Catalina Brenes Jewelry

Resin in a plastic bag may not sound

like an appropriate combination for jewelry

yet Catalina Brenes creates pieces

that are really eye catching and intriguing.

She has three distinct collections, but it's those

resin-filled plastics that consistently
catch my eye.

Experimenting with materials such as silver,
gemstones, natural pigments, found objects,
pearls and 24 KT gold foil, this artist explains how she
creates with an eye towards whimsy and play,

... I need materials that let me make mistakes . . . Something that allows me to play, to enjoy the creating process. Feel the material to unleash the inner child. . .  and when I’m ready it becomes a game. . . I need my small toys, resin and pigments to preserve that second. That’s when the plastic bag becomes my canvas.

 

 You can all of her collections on
 her website and at Not Just A Label. 

 

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!

Mary Donald Jewelry

Every so often an artist's writing

and their work mesh seamlessly to provide

a clear picture of who they are

in relation to their work.

 Mary Donald is such an artist.

That's how I felt while
meandering through her website.
Viewing her images - and seeing

her point of view ever more clearly,

it was rather interesting to observe
 the progression of her work over the
course of more than a decade.

She uses a broad range of non-traditional
materials from wood and paper to
rubber and plastics. And while re-use has
become popular, it's the uncommon use
of common (and rather mundane)
materials that inspires us.

Her thoughts are described

in part as follows:

   . . .  I collect a variety of materials and even detritus plus remnants and miscellany from natural and other resources, carrying it back to the studio where it’s examined and then used to create body adornment, objects and sculpture. It’s hard to say sometimes, exactly, what this work is all about. It’s about so many things and nothing at all; I’ve come to think of it as a meditation on aesthetics, with a particular regard for the natural world. .  . I've discovered a kind of poetry in every day materials, images and objects that often seems absent in traditional jewelery. The subversive act of rescuing materials destined for the dumpster motivates me further . . . it satisfies a curiosity regarding the material world, a penchant for experimentation that sustains my creative impulse and a sensitivity to the natural world.

 Our favorite pieces

revolve around her use

of rubber and plastic that
were destined to be trash.

Let's take a look at the pieces that

cause our most intense reactions.

Here is a gorgeous bracelet made
using mixed plastics with oxidized silver.
It looks so light and airy.

This lovely brooch is also made with mixed plastics.
It has a sophisticated flair.

These organic cuffs are made with rubber, nylon and

nylon-coated steel cable.



And here is an intriguing
bracelet made from discarded rubber.

We find Mary's work to be inspiring, creative and imaginative.


Let us know what you think.