Exhibition - "Souvenirs" - Tory Hughes Jewelry

Acknowledged internationally as an innovator

and leading polymer clay artist and teacher,

Tory Hughes is one of the preeminent

polymer jewelry designers.
 

Over the years her techniques have

helped pave the way for

many current polymer artists.

The hallmarks of Tory's creative style are

precision combined with extraordinary imaginativeness.

It's her attention to detail, her masterful use of color,

 and the intricacy of her designs

that always distinguishes Tory's work.

 Her work is currently on display

during the month of August

at a local coffeehouse in her hometown

of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Conveniently located in the central plaza of town,

the Santa Fe Plaza Starbucks Gallery Space

is exhibiting

‘Souvenirs - Tangible Memories, Wearable Imagination.‘

What makes this exhibit so enticing is not only

the fact that it is a relaxed way to see her work

but the coffeehouse is within strolling distance

of her studio and gallery, where you can see more

of her work and actually

get an opportunity to meet her.

 

Here's an example of some of the

work on display.

This one called, Au Printemps Necklace,

is a homage to Paris and a building that

is known for its vast stained-glass roof

and historic detailing.

 

And, of course, the reverse side of this piece

 is equally beautiful showing

hand-painted silk coverings on the

back of each floral cup.

Another piece featured is called, Moorea,

uses a technique that is an adaptation of one her

 imitative techniques: imitative rayskin

 

One of her legendary imitative techniques

is making polymer look like agates,

as in this piece called,

Agate Disc necklace.

and this piece called Santa Fe is

aptly named for the

layers of multiple cultures and beliefs

that symbolize the town of Santa Fe.

Approachable, friendly and down to earth,

Tory is an artist who is accessible and unpretentious.

Working as an artist, writer, teacher and

creative consultant, Tory keeps herself busy.

Very busy. Yet, here she is making her work

accessible in so many ways.

For anyone who would like to see her

work in a casual setting

this exhibit is the place to be.

It runs through the month of August.

You can get more information

about the exhibit, on her website at

‘Souvenirs-Tangible Memories, Wearable Imagination.’

On a different yet related note,

this casual exhibit serves as a delightful prelude to the

upcoming exhibition that is planned at

the Racine Art Museum

in October where many of the polymer field’s

creative pioneers will have work on display.

"Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads"

will be on display

October 21, 2011 – February 5, 2012.

Among the artists that "Terra Nova" will showcase

(there will be 34)

the focus will be narrowed down to

spotlight 8 artists who are considered

"Boundary Breakers"

- recognized within the polymer field

for their accomplishments and contributions -

and Tory is one of the

8 Boundary Breakers.

For more information about the

exhibit at the Racine Art Museum

you can visit their website.