Metal Musing

Cuttle Bone Casting!

2012-01-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

Moon Phases, Sterling Silver and Copper Alloy

Last weekend I had the pleasure of assisting Erin House with her Cuttle Bone Casting Workshop at the North Coast Metal Arts Guild. I have a pretty good amount of experience in mold making, but practically none with casting, so I was really excited. What fun! I can see how people could get hooked on Cuttle Bone. Quick and easy to carve or press an object into the mold, and it produces great texture, however, it is a little stinky.

Pools, Sterling Silver, Sterling Silver and Bronze Alloy

FAM: January

2012-01-12T23:41:00.000-08:00

Hibernation and Rebirth

"Clutch" (Ring)

Sterling Silver, Brass, Silk, Wool, Thread

Hibernation and Rebirth seemed like a fitting theme for my January Four A Month series. As I wrapped and twisted the wire and later tucked in the silk I marveled at the amount of energy it must take birds, insects, and other animals to develop their nests, cocoons and dens; each one a unique and marvelous creation that is a direct reflection of the maker and its surroundings. All with the purpose of creating a safe resting place to protect new life, transform, or restore energy. Nature is beautiful.

"Cocoon" (Brooch)

Brass

"Arrested Flight" (Brooch)

Brass, Silk, String

"Life Cycle" (Neck Piece)

Brass, Copper, Silk, String

2012!

2012-01-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Thanks for all the kind words and support over the past year. Here's to an even better 2012!

1st on the agenda: make some new work! I'll be joining in a new jewelry challenge this year called FAM (Four a Month). The idea is to create four pieces that are related each month. I'm really excited about this challenge and have been meaning to get to some series work for quite some time. During the 2011 RAW (Ring a Week) challenge I focused on rings that all incorporated origami and was very pleased with the results.

My goal for this years challenge is to make it all the way through. I was a little bummed that I only made it through 13 weeks of RAW as finishing RAD (Ring a Day) in 2010 gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. Fortunately, I think concentrating on series work that is a little more flexible may be just what I need to get moving again. For January I plan on working around the theme of hibernation and rebirth. Wish me luck!

Book Review: The Art of Enameling by Linda Darty

2011-10-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

I received "The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration" by Linda Darty last year and pulled it out last night in preparation for firing up my new kiln. My husband is also interested in working on a couple of projects, but has no experience with enameling, so we looked it over together. It seemed every time he asked a question, Darty had it answered in the next section.

The Art of Enameling is chock full of images: instructional, historical, and inspirational. The top of many pages include pictures of contemporary works that supplement the instructional text nicely and the "Historical Highlights" are welcome interruptions. Instructions for beginners are clear, concise and accompanied with helpful pictures that cover topics such as types of enamels, preparing a kiln, selecting metal, applying enamel, firing enamel and more.

In addition to the more well known enameling techniques such as sifting, Cloisonne and Champleve, Darty also includes several methods for experimentation including Raku, Sgraffito, foldforming, and Plique-a-jour. For those enamelists that might need a more structured layout or a review on fabrication/setting enamels, the book also includes several start to finish projects in the back.

I can't wait to get the kiln going today and the experimentation started!

Featured Artists: 2Roses

2011-09-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

I met John and Corliss of 2Roses when I was lucky enough to become a member of Etsy Metal earlier this year. 2Roses is constantly producing stunning jewelry that often incorporates surprising materials, experimentation, and humor. Not only do they know their stuff when it comes to creating art objects, they always seem to make the time to offer up a little perspective when it comes to business in the art world, which is great because sometimes I take things a bit too seriously. Here are some of my favorites from their Etsy Metal featured member Q&A:

What pieces are you most proud of?

Wedon’t think of our work in that way. Each piece is an expression, an idea,which takes on a life of its own. Some are humorous, others serious, orpolitical, or deeply personal. Even so, the pieces are imbued with differentmeanings by the people who own them. We recognize that we are not in control ofhow our pieces evolve once they arrive in the bigger world. We also recognizethat ideas have consequences, and that is the power of art.

What direction do you see your work going in next?

Wecontinue to explore and experiment within the framework of functional ornament.The real medium that we work with is the intangible space between the wearerand observer of our work.

Do you collect anything? If so, do you display your collections?

Wecollect everything. We are a big one-way sieve passing through the universe.

What is your most prized possession?

Eachother.

Read the complete interview at the Etsy Metal blog.

EM Project Runway Challenge: Can't We All Just Get Along

2011-09-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

This week for the Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenge we were asked to incorporate pattern and texture in our pieces. I've always been interested in using repetition of form to create texture and depth, so this week was a lot of fun.

Copper Necklace

The Project Runway Challenge:
The designers were divided into two groups of five. They were given the opportunity to create their own unique textiles and asked to create a cohesive collection.

For Our Etsy Metal Translation:
Since this challenge was about pattern and textile, our challenge is to incorporate those into a piece. Do it however you like, etching, roller printing, drawing, or just fabricate a piece that forms a pattern or texture. Make it work!

Copper Necklace

Torn

2011-08-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Torn, Brass

I created this piece for the most recent Etsy Metal Book Club Challenge. The book was "The Curious Case of Dr, Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson. It took me a good while before I was able to get past the first couple of pages, which may have had something to do with the play rehearsals that were taking place downstairs from the apartment I was staying in for a few weeks, but once I settled in there seemed to be a subtle rhythm that moved the story along. I was also very impressed with the way the author built tension. Much different that the suspense novels I'm used to, Stevenson used the concern and speculation of a friend to slowly develop the plot and create tension.

Torn, Brass

For this piece I went with 14 gauge Brass and juxtaposed a smooth polished surface with one that is cracked a marred in an attempt to create a representation of the continual struggle we all have to choose the right thing, especially when "right" is such a subjective concept.

EM Project Runway Challenge: Go Big or Go Home

2011-08-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Every week Members of Etsy Metal take on a new challenge that parallels the challenges on Project Runway. This week (week three) the designers on Project Runway were asked to design a piece for a model on stilts for the first ever outdoor runway show. The Etsy Metal Translation is to make it BIG, over the top, larger and crazier than you would normally do, but still trying to keep it wearable and fashionable.

I usually feel like my work is on the larger side to begin with so I was a little stumped at first on how to go bigger and still hold on to my aesthetic. I decided to go with a hammered copper piece joined with balled wire rivets. I'm pleased with the way the negative space creates a lighter feel in a larger form. Although the piece seems big, I feel like I could have gone even bigger! Maybe I will.

The Etsy Metal Project Runway Challenges are open to the public. You can find out more about the challenges and join in the fun by checking out the Etsy Metal Blog!

What's New: Fun with Foldforming

2011-06-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've fallen for fold forming! Ever since I started experimenting with origami I come into the studio and all I want to do is fire up the torch and beat on some metal. Add to that a bit of forging and balling wire and I might go missing for days. Here's a peak at what I've been working on.

Book Club Challenge: "Hyperion" by Dan Simmons

2011-06-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hyperion, by Dan Simmons, is one of my all time favorite sci-fi reads. When it was chosen as the most recent book for the Etsy Metal book club I was super excited to read it for the second time. I went back and forth about the piece for a long time and actually ended up reading all four books in the series again before I finally decided.

Hyperion is filled with mystery from the Prologue all the way through, and for me the most intriguing part was the juxtaposition of Christianity and the Church of Final Atonement. Both are fringe religions at the start of Hyperion and both are presented as equally preposterous, the first being outdated product of an antiquated society and the second focused around "The Lord of Pain", better known as the Shrike, and viewed by the general population as a barbarous cult that sends it's pilgrims to certain doom.

Atonement Brooch: Sterling Silver, Copper, Garnet

Hyperion recalls the tales of the seven pilgrims of the final Shrike Pilgrimage. Each tale tells of the connection the pilgrim has with the Shrike and the planet Hyperion. The Shrike is first mentioned in the Prologue as the Consul remembers "screams in the night and the hundred-faceted, ruby blood gaze of the Shrike itself". As the pilgrims tell their tales a clearer picture of the form and brutality of the Shrike slowly develops with "metal blades protruding from [it's] forehead, four wrists, oddly jointed elbows, knees, armored back and thorax." The reader is never presented with a clear explanation or solid connection between the events that have unfolded in the pilgrims lives and the motivations or intentions of this creature, this "Lord of Pain".

When Sol Weintrob takes his child, who suffers from an illness that has her aging backward, to the priests of the Church of Final Atonement and asks for guidance in having her be "made well" the bishop states that Sol is speaking of physical well being and that "[The Church of Final Atonement] is the final arbiter of spiritual salvation".

Atonement Brooch: Sterling Silver, Copper, Garnet

What is the Shrike? Should we fear it or revere it? Either way, I hope my piece does the Shrike a bit of justice. For a look at what the other Etsy Metal book club members came up with please follow the Etsy Metal Blog or Become Friends with Etsy Metal on Facebook. The book club post will be up next week!

It's all about the process: Etsy Metal Charm Swap 8

2011-06-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

So excited that I was lucky enough to sign up for Etsy Metal's 8th charm swap! What's a charm swap? The best thing ever! 20 Etsy Metal members sign up to make 22 charms each. One complete charm bracelet is sold through the Etsy Metal shop with part of the proceeds going to a youth organization, one of each of the charms goes into the shop as well, and each participant gets a fabulously wonderful charm bracelet. For a look at some of the previous charm swaps go to the Etsy Metal Blog and search for "Charm Swap". While you're there make sure to follow the blog, sign up for the news letter, or make friends with Etsy Metal on Facebook for Charm Swap 8 updates and tons of other cool info.

I decided to fashion my charms after some rings I made early this year for Ring a Week (I know, I know, totally dropped the ball on that one). I really enjoyed using origami techniques with foldforming and everyone knows I'm hooked on the red patina.

I started several weeks ago folding some strips of copper:

Today I cut the folded strips into cabs:

And then gave a few of them a red patina:

I'm really excited about how they're coming out. Stay tuned for more progress!

Etsy Metal Blog Carnival: Creative Space

2011-06-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

This months Etsy Metal blog carnival is all about our studio spaces!

Bench

I love artist studios. Each one is as different as the artists themselves. Like a fingerprint or a psychological evaluation, the artists studio reflects the personality of the creator. My studio is where I go to get messy, to experiment and make mistakes, a space where anything goes and every mistake or breakthrough seems to come at just the right time and leads in just the right direction. Don't get me wrong, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. I can often be heard muttering or cursing, sometimes under my breath and other times at the top of my lungs. But somehow even the mistakes seem to belong tossed among the heaps of tools and materials that accumulate with every project (See last post for a clear illustration on this!).

Soldering Area

The world slows down when I'm working in the studio. There are times where my internal voice is lulled into a quiet and meditative hum and the pieces seem to effortlessly fall into place with the rhythms of sanding or hammering. My studio is one of the most personal aspects of my life and yet it is one that I love to share and experience with others. Somehow the space transcends the boundaries of what I regard as private and allows conversations to begin through my process and my work.

Office Nook

Friends and Family

My studio, being an extension of myself and the things I value most, is filled with mementos. Photographs, ticket stubs, souvenirs and artwork adorn the walls, bulletin boards, and shelving. At times the spaces are crowded in so tight I imagine there is no way I'll be able fit one more thing and then I tuck another treasure into place. Every few months I rearrange the items, dust them off and remember why they are there in the first place. Inspiration, life is full of it.

Treasures and Mementos

This particular space is especially personal because I was able to design and build the bench and soldering area myself. I'd never really taken on a woodworking project before, and it's not quite level or trimmed perfectly, but it's mine and it works. The remainder of the furnishings are hand me downs and cast offs; the cabinets were discarded from a laundry room, the desk was a gift from my step-dad when I first moved out, a bakers rack from a friend who was pairing down her studio space, shelving that came with our house but didn't quite work for us. It's a hodge podge of organizational methods that attempts to keep the clutter at bay and it's absolutely perfect.


Brand New Bench!

Interested in the studio spaces of other Etsy Metal members? Keep on reading!

Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
Shirlee Grund - http://lichenandlychee.com/blog/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Scott http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
Cynthia Del Giudice http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com
Michele Grady http://www.michelegradydesigns.blogspot.com
Erin Austin - http://metalmusing.blogspot.com/
Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Evelyn Markasky -- http://markasky.blogspot.com/
Kathryn Cole - http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com
2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Lauren Anabela Beaudoin/Creative Dexterity - http://creativedexterity.com/Blog/main.html

The Sunday Search for Inspiration: Finding My Bench

2011-05-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Apologies for not having blogged in a while. This is probably why:

Not sure what you're looking at? Somewhere under there is my bench. It seems like the state of my bench and the state of my life in general are pretty much in sync. It was a hectic week or two and things just began piling up and up and soon, in retaliation or out of fatigue, I began to rebel by not picking up a single thing and spending WAY too much time in front of the TV with my new favorite group of wacky characters on Community.

So this weekend I spent some time setting the universe right and I expect that my creativity and productivity will benefit greatly from the result:

I knew it was under there! I even had the time to cut and arrange some flowers from the garden. Amazing what one can accomplish after a much needed break.

Etsy Metal Blog Carnival: From my Sketchbook

2011-05-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

This months Etsy Metal Blog Carnival has us all sharing some pages from our sketch books! I love thumbing through sketch books. It's like a window into someone's artistic process.

Sometimes I sketch just to sketch. I start without a plan and see where it takes me. I usually start with a line or a movement that I repeat over and over until something starts to take form. These alien plant forms emerged in that way and I have revisited them many times over. I'm not sure that the forms will find their way into my jewelry work, but it's nice to have something to work on when I'm taking a break from creating with metal.

Sometimes I sit down with a specific project in mind. For the Etsy Metal charm bracelet to raise money for Japan, I knew I wanted to work with flowers because they are so important in Japanese culture so I mapped out some one by one inch squares and started brainstorming. I ended up going with the first sketch for the flower form and refined it a bit to the right. I'm pretty pleased with the way they came out.

Find out how other Member of Etsy Metal use their sketch books:

Nodeform http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Michele Grady http://www.michelegradydesigns.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Scott http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
Su Trindle http://quercussilver.blogspot.com/
Evelyn Markasky http://markasky.blogspot.com/
ArtigianoJewelBox: http://www.artigianojewelbox.com/category/blog
Rebecca Bogan - http://www.AdobeSol.com/blog
Shirlee Grund - http://lichenandlychee.com/blog/
2Roses - http://www.jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
Beth Cyr - http://www.bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
kate jones http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com

Featured Artist: Lorena Angulo

2011-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

I first came across Lorena Angulo's work through the Ring a Day project and was immediately drawn to her amazing use of texture, detail, and color. Her pieces often explore cultural themes related to her heritage and feature many iconic forms such as hearts, skulls, flowers and birds. I am always stunned by the incredible presence that small jewelry objects can have. Lorena's work is both intimate and powerful.

Flaming Heart

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Lorena Angulo and I was born in Mexico where I grew up surrounded by wonderful folk art and jewelry from the Native Indians of a lot of states. My biggest influence while I was a very small child was when I lived in Chiapas, Mexico; this magical state has filled my heart with wonderful memories.

I always loved to create and I have been a self taught artist since I was young. I decided to study Mass Communications and lost for a little while my passion for art and creating. It was until I moved to live to the USA that I started to missed my culture and traditions a lot and in 2006 my sweet husband told me I need it to follow my heart and find my wings again. This was the year I started to take silversmithing classes at Southwest School of Art in San Antonio, Texas. This was the year also that I was introduced to a very new material called PMC (precious metal clay.)

Describe your work in one sentence

Artisan Jewelry with Soul!

What pieces are you most proud of?

This is a hard question for me because a lot of my pieces are very close to my heart. If I have to choose a couple of them it will be my first “Milagro Heart” I made and it was also my first piece published, my “Arbol de Vida” (tree of life) and a commission piece I was honored to make for Corliss and John Rose; “Corliss Calavera”.

What are you favorite materials to work with?

Metal clays (Pure Silver, Bronze and Copper) but I also enjoyed fabricating with sterling, copper and brass. In reality I am always in the look out of new materials to play with and my list can get very long!

Lately I have been playing with Creative paper clay and Craft Porcelain.

LOVE CATRINA

What direction do you see your work going in?

I want to be able to show my work in more places and be able to tell my story in every piece I make. I want to be in more galleries and be able to create wholesale collections but keep on creating my one of a kind work that I love so much.

Who or what is your biggest artistic influence?

My biggest artistic influence is my culture and traditions. My country and all the wonderful memories I have are always present in my work. I admired the work by native artisans.

If you could have your work critiqued by another artist who would it be and why?

Robert Ebendorf. I met him when he came to teach at Southwest School of Art here in San Antonio and I will always remember my experience with him forever. He is an incredible artist and his wonderful spirit can be seen in his work.

I have a big respect for him and his work and I am very sure that taking his class gave me a different perspective in how to transform my work and be able to tell a story in a new way.

What is the best advice you've ever been given?

Follow your heart!

Never compare yourself with others because everybody is unique and your work has to represent what you are.

ARBOL DE VIDA

If you could add one tool to your collection what would it be?

A rolling Mill!!!!!!

I will have so much fun with it!

What do you listen to in the studio?

I usually listen to Latin Music from romantic to dance music. I love to have good energy when I work and if I can sing and dance (if it is possible) I will do it!

What is your most prized possession?

My Family.

My husband and kids.

Do you collect anything? If so, do you display your collections?

I collect Folk Art, mostly from Mexico. I have all my folk art pieces display around my house.

Arbol

How do you spend most of your free time?

Going out with my family. We all enjoyed a lot going to small towns around the city where we can listen to wonderful live music; eat great food and visit galleries and antique shops.

What do you wish you were doing with your free time?

Spend the time with my kids is what I love to do with my free time.

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

Racism and compassion.

I am so sad to see how people can be so rude to each other. Some people and kids do not realize how hurtful their words are sometimes. We need to have more tolerance and be kind to each other.

Corliss-Calavera

Where can we see your work?

http://www.lorenaangulo.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenaangulo/sets/

http://blog.lorenaangulo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LorenaAnguloJewelry

I will be in Gruene, Texas in September for the Texas Metals Arts

http://www.texasmetalarts.com/index.html

What's New: Humboldt Arts Festival

2011-05-11T13:00:00.000-07:00


HAF Main Stage

This weekend (May 14th and 15th) is the Humboldt Art Festival (HAF) and if last year is any indication it's sure to be a great time! This is the second year I'll be a the fair with the North Coast Metal Arts Guild and we are really excited to unveil our new banner, displays and of course our new work.

NCMAG 2010

The line up for the fair includes over 30 performers on four stages including sambAmore, Strix Vega, Company of African Dance Arcata , New World Ballet, Performers from Dell Arte, Karmaja Tribal Belly Dance, the Humboldt Hip Hop Tour, and many more. The HAF hosts 6 galleries, an outdoor sculpture garden, beer garden, art demonstrations, and 18 fine art/artisan vendors. Check out the HAF website for the complete line up and maps. If you are in the area come out and support our vibrant local arts community!

The Sunday Search for Inspiration: Mom

2011-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

1983

She fed and clothed me when I was small, nursed me when I was sick or injured, supported every crazy idea I ever had, even when I'm sure she had to work at biting her tongue. She showed me what love is, encouraged me to question the world around me, and brought creativity into my life whenever possible. She taught me how to treat people and how to treat myself. She's my mother, and I continue to look to her for inspiration, encouragement, and guidance today. Thanks mom for all you've done and continue to do!

2010

What's New: Events and RAW for Japan

2011-05-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the I heart Indie (Fashion) event at Origin Design Lab in Eureka, CA. Come by and meet many of the designers that make Origin special. The first 30 people through the door will receive a swag bag packed with handmade items by the designers. 426 3rd street, 6-9 pm (click on the picture for more info).

Tonight is also the opening of the Ring a Day show at Punch Gallery in Seattle, 5-8pm. The show features 365 rings from 65 artists who participated in the Ring A Day challenge last year. I was lucky enough to have 7 rings chosen for the show! If you followed RAD and have a chance to make it to Seattle I am sure you will not be disappointed. A huge congratulations to all of the artists involved and a big thank you to the judges and team who made the show happen.

And finally, several of the artists participating in Ring a Week have created rings to benefit Japan. Visit the RAW challenge group on Flickr for more information. Here are a couple of my favorites!


Lorena Angulo

Adobe Sol

Sunday Search for Inspiration: Fiber, Brancusi, and Fold Forming

2011-05-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

When I was a child I had this strange compulsion to touch the clothes in department stores as I walked by. Didn't matter if I liked the style, fabric, or pattern, I just had to touch it. Then, I would have to touch the same fabric or a very similar fabric with the opposite hand. Thankfully, I seem to be beyond this compulsion these days, but when I'm in a fabric or yarn store, I am definitely hands on. This week, Erin House and I covered a wall in fabric for the North Coast Metal Arts Guilds upcoming craft fair. We were going to go with a black canvas, but ended up with a fun pattern that will work well with the brown table cloths and green rug the guild already uses.

The real challenge with design in any medium is creating contrasting and complementary forms, layers and palletes that bring depth and movement to a piece or a room or a craft fair booth. For jewelry, texture and surface detail can be employed to create the layers and dimension in a piece. For me, texture and surface detail is something I've always struggled with in my work. I think I often viewed the unmarred surface as symbolic for perfection, and there is much to be said for the mirror finish and simplification of form, just look at Brancusi's "Bird in Space". Brancusi's simplified form evokes not the literal form of a bird, but the perfection that is a bird in flight: sleek, smooth, free.

Brancusi's Bird in Space

Marring a perfectly smooth and shiny piece of metal was often difficult for me and the hesitation could be seen in the texture I laid down. Fold Forming is certainly helping me move past the hesitation, as is the new texturing hammer I recently added to my collection. Hesitation in fold forming only leads to folds that are not as crisp as one might like and hesitation with a texturing hammer often ends in patterns that are disconnected. I'm no surface detail master by any means, but my work is beginning to move in a direction that embraces a multitude of textures and layers that better describe the natural forms I enjoy working with and encourage the same tactile experience as that of fabric.

My Little Friend

Shrimp

Featured Artist: Becky Grant

2011-04-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Becky Grant is an amazing ceramic and jewelry artist living in Humboldt County. I met Becky while taking jewelry courses at Humboldt State. She had a lot of energy and always brought creative ideas to the discussions and critiques. But it wasn't until she presented her portfolio that I began to understand the breadth of her creativity and artistic skill. Whenever I see one of her ceramic pieces I am blown away by the detail and life that she brings to her work.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live in Petrolia with my husband and two of my sons on 40 acres.
My oldest son is gone to college. We have 29 goats, 3 cats, 1 emu
and a puppy named Oscar. The hundred year old hay barn in the
middle of our land is now my husbands woodshop and my studio.

2. Describe your work in one sentence.
How about a sentence for each medium?
Ceramic sculpture: My love for all that is cast-off or time worn is
reflected in the aesthetic of figurative pieces which are usually
autobiographical or referencing my alter-egos.
Metal: My spontaneous working style results in simple, and often
whimsical pieces.

3. What pieces are you most proud of?
In my third semester of Small Metals and Jewelry at HSU I made a
hollow-form ring that had the tiniest hinge and latch on a lid that
opened to a compartment holding a writing surface. Within the lid,
another compartment with a hinged door held miniature pencils. I
never got a good photo of it but whenever I looked at I couldn’t
believe I made something so tiny and precious and complicated and
even clever. I was very proud of it but still decided to trade it for a
gorgeous ceramic abalone shell made by Malia Landis that I will be
using as a basin sink in one of the bathrooms in the house we’re
restoring.

4. What are your favorite materials to work with?
Low-fire clay, silver

5. What direction do you see your work going in?
Both mediums should become more involved as I make more time
for them as I settle into routines at home and my kids get older. I’ve
been a mom for my entire adult life so I’ve always had to rush to
finish projects. Just having more time influences my work heavily
because I can either work more elaborately and detailed, and I can
also refine and perfect it as well.

6. Who or what is your biggest artistic influence?
How can I choose one of the many artists that I love- Beatrice Wood
(for her ceramic and the jewelry she wore); Janis Mars Wunderlichallowing
her motherhood to inspire rather than inhibit; Louise
Bourgeoise for her guts; Kris Patzlaff for teaching me how to really
work hard; Keith Schneider for keeping it real and spontaneous; My
Husband for being methodical and constantly perfecting his craft.
Sorry- can’t choose just one.

7. If you could have your work critiqued by another artist who
would it be and why?
Ceramics: It would be a group of women at
the same time- Gerrit Grimm, Lisa Clague, Margaret Keelan, Janis
Wunderlich, and Chris Antemann. Okay- if I had a one-on-one I
guess any one of these women would be great too- sorry I’m really
indecisive. It would be fun to have you critique my jewelry, Erin!

8. What is the best advice you've ever been given?
I’ve been going to a really great Alexander Technique instructor and she’s been
talking quite a bit about not reacting and just allowing thoughts to
happen and see what comes of that- even with my art. I think it’s
going to take me to new places and is excellent advice for me
because I over-think most every situation.

9. If you could add one tool to your collection what would it be?
Oohh- sorry- indecisive here as well. A rolling mill for metal; a slab
roller for ceramics (and possibly to use for print-making as well)
and a sand-blaster for both.

10. What do you listen to in the studio?
Books usually. Lots of
books- all different genres but mostly I love historical fiction.

11. What is your most prized possession?
The Yellow House! It’s the
1888 Carpenter’s Gothic Revival we’re restoring, and it’s absolutely
a dream come true. I drove past it for about seven years at least
once a week before we were able to buy it. I sometimes get a bit
panicked that it will burn down, or there will be a huge earthquake
that flattens it before we’ve even finished. I hate to feel so
possessive but my heart just melts when I cross the footbridge over
the babbling creek and climb the hill and it just seems to be waiting
patiently for us to mend its broken parts. We’ve recently restored
two of the original casement windows and I almost cried when I first
opened and closed them and they worked like new. The views are
gorgeous from every window but they seem especially lovely
through the old wavy glass with fresh paint on the windowsills. See-
I’m obsessed with it!

12. Do you collect anything? If so, do you display your collections?
Okay- I’ll have to keep this to a minimum too so I’ll just list my
most favorites: old buttons, vintage suitcases (which are great to
hold my antique dolls and vintage fabric collections) antique jars
and bottles (most of them were found digging in old dumps in
Petrolia and around the house we’re restoring), beach glass (which I
like to store in the old jars) and art books. I have a few small
displays but since we’re living in a little cabin while we restore our
house we don’t have much space for collection display but I look
forward to using these collections in the house when it’s finished.

13. How do you spend most of your free time?
Since I have a job (I’ve managed CounterPunch.org for 13 years), my art is in my free
time but my other free time I use to work on the 1888 farmhouse
we’re restoring. It hasn’t been lived in since 1972 and although
we’ve done the big projects such as putting a new foundation under
it and a new roof on top we’ve still got lots to do in between. Since
my husband is a woodworker and restoration is his passion and I
wanted an old house to restore since I was a young girl it works out
perfectly- now I just need a bit more patience.

14. What do you wish you were doing with your free time?
It’s hard to put off opportunities to show and sell art so I like to keep up
with that. I do like to slack-line too and love to SUP so I hope I can
do that often this summer.

15. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I have some close friends and family with cancer- I’d love to see a
cure for that. I would also like to level the playing field for the little
people by spreading out the wealth that’s so concentrated amongst
such a small minority, while the majority are hardly making ends
meet.

16. Where can we see your work?
I have a show at the California Ceramics Conference this
weekend in Davis and a piece in the California Clay Competition
there as well (The Artery, 207 G Street, Davis, CA 95616).
You can find some pieces on my etsy site- gypsygyrl
and this summer I’ll be in the HSU First Street Gallery in the Summer
Alumni Exhibition.

It's All About the Process: Sanding Sticks

2011-04-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sanding is not my favorite part of what I do, but it's got to be done. In many cases I opt to use my flex shaft for most of the work. Maybe I'm just not great with the thing, but I can always tell the difference between flex shaft sanding and hand sanding, so I always follow up by hand. One of the many useful tricks I learned from my college jewelry professor (Thanks to Kris Patzlaff!) was to make my own sanding sticks. They really speed up the process and have saved me a lot of hand ache I'm sure! There are many sanding sticks and sponges available on the market but who has time to order a sanding stick when they're in the thick of it? Not me, besides, it's nice to reuse some items that I usually have in the studio anyway.

What you need:
Sand paper (320, 400, 600, 1500)
Popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, dowels of various sizes, yard stick, wooden sculpture tools, etc
Masking Tape
Sharpie or other writing implement

Step One: Cut (or rip) the sandpaper to size.
Cut the sandpaper a bit shorter than the length of the chosen stick.

Step Two: Attach the paper to the Stick
Fold the sand paper over the stick and tape along the entire edge.

Step Three: Wrap the stick up!
Tightly wrap the sandpaper around the stick. About 6 inches of sand paper should be plenty.

Step Four:
Wrap tape around the outer edges to secure the sandpaper.

Step Four: Label the sticks and sand away
     Using a Sharpie label the sticks with the grit so you know what you're working with.
   The best part about these sticks it that as the paper begins to wear down one just rips a bit away to reveal
     fresh paper!

Here's a look at some dowels. Great for sanding inside rings and long enough to have two grits on each stick.

Get creative! If you'd like a larger stick, a yard stick is perfect. Just cut it into 1 foot lengths and wrap as above. If you're looking for something with a sharp edge, wooden sculpture tools work great, although the wrapping is a bit more difficult.

The Sunday Search for Inspiration: Eggs

2011-04-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Every year we and I head over to Aunt Judy's house the evening before Easter to dye some Easter eggs. No one hides them these days, although I never said I was too old for an Easter egg hunt. Every year we eat something tasty and just when I feel like it might be time for an after dinner nap, the yellow tablecloth comes out and the fun begins.

Mismatched cups are filled with bright colors, dipping wands collected over the last 20+ years make their annual debut, along with crayons, stickers, glitter, glue, packages of egg dye decorated with fuzzy bunnies and chicks, and last but not least, the eggs.

A child like atmosphere spreads through the room as everyone scrambles to get their egg into the most coveted colors. Later, when no one is looking my mother in law, Carol, slips some oil into half of the cups and is met with cheers from those who love the effect and grumbles by those who hate the mess.

The Birth of a Peep

Others opt for making hollow eggs or experimenting. Last year the room was filled with the smell of melted wax and burning egg shells that met their fate at the end of a dremel. This year was a little more subdued, as we competed to adorn our egg with the best flower. I don't think a winner was ever chosen and I'm not sure it really matters.

Featured Artist: Erin House

2011-04-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

I met Erin House in the jewelry studio at HSU. We share a name so things could get a bit confusing from time to time. Our jewelry prof always referred to me as Erin A and she still does, even when Erin House isn't around! Erin's work is stunning in it's detail and meaning and has always been quite an inspiration. Her ability to problem solve and her willingness to bounce around ideas and share techniques always makes working with her a pleasure. She's pretty funny too.

Sun Worship

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Erin House. I am 31 years old. I have a BA in Studio Art from Humboldt
State University and my emphasis was in Jewelry and Small Metals. I live on the Pacific
Northwest Coast in Loleta, CA. I make jewelry out of my home studio and I try to live
simply and enjoy myself.

2. Describe your work in one sentence.
I strive to create sophisticated and elegant designs while exploring archetypal themes that
can speak to a wide audience.

3. What pieces are you most proud of?
I am not sure which one I am proud of, but my favorite pieces are “Tzab’ek Rattle Ring”
and “Sundial Ring”

4. What are you favorite materials to work with?
I love to work with Silver!

5. What direction do you see your work going in?
I could see myself creating objects or small sculpture. It’s hard to say. I am open to
anything the universe throws at me.

Sundial Ring

6. Who or what is your biggest artistic influence?
I am influenced by architecture and nature and pretty much whatever I think is visually
appealing.

7. If you could have your work critiqued by another artist who would it be and why?
Bob Ebendorf. I love his work and he is very respected in the jewelry world.

8. What is the best advice you've ever been given?
To change my major from Botany to Studio Art. I am so happy I did!

9. If you could add one tool to your collection what would it be?
I would love to have a Hydraulic Press.

10. What do you listen to in the studio?
I like talk radio, like This American Life. I know it sounds boring, but, that’s what I like.

Tzab’ek Rattle Ring

11. What is your most prized possession?
I have a ring my Grandfather gave to my Grandmother a long time ago and I love it!

12. Do you collect anything? If so, do you display your collections?
I collect antique mirrors, and yes, they are hanging on my walls.

13. How do you spend most of your free time?
I like to be outside when the weather is nice. I take my dogs to the beach and on walks.

14. What do you wish you were doing with your free time?
Making cool stuff.

15. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I would end all the wars and feed all the people. Maybe that’s two, but that’s what I
would do!

16. Where can we see your work!
I have jewelry in Origin located in Old Town Eureka, which is having an “I Heart Indie
Fashion” event on May 6th from 6pm to 9pm. People can come in and meet some of the
makers/designers and have drinks and fun! origindesignlab.com
I also have an Etsy page. ErinHouseDesigns.etsy.com
And a blog. housepartystudio.blogspot.com

RAW: Featured Rings

2011-04-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, I haven't been keeping up with RAW at all! tsk, tsk, is all I've got to say about that. So today I thought I would take a look at some of the rings the other artists are coming up with. Talk about inspiration. It may be enough to get me back in the game. We shall see.

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e-bu Jewelry: RAW52/15 Marquesan Tides Series

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From Rae The Smithy: In Between

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From lorahart: Raw 16 (Japan Donation-click here for more info)

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From mairedodd: Raw 15-Urban Posey

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From Lorena Angulo: Raw 15

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What's New: Books, Buttons and Japan

2011-04-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays are hereby dedicated to What's New! This week I've got three new pieces in my Etsy shop that have interesting stories. The first is a pendant entitled "Lost" and was inspired by the novel "Lost", by Gregory Maguire. "Lost" was the first book chosen for the Etsy Metal book club jewelry challenge. Check out what the other readers came up with by clicking here!

Lost

Brass, Copper, Sterling Silver

I've also added some buttons to the shop and there will be more to come! I was preparing a new batch for an event at Origin in Eureka that's coming up next month and I decided to go ahead and make a tutorial on the process. It's my first one! You can check it out here!

Assorted Buttons

Brass

Lastly, some of the folks at Etsy Metal are putting together a charm bracelet to help raise money for Japan. We've each made two charms, one for the bracelet which will be available through the Etsy metal shop when it's assembled and another to put in our own shops. I chose to use cherry blossoms in my charms to signify unity and the ephemeral nature of life.

Cherry Blossom Charms

Sterling Silver, Garnet, Copper

What's going on in Japan affects us all and we have a long road ahead of us. If you are not interested in charms please consider making a small donation to the Red Cross. Every little bit helps!

Thanks for reading and please do tell me, what's new with you?

It's All About the Process: Making Simple Buttons

2011-04-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Button Collection above my bench

I love Buttons! My grandma had a huge box that I would spend hours sifting through as a child. When she passed many of those buttons became part of my collection and several years later my mom and I spent an evening during one of her visits sorting them by color or material so I could display them in my collection of bottles. A while back I decided to make some simple buttons of my own using some 20 gauge brass that had been sitting around for a while. The process is perfect for someone just beginning to manipulate metal and can be modified for much more complex buttons if desired.

Tools and Supplies:
Goggles and Face Shield (Safety first!)
Metal (I usually go with 20 gauge or heavier)
A 1" x 3" piece will yield 12, 1/2" square buttons or 6, 1" X 1/2" buttons
Hammer
Texturing tools: hammers, stamps, etch bath (whatever you use to mark up the metal)
Bench Block or anvil
Ruler
Pencil or Sharpie
Center Punch
Drill press or Flex shaft (whatever you use to drill holes)
Jewelers Saw or a Shear if you have one
Files
Sandpaper
Patina (optional)
Wax

Step One: Create some texture on the sheet metal using hammers, stamps and a bench block
   *Annealing first is helpful but not necessary
   For these buttons I used a variety of hammers and stamps. This would be the time to etch!
   For a great tutorial on Green Electro Etching check out this tutorial by Inbar Baraket.

Step Two: Using a ruler and pencil map out the desired shapes including hole placement.
I went with squares, rectangles, and triangles with varying numbers of holes.

Step Three: Using a center punch and chasing hammer create a starting point for each hole.

Steps 1- 3

Step Four: Drill out the Holes using a drill press or flex shaft (Face Shield!).

Drill Holes

Step Five: Cut out the shapes using a jewelers saw or shear (wear goggles or other eye protection).

Step Six: Filing and Sanding: Round out the edges and corners using files and sand paper.
When sanding I usually start with 350 grit and work down to 600 (using a flex shaft and a split mandrel
really speeds this up, sanding sticks are also great).

Row 1: Cut out, Row 2: Filed, Row 3: Sanded

Step Seven: patina and wax!
   I went with Midas Black for this group (Please make sure to read the directions and wear eye protection!)
   A cloth, Sand paper, or scotch bright can be used to relieve the patina (I went with 1200 grit sand paper)
   *If you are going for super shiny buttons you would probably want to buff the little guys before waxing.

Row 1: dark patina, Row 2: patina relieved, Row 3: Waxed

This collection of buttons is going into the goodie bags for the I Heart Indie (fashion) event at Origin Design Studios of Eureka, CA from 6-9 on May 5th. If you are in town be one of the first 30 people to arrive and one of these little guys will be all yours!

The Sunday Search for Inspiration: In the Garden

2011-04-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

As an artist I definitely have my ups and downs. One week the ideas are flying out so fast I can barely get them down and there just isn't enough time in the day, then the next week it seems like everything has been done before and that there must be something I'm missing, if I could only find it. This emotional struggle is something that I've come to appreciate as part of the process, but for those times when I've really lost my motivation, I need to go to an outside source. And so, in an effort to remember that there is an entire world outside of my head, I'll be devoting Sunday posts to inspiration.

A great deal of the time that outside source is literally outside. I spend a lot of time in my garden when it's not raining and a lot of time looking out on the garden when it is. It's been raining this weekend, but I did have a chance to get out between the drops to snap some quick photos of the first blooms in the garden. Even the weeds, spiders and slugs have me inspired today. It's nice to see the signs that summer is just around the corner and sunshine will soon be on its way.

This year we've got plans to plant three raised beds in an effort to grow our own vegetables and add to our herb collection. We're also going to cut down a tree that was planted too close to a fence, work on my pond project that I started last year, and build a pit for firing ceramics.

So how does this all relate to art? Many of the forms in my work are drawn from nature so the more I get to know the natural world, the more the ideas grow. Sue Amendolara is an artist who creates phenomenal works based on nature. Her work is a true inspiration.

Etsy Metal Blog Carnival: Tools are cool

2011-04-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

I want I want I want. This months topic: most coveted tool.

Until this week a rolling mill would have been on the top of my list, but alas, my flex shaft broke (Super Sad Face)! I'm not surprised, it was a cheapo model that I've had for almost four years. I never knew how much I loved my flex shaft until I had to work without it. The things we take for granted. So for now, my most coveted tool is a new Foredom with all the bells and whistles, but at this point I would settle for another one from harbor freight.

If I want to wish really big I'll go ahead and wish for a rolling mill, guillotine shear, hydraulic press, set of stakes and a kiln wrapped up and delivered to my door along with my new and never again to be undervalued flex shaft.... it's always nice to dream! And what would I do with all those shiny new additions? I would surface detail to death. Who knows where they would take me, but I'm sure it would be wonderful.

Check out what other Etsy Metal members have their eyes on:

2Roses
Elizabeth Scott
Tosca Teran
AdobeSol
Nodeform
wildflowerdesigns
Beth Cyr
Evelyn Markasky

RAW: Week 10, 11, and 12

2011-03-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

I got a little behind so these three are coming out together. They are a nice little collection, but the setting isn't really doing it for me. To be honest, I rushed them so I could catch up. But to be fair, I started them three weeks ago. So in a way, they are right on time!

365 Rings

2011-03-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

The passage of time is usually marked by seasons, sessions, locations, lovers, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, deaths. I always find myself strangely disconnected to the past partially because time seems to be playing tricks on me by speeding up as I get older, and also because I don't seem to remember as much as other people do about my childhood. The farther away I get, the less I remember. If you ask me what year it was when I had my first kiss, or first drove a car, or went on my first date, or ate at a restaurant alone for the first time, or moved from one house to another, or any other event that seemed like it would never arrive as I was waiting for it or that I would never forget as it was happening, I would not be able to give an answer. I would be able to tell you where I was or who I was with, which would narrow it down, but I have a feeling that eventually my answers to these questions will be framed in decades. How strange then that I can look at many of these rings and recall exactly what I was feeling that day and in several cases events that took place as well. It's as though the rings acted as a journal or a camera. My best guess is that the meditative like state that I experience while making -which allows me at once to reflect on my day, and at the same time to focus on what I'm doing so much that the rest of the world, and time with it, seems to fade away- resulted in a sort of imprinting similar to the way smells often trigger memories.

Marking the passage of time through creation was a strange experience. It didn't take long to feel like I had been at it forever, and at the same time, like I had so much longer to go. There were many days where it seemed like I would never be able to come up with something and other days when it seemed like there was no way I would be bring all of my ideas to fruition (and I didn't). And then suddenly, it was over. Now, almost a month later, I still find myself thinking about what my ring for the day will be made from, or worrying for a moment that I wont be able to complete a ring, before remembering that I have no such commitment and that I can continue with what I'm doing. One thing I know for sure, I wont forget what I was doing in 2010. What did I learn? What did I gain? Well, I gained a lot of rings as you can see from the pictures! I've also gained many new friends and a lot of exposure to new work, techniques, materials, inspirations, etc. I think I also have a sense of accomplishment that is different from any I've experienced before. There was no degree or prize at the end of the challenge, there were no REAL rules, no REAL consequences if a ring wasn't completed or happened to be made out of pepperoni. The only awards or rules involved were those I constructed for myself. In many ways I'm still processing the experience and I think I will continue to do so for quite a long time.

I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who supported me throughout this experience. Without people checking in, making rings along with me, or putting up with my mood swings during the project, I'm not sure I would have completed. So thanks! You all know who you are!

For a chance to see some of the rings from the project check out the “Ring a Day” Exhibition in Seattle from May 5th to May 29th 2011 at the Punch Gallery. The show will feature 365 physical rings accompanied by 14 framed photographs of temporary and/or ephemeral rings. It is juried by Colleen Baran, Kathryn Cole, Shannon Conrad, Nina Gibson, and Sara Westermark. This exhibition is part of the Society of North American Goldsmith’s (SNAG’s) yearly conference, which will be in Seattle from May 26 - 29, 2011. Seven of my rings have been selected for this exhibition! Very excited to see the collection and finally meet some of my new friends in person!

Not able to attend the show but haven't had enough rings? Look for the Lark Books publication Ring A Day due out in September 2011 complete with thoughts from the artists!

Stay tuned for my favorite rings from RAD!

RAW: Week 9

2011-03-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm really happy with this ring. I've been working toward adding more detail and texture in my work and I think this piece is on the right track. I'm hoping that the different flower forms and mixed metals lead the eye around the piece creating movement.

Framing My Minions: a show from Lia Liette Sharp

2011-03-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Framing My Minions, a show from my friend and talented artist Lia Liette Sharp. Lia has taken her love of metal work and alternative materials to a new and fantastic place with this body of work. Robots, pin-ups, aliens and more adorn the walls of Hunter Plaid Gallery of Arcata, California. Show will be up from March 11- April 3 and is not to be missed.

Lia's work opens
a dialogue about
mythology,
technology and
social norms.

Don't forget to check out her monthly coloring books and 2011 pin-up (color-in) calendar while you're there. Calendars and other creations are also available at her Etsy shop: Concupiscence

Colored this one myself!

RAW: Week 8

2011-03-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

I continued to explore the kirigami flower forms this week. It was difficult to get the forms flush for soldering. They also got a bit squished at some point and it was impossible to get them straightened out because they are so close together. Definitely learned a lot for next time.

RAW: Week 7

2011-02-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

RAW 7, Copper, 2/22/11

This piece was so fun to make and I'm really pleased with the transition from paper to metal. It's based on the Japanese art of Kirigami, an offshoot of Origami that combines folding, cutting, and opening paper to create forms. Think paper snowflakes. This piece has been folded and cut but not opened. There are a few things I would like to work out with the construction, especially with the band. Ideally, the band and the flower would both be seamless. Expect more of these Kirigami pieces in the weeks to come and look for similar pieces in my Etsy shop soon!

RAD 354, paper, 2/18/11

RAW 7, Copper, 2/22/11

RAW: Week 6

2011-02-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

More origami this week. I call this piece "My Little Friend". I just couldn't help myself, these folds were too much like the abdomen of a beetle and when I started browsing images I realized they most resembled cockroaches. Then I started thinking about how some people enjoy having cockroaches as pets. So naturally I imagined holding one of the little guys... probably not a pet choice I'll be making in my future.

So What's With All the Rings? A RAW blog carnival

2011-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure a lot of people think I'm crazy by now. After a year of making a ring everyday (still not finished by the way! 7 more days! And yes, the entire collection will be posted on the blog...eventually) why would I want to commit to another 52? I guess I should start with why I decided to join RAD last year: I was stagnant. I wasn't creating regularly and I wasn't moving forward. I'd fallen into the rut that so many seem to find themselves in after leaving college. The support group was gone and no one was holding me to deadlines. At first I loved the freedom, and then I wondered if I would be able to motivate myself to continue working. Working after I got home from my day job, after I got home from my night job (have to work a lot to pay off those student loans), after I had prepared a meal and all I wanted to do was collapse. When I came across the RAD project via Crafthaus I knew it had just what I needed to get myself going: deadlines. That thing which I dreaded, even hated while in school was the thing I knew I could no longer avoid. It was start meeting some deadlines or continue to wonder why I was paying for a degree I wasn't using and continue to stagnate.

What I wasn't prepared for when I joined the RAD group was how quickly I would feel connected to the other artists. A connection based on creating and struggling and meeting deadlines. The support was unbelievable, and the productive atmosphere was just what I needed to get moving again. The year was full of ups and downs, but I worked through it. I experimented, I cursed, and I had a great time. When the topic of starting another "something a day" group came up I was barely hanging on with RAD. There was no way I was going to torture myself for another year no matter what the creative gains. But a ring a week? I could handle a ring a week. I could probably produce some quality work if I had an entire week. I pushed the idea to the back of my mind and let it tumble around for a while. RAD was a struggle even before everyone else was finished. I started only making rings out of paper so that I could watch tv while I worked and pump them out quickly. Was I falling back into that hole or was I just really sick of rings? I wasn't sure.

RAD 39

RAD 23

RAD 27

Then one day while driving to work I was thinking that even though I'd been creating continuously for a year I was all over the place. I would return to the same themes or materials from time to time, but many times I was in a mad dash at the last minute to find something, anything, that I could turn into a ring. I'm not sure there was any other way to deal with RAD than to go with the flow or go crazy. But what I really wanted to do was work on a cohesive body of work, to begin with something and work it through to the end. And just like that a concept formed. The translation of paper craft in metal. I decided that a significant part of my final RAD rings would be paper and would serve as models for RAW.

Maybe I am a little crazy, but I'm not sure there is much I would trade for my experience with RAD, and I'm really excited about my goal for RAW.

Find out why other people took up the RAW challenge:

Thomasin Durgin - www.metalriot.blogspot.com
Amy Nicole - www.rubymtnbeads.blogspot.com
Janice - www.doxallodesigns.blogspot.com
Aleksandra Micic - www.micicart.blogspot.com
Lana Chu - www.ginkgoglass.wordpress.com
Evelyn Markasky - www.markasky.blogspot.com
Lorena Angulo- www.blog.lorenaangulo.com
Kate Jones-- www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
Maria Apostolou- www.createjewelry.gr/blog
Rebecca Bogan - www.Adobesol.com/blog
Laura M (Zoeowyn)- www.zoeowyn.blogspot.com
Kimberly (bahamadawn) - www.bahamadawn.blogspot.com
Catherine Witherell - www.happydayart.typepad.com
Michele Grady- www.michelegradydesigns.blogspot.com
Joan Furilla - www.jfurilla.wordpress.com
Kathryn Cole- www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com
Marcie Abney - labellajoya.blogspot.com

RAW: Week 5

2011-02-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

This week I continued working with origami folds but moved away from identifiable objects. I started by making a long strip of pleat folds and then formed the strip into tubing. The pleat fold in copper has a very organic feel which reminds me of the segmentation found in beetles and caterpillars. I love pairing the organic with the industrial, so rivets were a natural choice.

RAW 5

Copper

02/07/2011

The Continuous Creator

2011-02-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

I am an every day creator. I think most artists probably are. The things I create each day aren't the most stunning, thought provoking works out there, in fact, they can be downright mundane. No matter how mundane or how stunning, they all have one thing in common: they exist where before there was nothing. The topic of creativity came up for February's Etsymetal blog carnival* and the following questions were posed: What other media do you work and play with? How often do you get to create? Does it relate to or inspire your metalworking?

The most common thing I create are lists. Not very artistic I know, but without them I would lose control of most every creative idea I have. Managing time is a huge hurdle for me. I consider myself a somewhat prolific artist and as such my lists often contain quick sketches, reminders to research different techniques, supply orders, and fabrication steps for new pieces, scattered among the bills that need paying, groceries needed for dinner, or the yard work that needs attention. I guess I've come to regard my lists more as stream of consciousness writings than tasks that need to be crossed off. The act in itself serves to organize my thoughts and move me in the right direction.

Sketching is probably the next most common mode of creativity that I engage in. I sketch almost daily, sometimes several times a day. Usually I work on new jewelry designs or refining old designs, but occasionally I create characters or just doodle. Many times the doodles are most productive as far as pulling forms for metal work. I find that in metal, just as in photography, abstraction is my passion.

My home also provides great creative outlet. I try to spend as much time as possible in the garden when it's not raining. It's in the garden that I move away from geometric forms, line, simplification, abstraction and repetition, and toward a writhing canvas of colors and textures that seem to be barely contained within their borders. It is in the garden, with dirt under my fingernails, sweat trickling down my face, and scratches from the roses and brambles that I find it easiest to relinquish control, find beauty and meaning in the chaos and order of nature, to relax, and be humbled by the strength and persistence of the earth.

On a less regular basis I create for events. Birthdays, holidays, parties... I would much rather create something than purchase it. When my best friend had her first child I went crazy with knitting and sewing. During the winter holidays I often go overboard with gift wrap, sometimes my husband and I go as far as carving our own stamps for tags and paper. And paper ornaments and handmade treats are often our gifts of choice.

Creativity is everywhere in my life, even in the most every day aspects. It's part of the way I relate to and process the world around me. It's how I find meaning.

Find out what creative endeavors other Etsymetal artists are involved in:

*What is Etsymetal and the Etsymetal Blog Carnival? Etsymetal is a group of metal artists from around the world who have come together to support each other as artists and sellers on Etsy. Each month a new topic is posted that members of the group blog about, providing several unique perspectives and allowing a little bit of insight into the person behind the work. Each blogger then posts links to the other blogs allowing readers to cycle through them all. Have fun!

RAW: Week Four

2011-01-30T19:06:00.000-08:00


RAW 4: Origami Shrimp, Copper, Foldforming

Earlier this week I made an origami shrimp ring out of paper for RAD #330. I loved the little guy so much I knew he would be the next one I made in metal. The metal version has a very different feel and gave me a good bit of trouble. By the end I was folding 4 layers of 26 gauge copper to create the pleats, but it was really folding the pleat folds in half that got me (8 layers of metal really does not want to move). However, I also worked on a smaller pleated ring for today's RAD and I really like the way it turned out. I have a feeling there are more pleats in my future.

RAD 330: Origami Shrimp, Paper, Origami

RAD 334: Pleats, Copper, foldforming

RAW: Week 3

2011-01-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

RAW: week 3

Copper

Origami Pelican

Continuing to work with origami this week. This form was a lot of fun. Switching to 24 gauge copper definitely saved me some frustration. Although his beak should be more elongated for a pelican, I still think he is a fine specimen.

RAW: no I'm not growling; it's time for Ring A Week

2011-01-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

That's right, a new challenge to create a ring a week for an entire year. Only 52 rings? What will we do with all the spare time! For most of the group RAD (Ring A Day) ended with 2010. I'm still hanging in there until the end of February to complete my 365 rings. However, my RAD rings will primarily be models for RAW from here on out. This year I'm going to take my infatuation with paper even further and explore the translation of paper craft into metal.

Week One

1/8/2011

Origami Airplane

Copper

Week 2

1/16/2011

Origami Boat

Copper

For the Love of Paper

2010-10-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

I've always loved paper. I used to beg my mom to take me into every paper store and down every paper isle I saw. Greeting cards, journals, and note books filled my wish lists and just about every nook of my way too messy for mom's eyes bedroom. I would spend hours scrawling notes, writing poems, and making collages just to feel it in my hands. When I got older paper mache was often my medium of choice in sculpture classes and now I've become reacquainted with paper clay thanks to Ring A Day. There is just something about the smell and delicate nature of paper that gets me going. I ran through the paper clay package in a matter of days but don't worry, something tells me my fascination is far from over.

I've been told these forms are coral-like in nature. Although that was not my intention I am pleased with the result. For more images of these and other paper clay rings as well as the sticky tack rings that started this series please visit me on Flickr!

RAD Packs!

2010-09-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just when we though Ring A Day couldn't get any better along come the RAD packs! Filled with small mysteries wrapped in brown paper the RAD pack is intended to inspire. Etsy metal member Kathryn Riechert sent out the first RAD pack to the RAD members from EtsyMetal and I received mine from Sara Westermark. The rules are simple: if you open it you have to use it within 24 hours. The actual object can be used in the ring itself or as inspiration for a ring.

The first treasure I unwrapped was a small tile that I later learned was a piece of pottery by Leslie Willett. Apparently when a piece isn't up to par she breaks it. Sara found out about this process and asked that she hold the pieces for her. This particular piece was then formed and sanded by Sara before she passed it along in the RAD pack. A treasure like this deserves a plan:

I was really drawn to the contrasting textures within the tile and I decided to develop that contrast by extending the texture onto the metals of the ring. The tile was so thick that I had to use sheet metal to make a bezel. When the first attempt failed I decided to go with a partial bezel.

Sterling Silver, Copper, Brass, Ceramic Tile

Check back for how other RAD participants interpreted the tile!

Who Knew Tape Could be so Much Fun

2010-05-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

There is a new love in my life; it's name is electrical tape and I'm not ashamed to say it! I can't tell you how happy I am that I stumbled upon this tape. It was a life saver. Just when I thought all was lost due to the wrist/hand injury and that I would have to leave RAD behind, along came my tape and all was right with the world once again. OK, so maybe this tape discovery doesn't make the world a perfect place, but it's still a lot of fun!

We've been together eight days now and things are going well. I know this wont be a long term relationship, but I think we still have a lot to learn from each other before we part ways. Next I'm hoping I'll be able to manipulate it into preconceived forms... I know, I know, everyone always says you can't change em, but it's worth a try!

Humboldt Arts Festival

2010-05-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

The 1st (hopefully annual) Humboldt Arts Festival was last weekend and it was a great time. Two fabulous days of local bands and performers including Samba Amore, West African Dance, the Ya Habibi Dancers, New World Ballet, Strix Vega, The Bucky Walters, and many more kept the foot traffic consistent. The sculpture garden and ceramics demonstration area was awesome. Eel River Brewery was there with four local organic brews and 19 local vendors including the North Coast Metal Arts Guild (NCMAG) offered up a taste of plentiful creativity that the North Coast has to offer.

A big thanks to everyone who came out to support our local arts community. It was a pleasure to set up with the NCMAG and to debut the rings from the RAD project. I am pleased to say that they were met with some very positive feedback. I look forward to showing them again during North Coast Open Studios.

North Coast Metal Arts Guild

2010-04-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that The North Coast Metal Arts Guild (NCMAG) has been formed! Right now we are only three members strong but we hope to have an application process for new members very soon. The NCMAG hopes to foster a community of local metal artists that will benefit from each others knowledge and support locally and online. Right now we are meeting in coffee houses and guild member Erin House' s studio but eventually hope to move into a larger studio/gallery space and become an organization that will host classes and guest speakers for the local metals and art community as well as the community at large. We also hope to support current metal students at HSU, CR and Eureka High through yearly grants/awards.

NCMAG members will also be working on several projects each year. "Reliquary", our first member suggested project, was randomly drawn at our last meeting. Proposals are due this Monday and the finished pieces will be up for viewing during North Coast Open Studios!

Upcoming NCMAG events include:

Humboldt Arts Festival

Sat, May 15, 2pm – 10pm

Sun, May 16, 10am – 8pm

I St between 9th and 11th, Arcata, CA

North Coast Open Studios

June 5-6 and June 12-13, 2010

11-5 pm

207 G street room 119

(Buhne Building Artist Studios)

Arts Alive

July 3rd, 6-9pm

207 G street room #119

(Buhne Building Artist Studios)

Fan Suggestions

2010-04-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sundays are Facebook fan days! I've been asking the fans on my Facebook page to let me know what they would like to see me use in a ring. I never guessed how challenging it would be.

For the first "Fan Day" I incorporated two suggestions: a Celtic design, and seashells. I didn't know a whole lot about Celtic designs so I did a little research and found out that the best designs are comprised of one unending line. My design used two:

"Celtic Shell"

Sterling Silver

03/21/2010

Fan day 2 was Steam punk:

Mechanical Constraints

Copper, Sterling Silver, Brass

03/28/2010

Fan Day 3 was "Let Freedom Ring". This was by far the most challenging. Not being a very patriotic person myself I thought about it for an entire week before I came up with a solution. Then one day I was reading about Google and China and I realized that for me knowledge is freedom and that freedom might mean something different for everyone. I also realized that believing in and supporting freedom doesn't necessarily mean that one needs to be out waving a flag or singing patriotic songs. That freedom can be quiet. And that even if one is suppressed by their government they can still be free through knowledge. Knowledge gives one the information needed to make choices, and although many choices can only be made in a free society, other choices are personal and need only be known to the person making the choice. And so instead of a tongue that would ring loudly this bell was made with a paper tongue that the wearer may inscribe however they like.

Let Freedom Ring

Copper, Sterling Silver, Paper

4/4/2010

As always RAD continues to challenge and inspire my creative process. As frustrating as it can be at times when it's been a busy day and I really don't want to make a ring or I don't have enough time to make the ring just right, the payoff in creative exercise is well worth it. A big thanks goes out to all of the fans who have come up with challenging ideas! I can't wait to find out what I'll be working on next!

Hippity Hoppity: Still going

2010-04-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I spent time with family for the Easter holiday. They had asked that I bring all my rings along and that everyone also make a ring to present in honor of my firsts months accomplishment with the RAD project. Not only did they each make a ring, they gave them to me! What a great group of people. And what a talented bunch at that:

Titanium by Stuart Miller, Copper and Sterling Silver by Judy Miller, Bolt by Alex Miller

Glass by Nick Miller, Wood by Robert LaLonde, Polymer Clay by Carol LaLonde, Found Bubble Ring by Geoff LaLonde, Egg Hunt by Erin Austin

Here are some other holiday inspired rings from the ring a day group on Flickr:

Metal Riot

Leftwingofthecrow

poohnted

So now the question is, how many more holidays will pass with a ring? We shall see...

RAD Day 27

2010-03-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

27 days? It seems like the first day and ten years later all at once. This project has been my favorite part of the day and my most dreaded part of the day on several occasions. One thing I can say for sure, I'm pushing the boundaries. Urging, coaxing, and at times just going with it. Below are the rings that I made on days that I either just didn't feel like making a ring or I only felt like providing a short burst of energy.

All tied up

twist tie

Spring
Flower

Flow

Sterling Silver

Hygiene

Soap

I think some of the others working on this project can empathize:

mikeandmary

MetalRiot

"Freak Show" A Coloring Book by Lia Sharp

2010-03-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

Cover colored by Lia herself

My friend and fellow Humboldt State alumni, Lia Sharp, is "taking a break from making jewelry" and is instead focusing on a project that has been years in the making. She's putting out monthly installations of some of the most fun, freaky, and fantastic coloring books I've ever had the pleasure of coloring. This months edition "Freak Show" is the second installment, following "Weirdo", and includes just the right amount of robots, aliens, and mythical creatures. Many of the characters have relatives that live in her jewelry pieces and I love those cousins dearly, but I must say, there is a little something extra added by making these little guys my own:

Coloring books are available at Hunter Plaid Gallery in Arcata, California or you can visit Lia's ETSY.

RAD day 7

2010-03-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

It's day 7 of the Ring a Day (RAD) project and I am really enjoying the experience. The other artists participating in the challenge are making more and more fantastic rings everyday. Each morning I find myself logging onto Flickr as soon as I get up, as soon as I get home from work, and right before I go to bed. I just can't get enough. I was worried that I would have trouble coming up with ideas, but everywhere I look there is more material to use for a ring.

So far I've mostly been working out of my scrap box. Pulling out strips that were left over from projects that were planned out in detail. The banged up and oddly shaped pieces that would one day be melted down for casting or shipped off for credit with a supplier. Who knew what treasures would emerge from that which was once cast aside. This series of celestial rings is the result of modifying scrap left over from cutting out circles:

Another theme developing is one of education. This is most certainly due to creating the pieces during my lunch breaks at school. The only materials available are those that I use for tutoring and they are yielding some fun results:

Some of my favorite rings by other artists this week:

kathrynriechert

ModernBird

Ring a Day Challenge

2010-02-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

Starting March 1st, 2010 I will be participating in the Ring a Day Challenge presented by a member of crafthaus. The challenge requires that participants create a ring a day for an entire year. I've committed to participating in the challenge for the month of March. I will be posting images as frequently as possible to the Ring a Day page here on Metal Musing as well as posting weekly updates to the main blog stream. Images can also be viewed on Flickr in the Ring a Day group where you can view pieces by the other artists participating in the challenge. Where else would you find a ring made from string cheese and ritz crackers, a portable sun dial ring, a ring formed from a candle, and one formed from sterling silver, brass and pearls all in one group?

becksbecks90

leftwingofthecrow

MetalRiot

Danielle Miller Jewelry

So Why am I taking this challenge? Anyone who knows me knows I have trouble with motivating myself to start working and to work on a regular basis. With the new studio almost finished (hoping it will be ready for next week), I thought this would be a great project to get me really excited and motivated about using the space. Although I wont be able to work in the studio every day (Thursday and Friday I have back to back employment commitments), the participants are encouraged to step out side their comfort zones and work with alternative materials, so I'm sure I'll be able to come up with something quick and hopefully interesting on my lunch breaks.

This challenge presents a great opportunity to work on my motivational techniques, follow through, imagination, and ability to push the boundaries of my work. Who knows, if all goes well I might sign on for an entire year. What a wonderfully disjointed group of rings 365 days would yield....

Hunter Plaid Gallery

2010-02-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of visiting the Hunter Plaid Gallery and studios at its new location in the Sunny Brae Shopping Center just outside of Arcata, CA. What a great space they've landed for themselves! With a small gallery space in front, and work by several other artists in the collective up for viewing in the studio space, one could spend hours milling about. There really is nothing like seeing an artists working space to get an understanding of the process they employ in their craft. With work ranging from jewelry, to sculpture, to oil painting, to photography, Hunter Plaid has something for everyone. Not only do they provide an opportunity for the public to experience the the work and working methods of some very talented studio artists in Humboldt County, they also provide practice space and a venue for several local bands including: Ashes, Plush Fuzz, the Littlestillnotbigenough, and Dragged by Horses. Open on the second Friday of every month for Arts! Arcata, The Hunter Plaid Gallery is not to be missed.

*Work by the artist of the Hunter Plaid Collective can also be viewed at Wildflower Cafe and Bakery in Arcata. The work changes monthly for Arts! Arcata.

Back into the swing of things

2010-02-09T20:56:00.000-08:00

...several months later... Two new jobs (tutor by day and pizza slinger by night) take up a great deal of my time. Luckily with my hands in much better shape and my jewelry cohort Erin House urging me forward, I've found a bit of time to re-organize my studio space, update my inventory, catch up on book keeping, and sketch sketch sketch.

Several new hollow-form pieces focusing on form and repetition are in the works. And that great gal Erin has opened her studio space in Old Town to myself and fellow metalsmith Lia Sharp for Eureka's monthly cultural event Arts Alive! You will find us set up in the artist studios of the Buhne Building (above The Art Center) on the first Saturday of every month!

Don't quote me on this but plans may also be in the works for forming a jewelry guild!?!? As the days of college deadlines are farther and farther behind us, we've found it increasingly difficult to stay on track. Thus, a regular meeting of the minds where we might share ideas, critiques, tips, and inspirations seems to be just what we need. A steady dose of commitment and organization may also be in order.

As if all these exciting happenings are not enough, I've just learned that my studio space may be tripling in size as my sweet husband has relinquished our office/gaming space for my artistic needs... what a great guy! Stay tuned for more updates which I hope will include: organizational ideas from my new studio space, photos of the new pieces I've been working on, minutes from the jewelry guild meetings ?!?!?, and a step by step accounting of the cuff-links I made my brother for his law school graduation last summer(I guess I was a little too excited about them/for him as I gave them to him without photographing the finished product!)

Modified work

2009-05-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Due to an injury I sustained several months ago I find myself on "modified work". No repeated or heavy grasping with either hand for me so metalsmithing is definitely out. This idea of modified work paired with my recent attendance at the SNAG 2009 conference (where alternative materials took the main stage) has started the wheels a turning. What will the future of contemporary jewelry bring us and has everything really already been done?

My first intuition is to look into paper. Paper has always been an affinity of mine, my mother laughed when I used that word instead of "obsession". From a very early age I would beg my mom to take me into the paper stores where I would spend a ridiculous amount of time touching every stationary set and journal in sight, agonizing over what to choose as my one and only purchase. To this day I have a large section of the guest room closet devoted to my paper finds, each sheet waiting for the moment that I will find just the right project or occasion for its use. Nothing is better than paper. The smell, the texture, the endless possibilities of creative outcomes that could result from every piece.

So today I start my research. What are people doing with paper today, how can I modify those ideas and bring my own personality and paper obsession onto the scene of contemporary jewelry? Only time will tell and in the interim take a look at what's going on now in the world of paper and design:

Who knew there was a university dedicated to paper!

http://www.tappi.org/paperu/welcome.htm

Interested in making some paper beads?

http://www.astorybooklife.com/how-to/paper-beads/

Paper in contemporary art:

http://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/FrancescaVitali

Those are just a few of the resources I've found in a very brief search into the world of paper design. I can't wait to see where this epiphany takes me, and I can't help but wonder, what took me so long...

Metamorphosis, 2008

2009-02-26T17:44:00.001-08:00

Much of my work addresses nature and abstraction and on a more subtle level it also deals with humanities attempts to define, control, and manipulate that which is found in nature. With this piece I decided to illustrate the idea of manipulation more clearly. Three brooches, all abstractions, lead the viewer through the transformation of a natural object into a “useful” tool. The tool in fact has no use at all and is meant to signify the environmental degradation that often comes with manufacturing as well as the devaluation of that which is natural, in this case the moth.

My interest in this topic stems from my artistic and scientific background. When asked why I chose to study both Art and Science, often by individuals that feel they are polar opposites, my response has always been that I view them as one in the same: having a core emphasis on observation and the understanding of the world around us. While this piece has taken on a more literal form of the ideas I often work with, I was also very aware of the irony of the process. I was using man made tools to create abstract forms generated from observation as I attempted to define and articulate my own concept.