Saturday, February 27, 2010

Christina Goodman Jewelry

There are a number of fascinating pieces
of one-of-a-kind art jewelry currently 
on exhibit at Taboo Studio

The current show, “The Essence of Nature” 
runs through March 26, 2010. 
(You may wish to see our previous discussion of this show).

Each of the jewelers have created
pieces that explore the natural world
and the theme of nature in design.

Christina Goodman has long held a reputation for
her exquisite hand-painted miniatures
and in this show
it's her miniature paintings
made as jewelry that are so striking.

We're inspired by Christina's talent for
utilizing 14th - 16th century gilding
and painting techniques in creating
these lovely jewelry treasures.

Here are some examples of the work she
has created for this exhibition.


This piece is called Iris Pendant


 
This is her Landscape Necklace



This piece is called Tulip Pendant



Enjoy!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Marianne Hunter Jewelry

Some people are masters in their field.

When a master is self taught we have a heightened
appreciation for their level of expertise
because that mastery has been earned by time, effort,
determination, patience and never-ending practice.
Art jewelry created by self-taught,
master enamelist, Marianne Hunter,
can always be recognized by her choices
of vivid color, painstaking detail,
and elegant design.
We are constantly inspired by the intense beauty of
her work and the meticulous craftsmanship
that is her trademark.
Let's take a look at some of her current work.
This piece is called, Kabuki Kachina Transforms the World





This piece is called, A Light in the Garden




Shhh, we can't help but include one of our favorite
enameled pieces from an older collection
called, Empress of Lotus Lake.




Each highly intricate design displays every delicate
detail that the artist envisioned.

We are inspired by every glorious, magnificent design.

Enjoy!


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Helen Shirk Jewelry

We have often admired work created by Helen Shirk.
Over the years, she has designed vibrant, incredible pieces of jewelry
that one could say, wore the person rather than the other way around.

Now, we've become aware of a new exhibition being offered
at Taboo Studio
where we can see work from Helen Shirk and other jewelry artists.
This exhibit is called, "The Essence of Nature," showcasing new jewelry by such artists
as Sandra Enterline, Christina Goodman, Barbara Heinrich, and Jan Smith. 
The exhibit runs from February 12 - March 26, 2010.
The artists have created work representing the common theme of "nature in design and the
vital role it plays in our daily lives."
Here we see Helen's contemporary work is vibrant yet wearable. 
Traditional yet intriguing. 
Sophisticated yet accessible.

These pieces are from her Traces Collection. 
They are made from sterling silver, china paint, and patina.

This brooch is called,
 Ruby-Ochre Trace


This brooch is called, Green-Amber Trace



This one is called
Garnet-RubyTrace




We are excited to see this new work by this wonderful artist.
Enjoy!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Emanuela Duca Jewelry

Sometimes it's all about texture.

Emanuela Duca's jewelry is fashion-forward and edgy. And highly textured.
Some artists can take a simple idea and turn it into something with intense impact.
In Emauela's current Magma Collection, she explores the ideas of movement
and expresses them in a solid form.

We find her words explain the process best:
"Sculpted in wax, then forged and constructed in sterling silver, the individual forms are shaped and manipulated through folding, hammering, and piercing. The resulting surfaces are highly textured, with surfaces evocative of volcanic ash and the ancient ruins of my native Rome. Yet their shape and combination is clean, simple, and minimal."

Here are pieces from her Magma collection.
This set is called Sand Rings.
Both elegant and organic, her pieces are high impact in terms of the effect not only
of the piece on the wearer but also on the viewer.
 Many of her pieces definitely can be noticed from a distance.
However, it is upon closer viewing that the real details and delights can be appreciated.


This piece is called Roman Cuff and is made with oxidized sterling silver with small diamonds.



 This is her Petals bracelet.


This piece is called Sand Bangle




We find Emanuela's work to be inspiring, creative and imaginative.
Let us know what you think.
 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Petra Class Jewelry

The impressive jewelry from the Petra Class studio showcases a wide variety of gemstones in extraordinary ways.  

Her works are grouped according to the colors of the gemstones,
and what truly stands out for us is the spectacular contrast between
the textures of the gems and of the metals.

Here is a ring from Petra's Green Series.



This ring from her Color Collection shows the force and strength that so many of her pieces impart.



Yet, not all of her work is so forceful. 
Here is a necklace from Petra's Yellow Series that shows true delicacy and subtlety.
 
 
  
Sometimes heavy, sometimes delicate.
Petra Class jewelry is always utterly enchanting.
Enjoy!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Christy Klug Jewelry

Here is our third and final post showcasing the "JuJu Magic" exhibition currently on view
at Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery.

(You may also want to visit our other two posts about this exhibit, showcasing
Nancy Bonemma and Jan Smith.)
JuJu Magic runs from January 27, 2010 - February 15, 2010.
Here are some sophisticated examples of this theme offered by jewelry artist, Chrisy Klug.

This Pin/Pendant in vitreous enamel, 22k gold, copper, and oxidized sterling silver is called, 'Kinsei.'




Another Pin/Pendant in enamel, 22k gold, and oxidized sterling silver is called, 'Gris.'




Then we have Christy's 'Vienna' Ring in enamel, 22k gold, and oxidized sterling silver.
 
 
We all could stand to acquire a certain level of magical juju - to ward off the bad and to attract the good.

If you get a chance to see the exhibition, let us know your impressions.

Enjoy!


Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Nancy Bonnema Jewelry

Let take another look at the current exhibition, Juju Magic, being held at Facere Jewelry Art Gallery
This exhibition is running from January 27, 2010
through February 15, 2010.

(You may also want to visit our first post about this exhibit, showcasing Jan Smith Jewelry.)

"JuJu Magic" is a contemporary jewelry art show featuring seventeen artists with magic in mind.
As the gallery describes it - Juju is a word of West African origin that refers to the supernatural power ascribed to an object or fetish. The object that contains the juju can then be used to cure ailments (good juju) or even exact revenge (bad juju).
Throughout this exhibition, the artists of JuJu Magic have created their own interpretations of the theme. 

Here are a couple of delightful examples of work created by Nancy Bonnema.  This piece is from her Bubble Wands series - an enchanting pendant in sterling silver and enamel on copper.




Here is another interpretation of a Bubble Wand pendant that Nancy has also made with sterling silver and enamel on copper.



We can envision the magic bubbles floating from these wands successfully warding off malevolent attacks from mean-spirited people. 

Maybe we all should get ourselves a magic bubble wand.
Or two.

If you're in the area, pop in to see the exhibition.  Let us know what you think.