Parchment Blossoms - Ulrike Hamm Jewelry

Trained as a goldsmith, Ulrike Hamm's skills

are well honed and meticulous.

However this artist doesn't work in gold or

any type of metal;

instead she works with parchment. 

And her jewelry is elaborate, intriguing and delicate.

Parchment is a durable material

made from the skin of an animal

 (usually goat, calf, sheep or deer)

and was commonly used as a

 writing paper up until medieval times.

 While not as common today, its strong

and elastic nature does lend

itself to exploration and many creative

 possibilities - including jewelry

 that is translucent and delicate.

The artist explains her point of view

and methods on her website,

Parchment is not a common material . . . it is a stubborn, mysterious, vivid, precious and unpredictable material that wants to be explored and conquered. Its inspirational appearance and characteristics allow me to constantly discover new aspects and possibilities . . . . I develop three-dimensional forms out of the flat surface and test different dyeing or printing techniques on it. I dye the pre-cut parts in various stages in a colour bath, and while they are still elastic I shape and assemble them into jewellery.

Her explorations of this material lead to jewelry

that, as the artist says, "reward us with a

 vitality of colour, graceful shapes

and a resilient lightness."

It's easy to love her floral-themed bracelets

and earrings.

We've shown another artist who also works

with animal skin in experimental ways,

 Marta Mattson and her work is equally

as intriguing.

The translucent quality of parchment

 lends itself extremely well

to the delicacy and softness of

these handmade blossoms.

This one is a definite favorite of mine.

 

Unusual materials handled in unexpected ways

lead to exquisite pieces of jewelry

that can take one's breath away.

This artist creates floral pieces

with subtle colorations

and lifelike realism.

More information is available

at Ulrike Hamm's website.

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.

Mixed Media Delights - Gretchen Schields Jewelry

It's been a while since I've traveled to

Southern California to visit and it's been

even longer since the last time I've had

an opportunity to see the Art-A-Fair and

the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. 

Located within walking distance of each other

each is a great way to get some sun

and enjoy local artists.

Fond memories live in my heart

due to these annual events. For instance,

the first glass-blowing demonstration I ever saw

was at the Sawdust one summer (about

umpteen years ago), and the first time I watched

someone soldering jewelry was also at

that venue a few years later.

This summer, one of my favorite

mixed-media jewelry artists, Gretchen Shields,

is at the Art-A-Fair displaying her

 current work and demonstrating

 her range of techniques.

Working in various styles, this artist

mixes gemstones with found objects and textiles.

With an eye for sophisticated designs and color

combinations she creates pieces that mix

tribal beads and antiquities with

Japanese obi and Chinese treasures.

 The final result is bold, dramatic, and unique.

Many will prefer her beaded jewelry comprised

of elaborate multi-strands of different-colored

pearls that are very eye catching,

but my personal preferences revolve around her

textile creations, namely her Silk Road collection.

Elaborately constructed each is a work of art.

Rich fabrics, vibrant colors, lavish layers - it's all

there. Each eclectic combination is a feast for the eyes.

The finishing touch for each piece is her signature

hand-knotted macrame loop and button closure.

Each piece creates both visual and emotional impact.

If you are in the area and haven't already been to

this event get yourself there as soon as possible.

Art-A-Fair will run until August 28.

More of her work can be seen at

Gretchen's website.

Texture Galore - Birgit Kupke-Peyla Jewelry

Every time we see jewelry by Birgit Kupke-Peyla

we are intrigued by her choices of color,

texture and design. Everything just seems

 to blend together flawlessly.

Birgit's pieces are visually complex

with lots of tactile layers.

We like how she describes her work as

. . . a repetition of bars soldered onto mixed metals with contrasting stripes—sterling overlaid on gold and gold on sterling—layer upon layer of pattern and geometric form, imprinted with contrasting patterns
. . . .

This rich layering of texture and color

becomes jewelry that makes a strong

impression on everyone who sees it.

Working mainly with 22kt yellow gold

and sterling silver, it's the layers and depth

of color that always draw our attention.

Her textural work extends to the interiors

and reverse sides of her work as well.

 

Using many techniques, she'll incorporate

carving, etching, rolling, embossing,

castings, hydraulic fold forming

and finishing it all with patina.

 

Each technique she chooses

brings out the best in her designs.

 

 

We love jewelry made by artists who
work with impeccable skill
and a strong sense of style.

There is no doubt this artist creates all her pieces

with the utmost in

 impeccable skill and technique.

We really can't stop thinking about how stylish
all her pieces are and we're really inspired by
the time and effort that goes into each piece.

You can check out Birgit's work on her website.

 

 

Nordic Flair - Erika Honig Jewelry

Jewelry can symbolize many things and for some

it represents a sense of history and a

connection to one's heritage and culture.

Erika Honig creates jewelry that evokes a sense

of connection to her homeland.  Drawing upon her

Swedish family history as inspiration behind her

designs she creates what is called

pewter thread embroidery jewelry

Here's the poetic way she describes it:

Envision the harsh but beautiful landscape of northern Sweden above the arctic circle, often referred to as the land of the midnight sun and the northern lights. This is the home for the Saami People also know as the Lapplanders. Ever since the 16th century they have used a metal thread made of pewter and silver for decorating their clothing and making jewelry. I braid this unique thread and sew it onto the leather by hand. For closure I use hand carved antler buttons or a pewter button. Northern Sweden is my homeland and the source for most of my materials and inspiration.

Her pieces are visually intriguing and the

pewter thread lends itself well

 to plaiting or braiding.

Intricate designs can be made by combining

different braid patterns and by increasing the

number of strands braided together.

Her contemporary pewter thread

embroidery style is distinctly Nordic

and respects the ancient

methods and traditional materials.

Use of color adds additional

dimension and interest to

the designs.

We are inspired by this artist's connection

to her family heritage and how it

serves as the spark that

ignites her signature work.

Enjoy!

Innovative and Experimental: Stacey Bentley Jewelry

Innovative and experimental.

These are the words that come to

mind when viewing work created

by Stacey Bentley.

Using iron, wire, silver 

and enamels this artist is changing the

face of enamel jewelry and 

exploring a method of expression that

breaks away from traditional

ideas and processes.

Her work in enamel is unconventional.

Going beyond standard procedures

she creates pieces where the enamel rises

above the surface of the metal rather

 than fusing onto it.

By underfiring the enamel she

 produces gritty textures and matte finishes

that evoke the urban landscape.

This helps us understand her

fascination with the raw industrial

contrast of life, corrosion and decay.

Each framework she creates is also unusual.

 Shapes are organic, layered and

have varied thickness. Each contributes

additional interest and texture to her designs.

 Here's are examples of her work that emphasize

 rich colors and unusual textures.

It gets even more intriguing when she

removes some of the enamel to reveal

the metal framework beneath.

Geometric shapes are occasionally

 combined with her asymmetrical designs.

We like how she experiments with each

aspect of the metalsmithing process

 as well as the enameling process.

Each structure seems haphazard yet

controlled at the same time.

For those familiar with the smooth velvet surfaces

 of enamels and the painterly aspects of

its application these pieces might seem

unusual and disconcerting.

We are inspired by this artist's willingness

to push the boundaries of what jewelry should

look like and how enamels should feel.

We admire her innovations

and experimentation.

What do you think?

Micro-Mosaic Polymer Techniques - Cynthia Toops Jewelry

Cynthia Toops is known for her polymer

micromosaic pieces.

Each of her intricate works are the

result of a painstaking process

where uses tweezers to place the tiny

threads of fired polymer into

a matrix that holds her designs.

Each time consuming piece is a delightful to see.

She has new work on exhibit

at Facere Jewelry Art Gallery

where each of the brooches are created

with her signature techniques then

set in sterling silver.

The exhibit is called, "Subtle Set"

and runs from August 10 - 31.

We love the whimsy in her pieces. 

 The amount of work involved is

rather mindboggling.

Each of these pieces measure a mere 1.25 inches

but there is an astronomical amount of

mosaic elements involved.

You can see more of her work

on her website.

Exhibition - Downsizing

There are exhibitions everywhere that showcase

unusual, beautiful and noteworthy objects.

Occasionally, along with the interesting items

on display, it's the purpose of the exhibit that

strikes us as extraordinary.

Pieces of Eight Gallery in Melbourne, Australia

 is currently showing a group exhibition

of jewelry artists who used

 to be interior designers.

The exhibition called "Downsizing" runs

 from July 26 – September 3. 

This gathering of recently-trained jewelry artists

 found their true calling in the field of metalsmithing

 when they each realized that their creativity

 would be better expressed by actually

 creating small -scale objects by hand 

rather than drawing their designs to be executed

on a large scale by other professionals. 

Changing their focus from the large spaces

of buildings, they now pour their creative energy into, 

and derive fulfillment by,

working on a more intimate level to adorn individuals.

The possibilities they explore in creating jewelry

are further enriched by the shortened amount of

time it takes to see results. Designing interiors 

can take enormous time, effort, stress, and funding,

but a metalsmith cam create a piece of work

 in a much shorter period of time.

The range of materials, ideas and processes

are thought provoking. 

 Here are examples of their work.

This ring by Kim Victoria Wearne is a real show stopper. 

 It's called "Ocimum basilicum: Hatred 2011" and

is made with sterling silver, basil,

floral foam, copper wire. 

(Yes, fresh basil!)  

The title refers to basil symbolizing hatred

 in ancient Grecian times. It's part of her ongoing

series that includes botanical elements in her

work - exploring what she refers to as

the 'Victorian Language of Flowers'

which is a system of encoding bouquets

with emotion and sentiment.

This cuff by Belinda Esperson is called "Paper Cuff 1"

and is made with sterling silver.

It's intriguing to see how she can make

sterling silver appear almost as fragile as paper.

This cuff made by Katrina Tyler is called

 "Cluster Fragment 2011" and is made

with oxidized copper.

And there are many other equally

interesting pieces on view.

The individual artists who are participating

in this exhibit include:

Tessa Blazey, Djurdjica Kesic, Suzi Zutic,

Katrina Tyler, Karen Hamilton, Kim Victoria Wearne

and Belinda Esperson.

The exhibit runs until September 3rd.

Darcy Miro Jewelry

It was several years ago when
 we first saw jewelry cuffs created
 by Darcy Miro and we were immediately
attracted to their granular, organic, rough
surfaces and we've been enthralled
 by them ever since.

It's a difficult to resist collection.
One's natural inclination is to
reach out to each piece
and run one's fingers over each intricate
textural element. And there's something
very satisfying about her work - maybe it's
the extraordinary shapes and surfaces,
or maybe it's the primordial and
 wild nature of each piece. 
It's definitely provocative
and not for the timid.

These are textures found both in nature
and in dilapidated industrial settings.
There's a raw sense of erosion that feels
 like it's been captured
 in a moment of time.

We love how each of the pieces are
layered with jagged surfaces.

Some pieces are dangerous looking enough

to make one hesitate a moment.

Each one is evocative
and compelling.

Many designs. Many textures.
Many reactions.
We really find them difficult to resist.