Exhibition - Mary Hallam Pearse and Julia V. Turner

We recently became aware of a jewelry exhibition
currently showing at Taboo Studio.
"Fresh Air” is running from
February 11 – March 25, 2011.

"Fresh Air" is a contemporary jewelry art show
featuring new work by eight artists (several of whom
we have previously seen on this blog).
JEWELRY ARTISTS in this exhibition include:
Brooke Battles, Joanna Gollberg, Christy Klug,
Brigid O’Hanrahan, Mary Hallam Pearse,
Ingrid Psuty, Claire Sanford, and Julia V. Turner.


Let's take a look at some examples of the one-of-a-kind
jewelry included in this exhibition.


We find the brooches made by
Mary Hallam Pearse
to be rather exciting and different.
She works with found images and prints
them on thin sheets of aluminum
then incorporates materials such as
sterling silver and diamonds to
create pieces that are unique.
This brooch called "Diamond Tears"
is a real attention getter.

 

And this piece is called "Three Words."

Truly eye catching.

Another artist we admire in this

exhibition is Julia V. Turner.

She is showing a series of

fascinating pendants that feature distressed wood.

This piece is called "Blue Migration Pendant."

In this piece the unspecified type of wood

has been burned and stained.

It’s enclosed by steel and meticulously

decorated with Japanese glass beads.

 

Here's another intriguing example of this artist's work.

This pendant is called "Orange Scatter"- and

here again we see wood that has been

burned and stained, and decorated

with Japanese glass beads.

 

We'd love to see these pieces in person.

If you get the opportunity to attend this exhibit

let us know your thoughts and impressions

of the jewelry on view.

Enjoy the exhibit!

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!

Diana Widman Jewelry

Jewelry created by Diana Widman

evokes a sense of movement and a

great deal of texture. Of all her styles

of work, our favorites revolve around

her Linen Collection – a collection

of fabricated jewelry that actually has

the look of rippled fabric.

With a background in printmaking

and bookbinding, Diana has long held

a love for paper and fabric, as well as

 the tools and processes one uses

 to work with them.

So, it’s understandable that when she

discovered metalsmithing, her passion for

paper and fabric would become extremely

evident in her metal work.

By using a technique such as fold forming

she creates rippling surfaces and 

roughened textures that look like undulating,

silky fabrics. It's jewelry that provides

 a sense of movement and

an impression of texture.

Here are a few examples

of her work.

This cuff is made with sterling silver.

 

Here we see a

14KT yellow gold cuff set with diamond accents.

 

These earrings are made from 18KT green gold

 with diamond accents.

 

We are inspired by artists who develop work

based on the cross-pollination of ideas

and techniques.

Something new and different emerges

from these fascinating efforts.

In this instance, by making hard metal

 look like soft fabric

we cross a threshold with the artist

into a new realm of beauty,

style and discovery.

Enjoy!

Davina Romansky Jewelry

Jewelry made with mixed metals

sometimes cause mixed reactions -

both metallurgically and emotionally.

Davina Romansky creates jewelry

by mixing metals, precious gems,

and other items of interest.

Starting with natural shapes, many organic in style,

the combination of metals creates energy

within each piece.

Simple pieces become more layered

and dense. They seem to create more energy.

We always have a positive reaction

when we see it. 

Here is a piece called Silver and Gold Bangle

that includes black diamonds.

This ring is called Cactus Pearl - it's made with

copper, silver, and a pearl.

Our favorite piece is her

Caged Feathers Necklace.

Made with fine and sterling silver wire,

it features an abundance of Peacock Feathers.

We are captivated by her asymmetrical designs

that meander and build upon themselves.

They inspire our own strong, positive reactions

 and we enjoy that aspect of wearing

handcrafted jewelry.

What do you think?

Are you inspired by this work?

We'd love to know.

Brooke Battles Jewelry

We love the chunky boxy-ness of the jewelry created by Brooke Battles. Each combination of geometric shapes seems like little pieces of wearable modern sculpture.  These two pieces are currently on display at Taboo Studio in San Diego, California.

This mesmerizing piece is called "Pearl Couple Pendant."

Brooke's work evokes a strong sense of strength and forcefulness. This phenomenal ring is

called "Flower Ring with Raw Diamond."

We'd be happy to wear these pieces on days when we want to feel strong, vibrant, and decisive. 

Our sense of mastery and confidence increases whenever we see Brooke's work. Makes us

want to wear some sculpture today.