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. :)

Busy Bran- Upcoming shows & classes

It's been a busy spring! 

Last weekend was the East Buntyn Art walk, which was excellent weather, despite predictions to the contrary. It's one of my favorite shows to vend as the people that come and wander the historic neighborhood are some of the friendliest folks i've met, but i miss being one of those wandering. :) The commemorative wine glass this year was PURPLE!! and i was able to replace the broken blue one from last year so i have the complete set of them from years i've been a vendor. (OCD nerd problems)

This weekend is the Vollentine Evergreen Art walk and the MAGS gem and mineral show, so i'll be busy both Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully, i'll sell a bunch of stuff Saturday so i can buy lots of rocks Sunday. :) 

Next weekend is the Tennessee Crafts Spring Show in Centennial Park, Nashville. It's Friday, May 1st through Sunday, May 3rd and i'm the chapter coordinator for the SW chapter, so i'll be set up with 2 other members of the SW chapter in the Emerging Makers tent. We will be joined by two artists from another chapter, including an artist with amazing turned bowls, so keep an eye out for pictures and if you're in the Nashville area, stop by and enjoy a variety of amazing arts and crafts by some of Tennessee's finest (and surrounding states)

The TN Craft spring show is my last show, as of right now, for the spring season. I'll be turning my focus back to my classes- the May class at the Botanic Gardens is going to be a fun technique class on using the jeweler's saw. June's will be combining metal clay and glass. In July, I'll be out at the Appalachian Center for Craft teaching a mold making/texture making weekend workshop with metal clay. I'm excited about all the cool stuff that is possible in a longer class- I always try to put too much into my 1 day workshops and have to scale them back a bit. :)

Weekly challenge- week 16

This Saturday is the East Buntyn art walk, so I've been busily making. Finally figured out how to finish the lovely silks that my pendants seem to float from. Got a project cleared off my to do... and still have some earrings to make.

Here's a teaser of new stuff.

Mobile Metal Working Studio

Last week i set up a GoFundMe for a VW bus that i can use to go to out of town art shows and also have a mobile metal studio for said shows as well as local events. I'm so thrilled at the support i have received so far but i still have a ways to go to be able to purchase and transport the bus from Cali.

I've created a logo for the MMWS and i'm already pricing how much it's going to take to get this thing on the road and to shows! (Positive thinking-- especially since the seller has lowered the price if i can get it off his hands this week!!!)

Rough draft of the logo- needs a little polish, i know.

Here's the link to the GoFundMe page- every little bit helps and i do have rewards for donations- I'm not just asking people to just give me money for an art project- I'm offering product in exchange for an investment in my community outreach plan.

Here's a picture of the high top camper VW Bus- it'll need a new paint job eventually, but it will do until i can get the inside outfitted to be useful. i think i'll paint her to match my studio. :)

Weekly challenge - week 15

These are 4 rings I finished last night and applied patina to today. they have this slick gunmetal finish now that really sets of the stones and the textures

Weekly Challenge - Week 14

I've spent some time spring cleaning at the studio - the anvil table finally has its top and all that is left is to get andy to help me drill the holes for the lug bolts. i'm excited about having not just the large vise, rolling mill and shear mounted, but also my Fretz stake holder that i have had in a little shrine on my bench, awaiting its turn to be used. :)

my bench actually has work space on it now, several unique strands of beads i purchased for the shop side have been rediscovered and are available for purchase and i re-curated my window display- adding another plexi shelf and spreading out some of the goodies so that they can be even more inspiring. My Sarah Perkins bowl (the amazing golden sun on the bottom shelf) is now out and visible as well. It feels good to get the energy of the space back into the positive, especially after such a long, cold winter.

Not the best picture, but gives an idea of the new pretties. 

I'm looking forward to a class i'm taking at the Five in One Social Club down on Broad. It's Old School Screen printing. I'm looking forward to seeing how i can utilize it in my metal working- maybe as a resist for etching, or something with enameling... I suspect there will be experiments documented here soon. :)

I'll be making some gallery rings tonight at Open Studio over at BMB designs from 6pm-10pm. That means soldering, stone setting and finishing demos! Gotta get stock built back up for the Art Walk on the 18th over in East Buntyn! I'll post a picture later, after they're all put together.

Weekly challenge- weeks 12 and 13

Just because I haven't posted doesn't mean that I have not been making- I just can't share them publicly yet :)

I've been looking at all the great things in have coming up this spring. Art walks, the TACA show in Nashville, teaching a new sawing technique class, and then in the summer, teaching at a new place.

So. I've got work to share- just have to wait. I also have a ton of new stuff in the shop, some new cabs to put in this week and some works in progress that I can hardly wait to finish!

In the mean time, enjoy today's finished piece- a variation of the infinite love pendant- I think the hammered wire is a nice touch.

Ok- here's the set that i made for week 13- the infinity pieces are gold-filled wire i twisted together for texture and the gemstones at the clasp are significant birthstones for the couple. 

Weekly challenge- week 11

I've been working like a mad woman to get as many if the in progress pieces on my bench finished for the Cosmic Trunk show this Saturday at the metal museum. I had making things that are the exact same so I have been doing little things here and there to make each piece unique.

Here are the 5 infinite love necklaces I finished tonight and the latest lily pad ring. (Also hot off the bench)

Weekly challenge - week 10

It felt so good to sit in the studio and make tonight! I've been sick for over a week and there hasn't been much energy for doing anything,  much less creating but tonight, fueled by a venti mocha and the looming deadline of my first show of 2015 at the Metal Museum next weekend, I was a making fiend! 

I actually completed 12 rings,  7 pairs of earrings, and 3 pendants tonight. I got a good bit carded and tagged, still need prices, but it's progress. And I have several more pieces in the pipeline so next time I get to sit for a few hours and work, I should be able to boast a comparable haul. :)

Here's an overview pic

something to remember on the cold, dark nights...

"Au milieu de l'hiver, j'ai découvert en moi un invincible été." 

~ Albert Camus

{in the depths of winter, I discovered there was in me an invincible summer}.

Weekly challenge- week 9

I posted 4 times before I was out of town for a week so technically, I don't think I should be penalized for missing week 8. :)
Here are the rings I made during today's snow day. :) I had some requests for smaller rings so I've been making some in the 3.5 to 5.5 range. They also work as great midi rings.

Living the creative life

The last couple of months have flown by for me. Between traveling for work, preparing for shows, and taking a very eye opening workshop presented by Thomas Mann, I've been in a physical and mental whirlwind.
One of the themes that keeps coming up (for lots of other folks too, if the blog-o-sphere is any indication) is 'telling your story' through your work and the importance of authenticity. I started thinking about what makes something authentic and how authentic does it have to be for people to connect with it- because we also all enjoy a good tale- fantasy and science fiction would not be such popular genres if that wasn't true.

I decided that living the creative life was a keystone to my authenticity. Walking the walk, if you will. A creative life is *not* the status quo- in fact, it's likely the farthest place from it right now. It's changing, mind you, but we're only really seeing the shift in affluent sectors where the disposable income to make choices about where your sustaining necessities are sourced exists. The most visible of this shift right now is in the growing presence of organic and sustainable products on the store shelves. But living the creative life goes beyond that- it's not just about *buying* things that are better for you, the environment, etc. It's about creating them as well.

Creative life isn't just for artists- look at the word creative- its root- create... It's about making, growing, producing, fabricating, bringing into being. Promoting, fostering- sowing the seeds for... it's about the choices we make that allow our lives, the lives of our families and the lives of those around us to be touched by this amazing creative energy. It's cooking a meal -even if it's not from scratch-just assembling convenient components- rather than grabbing drive thru. It's planting a garden and enjoying the crop, however big or small, from your labors- from your act of creation. knitting a scarf, putting a button back on a much loved shirt. it's in everything we do, every thing we say.

I have fully realized that living the creative life isn't just about making art- it's so much bigger than that. It's about your life being made up of so many conscious and positive choices- about creating and fostering growth. From the food you eat, to the clothes you wear to the art you hang on the wall. And when i look at my life, i see that i am already well on the path to an authentic, creative life that i can be proud of- that i can draw upon and that i can shine a light from to help others find their path.

Weekly challenge- week 7 early

My next class at the botanic gardens is metal clay and enamel- basse taille, specifically. Which is really just fancy words for transparent enamel over textured metal. :) I've made a few samples from simple pretty textures with one color on top to fancier gradients with champleve.

Here are the samples:

Weekly Challenge- Week 6.75

I tried out some new techniques this weekend while i was supposed to be making stock for my upcoming show. i needed the creative boost of trying something new, because while i love making spinner rings, and stacking rings, and antique button pendants and fold formed earrings, i can get a little stagnant with my designs and my execution without a little injection from something different... so i played with some larger scale (wall jewelry size) air chasing and some enameling techniques that i had set aside many years ago and never quite gotten back around to exploring further.

No finished work yet, but here are the preview pics. :)

air chased copper with wood, art glass and paper. still working on the layout.

  

Graphite on enamel. 2 layers of opaque enamel were laid down and fired, then stoned smooth so i could draw on it. Then i doodled :) this is before firing.

 this is after firing. :) 

Weekly jewelry- week 6.5

I'm to be completely out of pocket for a week with out the ability to make jewelry so i am getting a little ahead (I don't want to fall behind like I did last year)

these earrings are textured copper with sterling silver bezel cups and posts with onyx set in the bezels.

Weekly jewelry - week 6

Basse taille enamel on fine silver. For my March class at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.
In class we will construct the base, and it can be super simple like these or more complex, combining champleve with the basse taille. Up to the student's comfort level. Textures will be available or they can create custom textures with scribes, ball burnishers, stamps, botanicals, etc. Pieces fired at lunch, and after lunch enameled using lead free transparent enamels.

Will complete at least one pendant. Some people prefer to make earrings or 2 small charms. 

Weekly jewelry- week 5

Last Saturday I taught a metal clay filigree class- here is my (mostly) cleaned up class sample. It will be filed a bit more and then plique-a-jour enameled.