped turn many an anti-jewelers saw person into a sawing master!

 

Our projects for the class will be mostly about learning how to use the saw and will be technique based, however, there will be a small pendant project that you can complete in class or at home, depending on the speed at which you work, and your practice pieces can be turned into charms. 

 

If you do NOT have a jewelers saw and bench pin, PLEASE let us know when you sign up for the class. Neither tool is required to take this class, but I need an accurate count of how many to bring. I will assume you have both if nothing is noted, so for everyone's enjoyment, please provide this information. Sharing is caring, but I would rather everyone have dedicated tools :) 

 

Blades, practice pieces, and templates are provided and you will have a reference handout to take home chock full of useful information. We will be using twist drill bits, center punches, scribers, sharpies, burlife/beeswax, and adhesive in class. (You are welcome to bring your own if you have these- some will be shared in class) Some tools and extra materials will be available for purchase at class as well. 

Please contact Laurie at the Memphis Botanic Garden to register : 901.636.4128

Weekly Challenge - Week 18

So, i didn't get any new work finished this week... it's the first week in a long time that i haven't at least completed something for the shop. It makes me feel sad, like i've let down my muse. ( i did however complete a ring resize, and produce a number of charms for The Rescue Way Station)

I bought some new cabs, because i'm ALWAYS buying rocks.. and these are the three pieces i'm working on next. The large mint Chrysoprase is paired with a gorgeous Kammererite from Russia that has a lovely hint of mint in the upper right area. The top right is a pyrite cube from spain paired with a meteorite that has lovely olivine and iron inclusions. The bottom is a great piece of Horse Canyon agate paired with a small aqua Larimar from the Dominican Republic. I have sketches of how they will all look and will hopefully be sharing the finished pieces soon!

The ring i made and resized

Charms in Copper

Weekly challenge- week 17

I was in Nashville at the TN crafts spring show when it was time to post my weekly update (may 1st). I was so tired- three shows in three weekends, and running full steam to make new stuff between shows.... I went to bed before 10 on both Friday and Saturday night, even though I was within walking distance to some amazing places and the weather was amazing!

The show was good though. I had a chance to do some mentoring, which is a chapter coordinators job, but one I was excited to do. I got to be a part of a friend's artistic confirmation both of her work and the value of her work.  I met some great people and I bought some gorgeous wood worked art.

I'm still working on the mobile metal studio- found 2 options nearby. Fingers crossed one works out!

I have a bit of a break from shows, which means more focus on my classes. I have a fun on coming up later this month at the Botanic gardens on how to love your jewelers saw. One next month on fine silver metal clay and glass and then in July, my weekend workshop at ACC on unique molds and textures for metal clay.

I picked up some old lapidary journals at the MAGS show weekend before last and have finally gotten around to looking through them. Omg the prices on things were so low!!! Looking back on some of the ones from the late 90s, when I really started, is interesting. Many of the places that were my dream/go to shops are long gone, victims of the economic crash in 08... and some have stood strong. Many of the techniques that were new and innovative in 1985 are coming back as, well yeah. New and innovative, again. :) all things are cyclical. Art, people, time, nature. Oh my- so philosophical over some beads. ;) now to see if I can see if any of these cab dealers that were selling top grade charoite in 1998 are still around....

Here's something I worked on last week, for my challenge.... 124 stacking rings. :)