...Gonna start blogging again...

Finding the Right Home

The desire to attract interest and target creativity to potential buyers is always present, but the desire and motivation to be artistic and true to the creative process, for me, is what it's about.

I think we start our artistic path at point A, but never get to Z. The path is not straight, and it has many branches - some of which end, and others continue to branch out from the main stem. Whether a branch ends or not is determined by many factors - some of which are boredom, 'this does not work', and 'what do I do with this now??' If economics were not a factor, branches would be longer and there would be many more blossoms!

I am in the process of figuring out where my 'themed' pendants belong. They are more expensive than other pieces because of their complexity and the addition of 14k gold. Would I make them without the gold? The gold color and frame for the flush set gemstone are integral to these pieces. Would I leave off the hand engraved surface texture? No.

So there they are. They are looking for a home (foster home?) waiting for a permanent home. Presently they are in two different locations - a gallery and a jewelry store... hoping that one of these venues is appropriate. I do not want this branch to end!

Happy New Year! New Beginnings and Celebrations

It has been a year of changes - creative growth, artistic collaboration, achieved goals, and new goal setting. There is no doubt that the studio has been a catalyst for me with my work ethic and and what can happen through daily collaboration and monthly meetings. The studio has become a place of calm and possibilities. I celebrate that!

Presently, I am working on getting a body of work together submit to Seasons on St. Croix Gallery in Hudson, Wisconsin. I am making 'themed' pendants. So far, I have a series of three Egyptian, three Aboriginal, and two botanical. They are substantial in weight, and include sterling silver, 14k gold, hand engraving, and flush set gemstones. Above are the beginnings of pieces that are inspired by Albrecht Durer's "Large Piece of Turf", 1503. It is a 'slice of nature' with all that is imperfect and wild. Durer's artwork goes straight to my heart. The pendants above are in process and I will post an image when they are complete.

My goals for 2010 are to update my website with current designs, blog more often, get to the studio almost every day, and perhaps find one more gallery - one in the Twin Cities. I would like to continue with themed work, inspired by my favorite art worlds and designs. I will still be making chains and working with acid etching... a new-found appropriate technique for my pieces.

So, here's to 2010! It will be a GREAT year!