Monday, January 31, 2011

Susan Chin Jewelry

We've long admired jewelry created by Susan Chin.
Her trademark work revolves around the use of
ebony and bone, and her signature forms are
sprinkled with silver or gold dots set against each
other in symmetrical yet seemingly
random arrangements.
But this artist works with other materials as well.

We gravitate towards her pieces
featuring freshwater pearls dotted with
those symmetrical mixed with random
accents of metal.
We enjoy following the sequences and repetition
of these elements which evoke a sense of
something ancient and tribal.

Whether densely packed together or set with ample
breathing space between them, we appreciate
how each metallic accent carries its weight
and brings delightful texture to the jewelry.

Together they become a synergistic creation -
the whole effect becoming so much greater
than the sum of its parts.
Let's take a look at some of our
favorite pieces of her work.


This is her “Forged Links” bracelet
featuring sterling silver, freshwater pearls
and18K gold.





We adore her Kelp Necklace
also featuring sterling silver, freshwater pearls
and18K gold.


 



These amusing "Pearl with Curl" earrings are
made with freshwater pearls and 18k gold.



 

These earrings are from her
one of a kind collection
and feature ebony, 18k and 22k gold,
and Australian boulder opals.




This piece features ebony, 18k and 22k gold,
and sterling silver.
It evokes a furry impression
that we find lighthearted and amusing.


It's fascinating to feel rough
texture created by the combination of several
types of smooth elements.

It's also fascinating to see
seldom used materials like ebony and bone
take center stage in an artist's work.

It would be most fascinating of all
 to wear works of art
such as these and to feel the spirit
of the artist in each piece.

We'd own her entire collection
if we could.

Enjoy!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Lisa D'Agostino Jewelry

There are times when we feel like wearing
 lacy, light, ethereal types of jewelry. 
There are other times when we don't.
That's when we seek an adornment
that evokes a bolder, edgier statement.

A lovely example of a metalsmith
who creates jewelry with this type of
edgy, contemporary
presence is Lisa D'Agostino.
Her signature handcrafted pieces
are created by using
multiple techniques to achieve
multiple effects.
This artist incorporates many techniques into each
piece using a variety of metalsmithing tools.
Shapes are fabricated with sterling silver or18k gold
and manipulated in various ways.
Some parts might be distorted through the
rolling mill achieving interesting effects.
Some surfaces are textured with the use of tools, 
or fused with silver dust or 18K yellow gold.
And she explores various combinations of matte
and polished surface areas to give us
an end result that is bold
 and imaginative.

Here are a few examples of our favorites.

We love these deceptively simple earrings.



And this bangle simply exudes strength and determination.





 

We are inspired by the many aspects
present in this pendant.




 

This bracelet is a veritable
smorgasbord of variety.
It showcases her
range of techniques
exquisitely.






 
This artist's work satisfies that need
for variety and detail.

Each detail adds something magical to the
edginess of the designs.

Each design is bold and imaginative.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Randi Chervitz Jewelry

We admire jewelry that explores fiber
techniques in metal.
Jewelry created by Randi Chervitz
features fine-gauge sterling silver and
gold wire crocheted into the design,
transforming metal into a sense of fabric.
The linear fabricated framework of each piece
blends flawlessly with the
curvaceous, lacy needlework of the wire.

We appreciate her fine metalsmithing skills,
 delicate manipulation of fine metal wires, and
very selective choice of gemstones.


The repetitive, intricate, complex designs are stunning.
This cuff is a wonderful example of her work.
It's called "18K Wide Bamboo Cuff with 12 Diamonds,"
and features hand-crocheted yellow gold wire
with hand-set diamonds.





We also love this ring called
18K Wide Bamboo Ring with 5 Diamonds."
It has movement and intrigue.


These sweet little numbers feel delicate yet structured.
They're called,
"Skinny Rectangle Earrings."



And this solid, chunky square platform
makes a beautiful frame for a crocheted
nesting of pearls.
This one is named, "Square Top Ring," and
features a delightful assortment of freshwater pearls.
 



Here's another example of the underlying structure
that is a hallmark of this artist's work.
Called, "Grid Pin/Pendant," the hand-crocheted
silver wire clearly provides a lacy softness to contrast
with the rigid grid structure.
 


Mixing techniques from multiple disciplines
allows an artist's imagination to expand.

This artist's work delights us for her ingenuity
and original designs.
The effects are fabulous.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Alice Sprintzen Jewelry

We love jewelry made by artists who
 have a sense of humor expressed
with a sense of style.
If they can recycle and repurpose
unwanted material destined to be
trash, and create something of
beauty at the same time,
that's even better.

Jewelry created by Alice Sprintzen
is made from found objects.
Things like broken toys, antiques, keys,
cameras, and smashed car parts all find
 their way to her delightful,
and whimsical necklaces.
Junk and trash are no longer unwanted bits
of nothing. They contribute to a greater
vision and become part of a
larger plan.

Using reclaimed and natural materials
in her jewelry designs, Alice creates
visually intriguing jewelry that combines
her love for the beauty of functional
objects and her sense of design.


Let's take a look at some
examples of her eclectic
use of found objects.
This piece is called 'Winged Victory'.
It's made with antique china doll legs,
a brass found object, sliced marble,
a clock key, sterling silver, and glass beads.




And this one called 'Cat' is made from
copper, turquoise, a brass drawer knob backplate,
a keyhole, sterling silver, an antique button,
and glass beads.




On her website, Alice clearly expresses her point
of view when she describes her work,

These objects speak to past experiences as well as an aesthetic sense of color, form, texture and design. As inveterate collectors and scavengers, jewelers revel in manipulating objects, presenting them in new contexts, giving new meaning to what may have previously been overlooked. The castaway is elevated to a place of honor, the mundane becomes precious and materials rusted, worn by age and discarded, are valued for their intrinsic beauty ..... Jewelry of this genre is an antidote to the wasteful, consumer oriented direction of modern life. It is a celebration of the inventive use of objects transformed. It challenges the viewer to take a fresh look at the ubiquitous mundane objects that can be appreciated if we only take the time to direct our attention in their direction.



We also love this one called
'Not by Accident II', made with a car tail light,
buttons, turquoise, sterling silver, and glass beads.





and here we have one called
'Completing the Circuit'
made with buttons, turquoise and beads, pearls,
computer parts, a plastic reflector, cast plastic pieces,
and sterling silver.





 
If we were ever stranded on a desert island,
we would want to have this artist stranded
along with us. There would be no doubt
that her sense of humor combined with her ability
 to create delight from objects that most
 consider trash would make the time
pass quickly and happily.
We see a life lesson inherent in this work,
namely to take whatever one finds in life
and make something better with it.
Improve it. And, ultimately, enjoy it.

Cheers!