Exhibition - Put A Ring On It

I’ve been carrying a romantic torch

for rings for quite a while.

Big or small, ornate or simple,

as long as it's made with

thoughtful craftsmanship and amazing design

I'm interested.

 

Taboo Studio in San Diego, California

has a cure for me –

an exhibition called Put A Ring On It.

They're describing this show as,

“ . . . extraordinary and unique rings by

23 accomplished artists.

Designs will include silver rings with

bezel set cabochons, animal rings,

gold and diamond stacking rings,

architectural rings, flower rings,

bee rings, and Damascus steel rings 

. . . a virtual ring extravaganza!”

 

Artists include: Brooke Battles • Steven Brixner •

Jim Cotter • Christine Simpson Forni • Diana Hall •

Barbara Heinrich • April Higashi • Deanna Jacobsen •

Dahlia Kanner • Ananda Khalsa • Janis Kerman •

Christy Klug • Kristin Lora • Sydney Lynch •

Victoria Moore • Rebecca Myers • Brigid O'Hanrahan •

Christina Y. Smith • Julia V. Turner • Myung Urso •

Donna Veverka • Jeff and Susan Wise

  

 

These are just a few of the incredible rings 

currently on display at Taboo Studio.
 

Luckily for us

Put A Ring On It will continue until March 22, 2013.

Micro-Macramé Symmetry - Joan Babcock Jewelry

Colorful, detailed micro-macramé jewelry
by Joan Babcock is

 truly one-of-a-kind work.

Using Cavandoli techniques she is able to
precisely form her signature
geometric patterns and
maintain symmetry when working the
left and right halves of a balanced piece.

 

 

 

 

 

She incorporates stones, beads, shells,
metal and wood in elaborate designs
created with painstaking attention to detail.

 You can see more of her work
by visiting Joan Babcock's website.
 

Sweet on You - Natalie Smith Jewelry

Roses are red, violets are blue,

 sugar is sweet and so is the jewelry

created by Natalie Smith.

With an equal emphasis on fun

and creativity this mixed-media artist

works with sugar and textiles, wire

and other sundry items

to create jewelry that may not be edible

but is creative and unusual.

There's a lot more to see at
Natalie Smith's blog.

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.

Upcycled Elegance: Clementine James Jewelry

Upcycling can give useless or damaged

materials a new life. It's inspiring to see

jewelry artists take something disposable

and re-design it to create

something of value.

We've featured several in previous posts:

such as Harriete Estel Berman using

recycled tin cans;

Holly Anne Mitchell and her use

of discarded newspapers.

We've seen upcycling occur in the

works of Emiko Oye

and Alice Sprintzen.

They all have proven their ability

to expose the hidden potential in

seemingly ordinary objects.

Today we're featuring

Clementine James who is a

treasure hunter - she finds and

gathers disparate objects to create

lusciously beautiful jewelry, and

each item becomes seamlessly

integrated into her

artistic creations.

Old, broken pieces of things, pebbles, lace,

 fabric, are all lovingly upcycled into

wearable jewels.

Fun and elegance find a home together.

She enchants us with her use of recycled

and vintage items.



Average, ordinary, commonplace items

enter a metamorphosis to become

one-of-a-kind items of jewelry.

We are inspired by artists who are using objects

that had a previous life and are creating

something with a different purpose.

Creating thoughtful and resourceful

 reused and repurposed items

provides us with unlimited beauty.

Enjoy!

Lauren Pollaro Jewelry

A dear friend of ours recently sent us

a photo of work created by assemblage

artist Lauren Pollaro.  She knew we would really

enjoy seeing this particular piece of jewelry

and she was right!  We were immediately

intrigued by the choices of color, texture

and design. Everything just seems to

work together effortlessly.

We like the handmade aesthetic that is

apparent in her work - it provides a strong sense

of connection to her creative process.

This artist's forte is creating harmonious

sculptural jewelry using various mixed materials.

Acrylic paints, sterling silver, semi-precious

stones, and found objects are often

 included in her work. Her pieces also feature

such disparate elements as

vitreous enamels, collage, and epoxy resin.

It seems like she uses almost anything

in her abstract compositions.

And the effects are all beautiful.

Here is a brooch/pendant made with

copper, sterling silver, and acrylic paints.

We especially like the sgraffito-like effect

she creates on the various surfaces.

We also find this piece interesting - it features

found objects, plastic, a twig,

sterling silver and paint.

There are many pieces in her collection

to admire.

This necklace includes many elements

including wood,

epoxy resin and pearls.

This one incorporates enamel on copper.

We're inspired by how

her eclectic selection of materials

just seems to come together effortlessly.

But we know that work that appears

effortless rarely is as effortless as it seems.

For those who are intrigued

by delightful colors, layered compositions,

and the handmade aesthetic this artist

successfully combines all this and

more to create sculptural works of art

meant to be worn as jewelry.

Enjoy!

Tia Kramer Jewelry

Paper is one of those mediums that has

never-ending possibilities.

The different ways in which it can be used

and assembled into countless shapes

can boggle the mind.

For Tia Kramer handmade paper is an obsession.

Her jewelry mobiles, easily labeled as Calder-esque,

are self described as "performative sculptures for

one’s ears, architecture for the body."

By combining sterling silver structures with handmade

paper, she creates pieces that are sculptural, 

ethereal and energetic.

Having honed her repertoire over the years,

starting with large-scale suspended-art installations,

Tia's work has evolved over the years

to become what one might call

'minuscule art installations' 

of personal adornment.

 Her artistic metamorphosis now results in 

jewelry designs that are buoyant, 

translucent and durable.

She creates her jewelry using her own

handmade paper and sterling silver.

It's all cold fabrication -

 bending the wire and wrapping the paper -

producing a soul-satisfying result.

Multiple layers and intricate designs

combine to form really enchanting pieces.

Here is a complex combination comprised

of a necklace and earrings that interconnect. 

They can be worn separately or together.

Either way they are

magnificent statement pieces.

We love the bright, cheery colors

and the bounciness of the design.

This neckpiece contains a necklace,

bracelet and brooch.

The interplay of positive and negative

space is intriguing.

Here's the bracelet on its own.

We love these earrings.

And these earrings, too.



We adore the endless combinations and permutations

created in her work.

We also love the myriad simpler designs that she creates.

 Regardless of size and complexity,

each is filled with charm

energy and motion.

The bottom line is we'd love to collect them all.

Enjoy!

Joanne Thompson Jewelry

We've recently found jewelry made

by Joanne Thompson. Focusing on small metal rings

 linked together forming a mesh pattern

her work resembles chainmail.

While some metal jewelry can seem dense

and heavy, this artist's work gives a feathery light

 impression. It's this sense of lightness and

delicacy that we admire.

Made with sterling silver each piece uses hundreds of

rings linked and soldered together.

Some pieces are oxidized,

some are hammered. Each rhythmic, fluid design

is intricately weaved into a signature tube shape.

Here is a wonderful example of a bracelet that

when worn shows her three-dimensional

tube shape.  As is apparent in this picture,

when not worn it collapses

into a puddle of loops.



This lariat necklace is very full and voluminous

with hundreds of loops.

We like how the contrast of oxidized and non-oxidized

rings make it look like a scarf. 

By sheer repetition she creates rhythmic, fluid

designs that look and feel elegant.

The artist's signature tube shape can

be easily seen in this necklace.

Visually comples and tactilely interesting

each piece is rich in design and

very light in weight.

Enjoy!

Exhibition - Kate Cusack, Margaux Lange, Sissi Westerberg Jewelry

There's a new exhibition at Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery

called "ABeCeDarian."  It runs from May 18

through June 4 and is described as a "contemporary

jewelry art exhibition and ABC book

featuring the work of twenty-six artists,

each producing a piece that

corresponds with a letter of the alphabet."

OK, sounds interesting.

The participant list is comprised of: Julia Barello,

Ken Bova, Jana Brevick, Kathy Buszkiewicz,

 Melissa Calohan, Nancy Mēgan Corwin, Kate Cusack,

 Donna D'Aquino,  Laurie Hall, Tom Hill, Trudee Hill,

 Melissa Huff,  Margaux Lange, Kristin Lora,

Bruce Metcalf, Marcia Meyers, Ted Noten,

Kait Rhoads, ROY, Cindy Sumner,

Anthony Tammaro, Carolyn Tillie, Cynthia Toops,

Kiwon Wang, Sarah Wauzynski, and Sissi Westerberg.

Let's take a look at just a few of the 

delightful one-of-a-kind

jewelry included in this exhibition.

Here we have Sissi Westerberg's piece using the

letter 'D' for Drip.  This imaginative item is called

"Something Inside" and is made of acrylic. Some

ideas are so simple yet so elegant.

We love the eye-popping color;

it may be monochromatic but it certainly

 makes a statement.

Then we have Margaux Lange illustrating the

letter 'K' for Knees.

Many art jewelry followers are familiar

with work by this artist.

Whimsical and nostalgic her designs incorporate

salvaged Barbie doll parts, and the jewelry she has

provided for this exhibition

is no exception. Her piece is 

called "Cross-legged Brooch."

Lastly, let's look at a piece offered by Kate Cusack 

using the letter 'Z' for Zippers.  This spectacular

necklace is called "Elizabeth."

With roots in costume design and

a flair for the theatrical,

it's easy to classify every one of her pieces

as a production - an amazing

visual spectacle. Every time we see her

work it's always lavish and luxurious.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are so many other

beautiful pieces of jewelry

on display.
Plus, the opportunity to get the
ABC book that accompanies
this exhibit.

Enjoy!

Jaclyn Davidson Jewelry

Hand forging is an ancient art

that Jaclyn Davidson uses to

create her jewelry.

The image of a metalsmith who uses

extreme heat to hammer and shape

metal leads to the image of this artist who

takes that energy and effort to

create pieces that evoke an impression

of delicacy and softness.

By directly manipulating the metal with pliers,

hammer and heat, the artist bends, stretches and

shapes the metal to do her bidding.

Her botanically-themed

jewelry resembles the soft tendrils and

delicate curves found in nature. Her work seems

to have life imbued into each piece.

Hand forging is time consuming. Working with

gold, sterling silver or steel, each piece must be

created and completed before moving on to

the next piece.  And so each has to be

different in some way from all the others; even

repetitively making the same thing over and over

one can't help but make them all unique. 

Let's look at some of her charming pieces.

This is exquisite. 

So delicate and strong at the same time.

Here we have more sweet tendrils. 

  

 These gingko leaves seem so fragile.

  Lots of detail work can be seen in this piece. 

 

Much of the charm and warmth of handwrought

jewelry come from the subtle variations in form,

shape and feel that hand crafting offers.

The true beauty of hand-forged jewelry is that

you can see the hand of the metalsmith in each piece.

That's what we love about handcrafted work -

it's obvious when an artist loves what they do.  

 

Enjoy!