tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72282996185488210032024-03-13T20:31:20.475-07:00ArtJewel DesignsThe Sculptural Idea in JewelryJanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-42946730717139112742010-09-15T18:41:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:10:12.105-07:00Inspiration<span style="font-family: "verdana";">An artist creates from internal and external experiences. And in the mix of this creative process the unconscious merges with the conscious. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In the very broadest sense, whatever I encounter on a visual, auditory, and tactile level informs my work and</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> inspires me.<br /><br />Of course there are some influences over time that have been more obvious and meaningful to me than others...an early passion for drawing, the magic of metals in welding and casting,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">mixing actual light colors in space </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">to create </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">changeability and</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> a purity unattainable with pigments...</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Yet, whether I draw, paint, sculpt, or make jewelry, regardless of my materials or techniques, nature has always been a primary underlying source of inspiration.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TIhEwzHSwBI/AAAAAAAAAMk/8CNv2jAmHKs/s1600/DSCN4362_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514733348860379154" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TIhEwzHSwBI/AAAAAAAAAMk/8CNv2jAmHKs/s400/DSCN4362_2.JPG" style="display: block; height: 351px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spider's Web Outside my Window</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Everything passes through this filter. My design ideas </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">usually relate to natural organic qualities and asymmetric balance which in turn influence how I visualize three-dimensional construction.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TI7w-f33C6I/AAAAAAAAANE/fGaJkcrFggA/s1600/DSCN5644_3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516611550073785250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TI7w-f33C6I/AAAAAAAAANE/fGaJkcrFggA/s400/DSCN5644_3.JPG" style="display: block; height: 370px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Moon Outside My Window</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Ocean beaches and the northern woods are my meditative spaces. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In the late fall, when tree limbs are bare and the linear character of a landscape is exposed, my artist's eye considers the aesthetics of </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">line, texture, shape, color, and space in nature all around me.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TIhPMUqX9II/AAAAAAAAAM8/qhW1Evs81vA/s1600/DSCN4439_1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514744816838636674" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TIhPMUqX9II/AAAAAAAAAM8/qhW1Evs81vA/s400/DSCN4439_1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 359px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 78%;">Asymmetric-Organic Bangle No. 8 in Argentium Sterling</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Presently, I'm combining the unlikely arts of drawing and sculpting to create linear spatial forms which I think of as <span style="font-style: italic;">drawings in space</span>.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> There's a spontaneity expressed in nature that engages my imagination in forming some of my wearables. I work towards a simple, minimal statement.<br />__________________________________________________________<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Please read what inspires other members of the <a href="http://handmadedivision.wordpress.com/">Handmade Division Team</a>:<br /><br /><a href="http://andescruz.wordpress.com/">Andes Cruz</a>, <a href="http://susarto.blogspot.com/">Susan Moloney</a>, <a href="http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/">Alice Istanbul</a>,<br /><a href="http://lunasadesigns.blogspot.com/">Rebekah Meddles (Lunasa Designs Jewelry)</a>,<br /><a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/">Jewelry by Natsuko</a>, <a href="http://nanopod.wordpress.com/">nanotopia</a>, <a href="http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/">Bella-Bijou Jewellery</a>,<br /><a href="http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/">Beth Cyr</a>, <a href="http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/">Lisa Hopkins Design</a>, <a href="http://metalriot.blogspot.com/">Thomasin Durgin</a>,<br /><a href="http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/">Abhaya Fibers</a>, <a href="http://nedbeads.blogspot.com/">NEDbeads</a>, <a href="http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com/">Delias Thompson</a>.</span></span></div>
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-62796246495319806882010-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:002019-04-06T11:45:23.511-07:00Creating<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I've been working with small linear sculptural forms for the past five or six years, having transitioned away from casting and welding metals to create without heat, using simple cold joining methods.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TGi56qHGnNI/AAAAAAAAALE/Dy2wF5C3NjY/s1600/DSCN3652_3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505854961848065234" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TGi56qHGnNI/AAAAAAAAALE/Dy2wF5C3NjY/s400/DSCN3652_3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 307px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Hanging Sculpture 4, resting as a stabile</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Making larger shapes with the same materials and techniques I use in my jewelry has been a natural progression. It suits me to work spontaneously. I love the immediacy of realizing an idea without moving through various stages of a slower process. It's like </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-style: italic;">drawing </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">in space to create a new reality.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TGq1xDbuuTI/AAAAAAAAALM/Kh6ieL7gyvI/s1600/DSCN3329_4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506413348753684786" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TGq1xDbuuTI/AAAAAAAAALM/Kh6ieL7gyvI/s400/DSCN3329_4.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 274px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Saltwater Pearl etc. Locking Earring</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Lately though, I've imagined sculptural pieces that will present some different challenges. As a graduate student and later when I taught art, I often worked larger in wood, stone, clay, fibers, metals, and plastics. Now I'm thinking of using some of these materials again, but in new ways.<br /><br />Before cold joining, casting and welding made joinery easy. I remember it was a little awkward making the transition from heat to cold methods, beginning to<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>visualize using new skills. I've riveted, stapled, folded, wrapped, snapped, glued, and sewn.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Now as an artist </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">still in transition, the thought of increasing the size and range of my work once again is exciting. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Moving back to my roots in sculpture, I'm also beginning to discover the impact on my jewelry designs.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> This time my new ideas will take form from methods and techniques </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">evolved over time and </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">inspired by intuition. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /><br />It will be an exploration, building on what I already know.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Rather than looking <span style="font-style: italic;">outside</span> for someone to show me more skills, I've reached</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> a </span>point where advances in my creative vision suggest going deeper <span style="font-style: italic;">inside</span> to create very personal solutions. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">To realize my own changing<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>voice as an artist, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">the emphasis is on my <span style="font-style: italic;">design idea</span> rather than how I achieve it. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br />____________________________________________________________<br /><br />Please read how other <a href="http://handmadedivision.wordpress.com/">Handmade Division Team</a> members view the issues of creating, skills, and techniques:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.nedbeads.blogspot.com/">NEDbeads,</a> <a href="http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/">Lisa Hopkins Design,</a> <a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/">Jewelry by Natsuko,</a><br /><a href="http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/">Beth Cyr,</a> <a href="http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/">Abhaya Fibers,</a> <a href="http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/">Purified Art,</a> <a href="http://nova-designs.blogspot.com/">Nova of Sweden,</a><br /><a href="http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/">Bella-Bijou Jewellery,</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/pinkcrowstudio.typepad.com/">Pink Crow Studio,</a> <a href="http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/">Sand Fibers,</a><br /><a href="http://istanbuldesigns.blogspot.com/">Alice Istanbul,</a> <a href="http://metalriot.blogspot.com/">Thomasin Durgin,</a> <a href="http://moxieandoliver.blogspot.com/">Moxie & Oliver,</a><br /><a href="http://andescruz.wordpress.com/">Andes Cruz,</a></span> <a href="http://nanopod.wordpress.com/">Tosca Teran,</a> <a href="http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com/">Delias Thompson.</a></span></div>
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-65522696887913008792010-06-15T06:15:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:20:21.901-07:00Sculptor-Jeweler-Painter<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-style: italic;">Color</span> has always sparked my creative imagination; it's</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> where my artist-life began. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">I did my first oil painting of a landscape </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-style: italic;">en plein air</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> when I was nine. Later my work became progressively abstract and non-objective.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TAwuSP49pnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/DWqmH1i9Mus/s1600/DSCN5510_3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479805737641027186" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TAwuSP49pnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/DWqmH1i9Mus/s400/DSCN5510_3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 309px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Sun by J. Dunsford</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Color Dancing Series, 1994. Abstract non-objective colored pencil drawing. (11" x 13.5")</span></span></span></div>
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When I studied 3-D design, my momentum and direction shifted dramatically from flat art to manipulating shapes in <span style="font-style: italic;">space</span>. Experiencing the world with this new awareness of the element of SPACE inspired a broad exploration of sculptural forms.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TAwnqUVAUDI/AAAAAAAAAKE/GOCIhREd6xY/s1600/DSCN3440_6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479798454567850034" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TAwnqUVAUDI/AAAAAAAAAKE/GOCIhREd6xY/s400/DSCN3440_6.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 291px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Stone Wire Sculpture No 3 by Jan Dunsford </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">14K gold-filled and violet-colored niobium wires with semi-precious stones for color and shape detail, 2005. It lies flat here, but also hangs and moves in constant (slow) motion with air currents. </span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">(11" L x 6" H x 4" W)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">As a sculpture grad student and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">later while teaching art</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">, I worked with welded steel, cast bronze, clay, wood, stone, fibers, plastics, paints, fluorescent lights, and color theory. Thinking and working in these various materials and disciplines gradually evolved into designing and making some jewelry. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TAclnPqpYCI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yDrTSlMOAg0/s1600/DSCN4449_1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478388827870027810" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/TAclnPqpYCI/AAAAAAAAAJk/yDrTSlMOAg0/s400/DSCN4449_1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 278px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Asymmetric-Organic Wrist Sculpture No. 7 by J. Dunsford</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">This one-of-a-kind wrap is from my new asymmetric-organic series. It's made from heavy 16 and 14 gauge sterling silver wires used for strong shape integrity. The stones are jasper, turquoise, tourmaline, citrine, and adventurine.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 130%;">Now I use shapes and colors in a non-objective linear, fibrous context whether </span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">I'm making jewelry</span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">, creating a piece of sculpture, or painting. Understanding metals as a sculptor, </span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">colors as a painter, </span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">and fibers as a weaver, I see the endless possibilities in combining these approaches to create mini-sculptures to wear. This perspective shapes the character of my creative output.<br />______________________________________________<br /><br />Please read what other <a href="http://handmadedivision.wordpress.com/">Handmade Division</a> members have to say about their work:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://andescruz.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Andes Cruz</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, </span><a href="http://metalriot.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Thomasin Durgin</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, </span><a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Jewelry by Natsuko</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, </span> <a href="http://lisahopkinsdesign.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Lisa Hopkins</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">,</span><a href="http://cosmosmoonjewelry.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;"> Maureen BZ (Cosmo's Moon)</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, </span> <a href="http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Abhaya Fibers</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, </span><a href="http://susarto.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Susan Moloney</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">,</span><a href="http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: verdana;"> Tamra Gentry</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, </span> <a href="http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">Bill Martin</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">.</span> </span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/artjeweldesigns/2871293730/in/set-72157607313361550/"><span style="font-size: 78%;"> </span></a>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-70142959876591091612010-05-15T09:59:00.000-07:002019-04-06T18:37:02.553-07:00What's In An Object? Treasure<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;">Prehistoric man made icons to worship and express his beliefs. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Today we still consciously or unconsciously imbue objects with certain powers. We value and experience them as repositories for ideas and memories.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The creative maker processes his aesthetics through the objects he creates. Artworks become a visual manifestation of the artist's perspectives. Patrons complete the cycle...maker /object / patron...appreciating the inherent message in the work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br />While teaching ceramics, I discovered an affinity for small forms that express an eastern (Zen) philosophy. <a href="http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/tsujimura-shiro-jt-03.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Robert Yellin</span></a> puts it concisely discussing Japanese tea bowls. We must "...understand their "spirit," in which simplicity is depth and intelligence, asymmetry is beauty, and cracks and "flaws" are attractive." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br />This approach relates to naturalism in western art where the purpose is to reflect the imperfection of our real existence rather than the ideal. The work of the sculptor <a href="http://www.voulkos.com/suprplatejpg.html">Peter Voulkos</a> is a good example. </span> <span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /><br />These thoughts came to mind as I considered my choice of a treasured work by another artist. I have a small glass vessel created by a friend from graduate school who was one of the most unpretentious and down-to-earth people I've ever known. One day, as I watched him working in his glass studio, he invited me to choose a piece for myself. After careful deliberation over </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">many fascinating shapes, sizes, and colors,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> I settled on the modest form you see here. It's one of his earliest and smallest works.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/S-7hN-E98VI/AAAAAAAAAIE/IrGDkL2EFq0/s1600/DSCN7607_1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471558227420115282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/S-7hN-E98VI/AAAAAAAAAIE/IrGDkL2EFq0/s320/DSCN7607_1.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 293px;" /></a> <span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Small Glass Vessel by R. Luttrell (2.5 inches high)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 130%;"> Some might say it has "soul". It has a colorful warmth that flows freely without seeming contrived. The form slouches, expressive of a naturalism I admire. It looks comfortable and relaxed, much like its creator, accepting of the imperfection in life. This small treasure had a lot to teach me.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> I keep it close to remember.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br />For more about glass-blowing you might enjoy the work of a consummate master, <a href="http://www.chihuly.com/">Dale Chihuly.</a></span>____________________________________________________________</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Read about artworks cherished by other </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://handmadedivision.wordpress.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Handmade Division</span></a> members:</span></span><br />
<a href="http://andescruz.wordpress.com/2010/05/15/its-talk-about-blog-with-the-handmade-division-team/"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;">Andes Cruz,</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/"> </a></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Jewelry by Natsuko, </span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/">Abhaya Fibers</a>,</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://kerinrose.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;">kerin rose</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/"> Sand Fibers</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/"> Purified Art</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /><a href="http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/2010/05/15/handmadedivision-may-talk-about-blog-post/">Tamra Gentry</a>,</span><a href="http://nanopod.wordpress.com/2010/05/15/what-item-do-you-most-treasure-made-by-another-artist/" style="font-family: verdana;"> Tosca, </a><a href="http://ricksonart.blogspot.com/2010/05/talk-about-blog.html" style="font-family: verdana;">Rickson</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">,</span><a href="http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-division-talk-about-may.html"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Beth Cyr,</span></a><br /><a href="http://mettledesignstudio.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-of-items-i-most-treasure-by-artist.html" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Ceeb Wassermann</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">,</span><a href="http://susarto.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-lovelies.html" style="font-family: verdana;"> </a><a href="http://susarto.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-lovelies.html"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Susan Moloney,</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://wattoonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-division-talk-about-blog.html"> </a><a href="http://wattoonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/handmade-division-talk-about-blog.html"><span style="font-size: 100%;">WATTO</span>.</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://mettledesignstudio.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-of-items-i-most-treasure-by-artist.html"> </a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://abhayafibers.blogspot.com/"><br /></a></span> <br />
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-84335122095897599972010-04-14T10:39:00.000-07:002019-04-06T18:34:49.855-07:00Copying<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Yes...my work has been copied. Once I came across a reproduction of one of my jewelry designs on display in a gallery I might have enjoyed showing in. Such revelations never make me happy, but mainly for reasons you might not expect.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;">No one creates in a vacuum. Everything experienced on a conscious and unconscious level impacts our self-expression. Inspired by the world around us, we attempt to find our own creative center and define an individual point of view.</span></span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460054222273477474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/S8YCYvT7e2I/AAAAAAAAAHs/YE_douBOt5w/s400/DSCN3613_5.JPG" style="display: block; height: 308px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Hanging Sculpture 4, detail</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Inspired by the paintings of</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wassily_Kandinsky" style="font-family: verdana;">Wassily Kandinsky</a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><br />Every artist knows the difference between being inspired and copying. Inspiration is a positive influence. It ignites a creative spark and encourages self-discovery. Copying has the opposite effect. It cancels out the opportunity to find our unique vision because it circumvents our inner creative process.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><br />This was one of the most valuable ideas I explored with students when I taught art. The issue of copying concerns </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">self-awareness </span>and being clear about </span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">personal motivation</span>. For instance, I know that I create to discover my authentic, evolving aesthetic. Connecting with my artist-self is the most dynamic part of my process. Growth expands and transforms my perspective as well as my output. What I go through to produce my work is as important as any actual piece I make. It's often more important as it shapes the character of my art.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 130%;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">__________________________________________________</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Read what other artists in the </span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://snowleopardnetwork.wordpress.com/" style="color: #333399;">Snow Leopard Network</a><span style="color: rgb(51 , 51 , 153);"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">think about copying</span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">: <a href="http://andescruz.wordpress.com/">Andes Cruz</a>, <a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/">Jewelry by Natsuko</a>, <a href="http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com/">Beth Cyr</a>,<a href="http://nanopod.wordpress.com/"> Tosca Teran</a>, <a href="http://jewelrydesignchronicles.wordpress.com/">Tamra Gentry</a>,<a href="http://wattoonline.blogspot.com/"> Mary Spencer</a>,<a href="http://www.metalriot.blogspot.com/"> Thomasin Durgin</a>, <a href="http://susarto.blogspot.com/">Susan Moloney</a>, <a href="http://www.rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/">Rosy Revolver</a>.</span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-79204672807322712392010-03-14T07:55:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:18:59.371-07:00New Insights, New Series...Treasure<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448858981051507170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/S548X7zFoeI/AAAAAAAAAFU/LroJL1_OyX0/s320/DSCN6113_1.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 293px;" /> <span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mobile / Stabile 5</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Last July I lost a brother whose courage and brilliance have inspired my entire life. Our conversations had often been about art, building things, and sailing. For a time in my grief I had absolutely no interest in creating anything.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br />One afternoon in August, while I was viewing a recent video of us discussing art and creativity, I had a breakthrough experience as I imagined making a linear sculpture that expressed our dialogue. Continuing in my current direction with sculptural forms, it was the beginning of a new series that I call "Kites", concerned with the concepts of soaring, sailing, overcoming.</span></span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460140510447901234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/S8ZQ3Xz3mjI/AAAAAAAAAH0/K5B4gJORlTk/s400/DSCN6100_2.JPG" style="display: block; height: 326px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 401px;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Mobile / Stabile 5, another view</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 100%;">This is the thing that I have created that I treasure most. It is my first "Kite". Because of the experience that guided my work, I've gained fresh insights into the creative process. On a personal level, the piece symbolizes a connection that is alive in me now, just as it always has been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">_____________________________________________________<br /><span style="font-size: 130%;">Learn what other artists in the <a href="http://snowleopardnetwork.wordpress.com/" style="color: #000099;">Snow Leopard Network</a></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">have created that they treasure most:</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://andescruz.wordpress.com/"> Andes Cruz</a>, <a href="http://jewelrybynatsuko.blogspot.com/">Jewelry by Natsuko</a>,<a href="http://istanbuldesigns.com/blog"> Alice Istanbul</a>,<a href="http://purifiedart.blogspot.com/"> Bill Martin</a>,<a href="http://www.rosyrevolver.blogspot.com/"> Rosy Revolver</a>,<a href="http://metalriot.blogspot.com/2010/03/treasured-item.html">Thomasin Durgin</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-67095266137217453072009-03-22T08:47:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:30:18.743-07:00A Winter Day in the Maine Woods<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315853378980868258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/ScW0e8w28KI/AAAAAAAAADg/0ZbpdcFYjEw/s320/DSCN5715_3.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 274px;" /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A Winter Day in the Maine Woods</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What do you do on a winter day in the Maine woods? If you're lucky you work on a custom Etsy order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The client has a very small wrist (the same size as mine), 5.75 inches measured over the wrist bone. So I'll make a 6.5 inch bangle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first step is to cut about 11 inches of wire. I'll use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentium">Argentium sterling</a> since it rarely needs polishing. And I'll use 10 gauge wire, the heaviest I can work freehand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second step is to file, sand, steel-wool, and polish the ends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17811258" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315842008266230802" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/ScWqJFjOzBI/AAAAAAAAADY/VEsQCoFinbI/s320/DSCN5774_1.JPG" style="display: block; height: 249px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tools with Bangle in Process</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last step is to form the bangle. Be careful. You only get one chance. A bend cannot be undone without showing---it's like footsteps in the snow.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finished Asymmetric Bangle </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17811258" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315839701897802498" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/ScWoC1qJcwI/AAAAAAAAADQ/GJO0KVQQbLA/s320/DSCN5790_1.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-84446632648019612602009-03-08T16:46:00.001-07:002019-04-06T15:05:24.305-07:00A New Direction<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After 18 years of making bangles, how do you come up with something new? Not just a new design, but a fundamentally new direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The answer came to me while working on a series of mobiles / stabiles. The overlapping and elaboration of geometric triangles in my Hanging Sculpture 2, (the mobile below) gave me an idea.</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310951785106689778" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/SbRKgoqCzvI/AAAAAAAAADA/fjxNcxN6g1E/s320/DSCN3659_5.JPG" style="display: block; height: 259px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The result, after loosening up the idea, is a collapse bracelet. Instead of a rigid bangle, the geometric elements stand or collapse with wrist movement, creating a wristpiece that has a life of its own, that changes personality when it interacts with the wearer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Collapse Bracelet 2 </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310950013885387970" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/SbRI5iV-lMI/AAAAAAAAAC4/wCPfpRllxdo/s320/DSCN5374_2.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228299618548821003.post-85412905989676949922008-11-29T20:29:00.000-08:002019-04-06T15:30:31.085-07:00Photography<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17962405" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274216390926940050" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/STHH3RG-N5I/AAAAAAAAAA4/k9OlP9a4eQI/s320/bangle9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="color: rgb(153 , 153 , 153);">Asymmetric-Organic Bangle, 9</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the past 20 years, the only pictures I have taken of my jewelry are for occasional juried shows or a snapshot to help me remember a favorite piece. But now with an <a href="http://artjeweldesigns.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a> and this blog, it seems like I do nothing but take pictures of my work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It hasn't been easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I started with <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/artjeweldesigns/2904725162/">incandescent light</a>, then moved to <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/artjeweldesigns/2942074252/">sunlight</a>, and now use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full-spectrum">full-spectrum fluorescent lamps</a>. Here's the setup I used to shoot the bangle above:</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274216833339993154" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S0fCj5z4lEE/STHIRBOdrEI/AAAAAAAAABA/jQgIys997gs/s320/setup.jpg" style="display: block; height: 248px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo setup</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I shoot freehand with a <a href="http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix4300-review/">Nikon E4300</a> point-and-shoot digital camera. A tripod feels too clumsy given the short working distance of my lens in macro mode.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A year from now, I hope to look back at my setup and smile at my novice ways.</span>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03705955982571497079noreply@blogger.com3