Secret Life of Jewelry - A Universe of Handcrafted Art to Wear

Detailed Glass by Mercedes Brugh Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Mercedes Brugh creates fused glass jewelry
with tons of details.

Each piece is filled with realistic details because she

takes the time to include elaborate amounts of

details in each of her drawings which are
then etched into the glass.

She does this by using computer-aided design
taking 20 hours or more for each drawing.

She explains her processes as follows,

It all starts with my original drawing, which I create using Computer Aided Drawing. CAD is the compulsive's friend, allowing for screaming detail. . . Drawings take twenty or more hours to perfect. Once I'm satisfied with the drawing, I etch the drawing into the metallic coating on dichroic glass. Then I cut other pieces of sheet glass and stack the pieces like a sandwich. I carefully fuse them at 1450°F to achieve a nice melt without turning the cut shapes into blobs. Finally, the schedule I use to cool the glass tempers it.

Here is an example of her newest work.
Each color pops against the black background.

This pendant of an idyllic wooded scene shows the

rich detail she etches into each piece.

and this three-part pendant is
equally detailed

This artist's detailed glass art is
vibrant and brilliant.

There's a lot more to see
at Mercedes Brugh's website.

Exhibition - Hanging Around: Neckpieces from the MAD Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:50:00 +0000

So we've been hearing about the newest

exhibition being held at the

Museum of Arts and Design in NYC called,

Hanging Around: Neckpieces from the MAD Collection.

Necklaces of all types are on display from 75 artists

and materials range from items

“as unconventional as pig intestines, gun triggers, mustard seeds, LED lighting, black coral, butterfly wings, phone directories, mirrors and lenses. The fabrication techniques employed by the artists are as different as traditional goldsmithing and cutting-edge digital prototyping.”

Included are iconic pieces such as

this vibrant creation by sculptural jewelry artist

Marjorie Schick

and an example of the thread paintings created by
fiber artist Missy Stevens

and this unusual piece by Maria Phillips
made with pig intestine stretched over
a steel frame

There are many more works to view

from such notables as

Arline Fisch, Nancy Worden, Cynthia Toops,
Kiff Slemmons, Joyce Scott, and Liv Blavarp.

This exhibit runs from January 24 to May 21, 2012.

See more at the MAD website.

Style is in the Details - Genevieve Flynn Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:57:00 +0000

With metalsmithing skills that are impeccable and
designs that are meticulous and sophisticated,
it's easy to admire the luscious jewelry
created by Genevieve Flynn.

Her work spans several collections and
while each is intriguing and charming
in its own way, I find myself enamored with

her Flower Ring collection the most.

These pieces are positively luminous!

My favorite ring happens to be this one

made with sterling silver petals

with a tourmaline set in the center.

It's so beautiful it looks like

it was just picked from the garden.

This gorgeous light-blue enamel flower is also
made with silver petals. By including color
and a freshwater pearl it makes a
completely different statement.

And this vibrant ring features enamel on fine-silver

petals that are sweetly nestled within

textured copper outer petals.

There's so much vitality in this jewelry

it's rather easy to forget that these blossoms

began their lives as metal.

And there's a lot more to see at Genevieve Flynn's website.

Re-Using the Old to Create the New - McKenna Hallett Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:02:00 +0000

Sometimes it's one's mission to contribute in ways

that go beyond the ordinary.

Using only found, reclaimable materials

McKenna Hallet re-uses things like

roofing, gutters, radiators parts, plumbing components,

airplane engine parts and electrical discards.

Her mission statement

encapsulates the essence of her work in jewelry,

I want to create objects of art with a minimum of impact ON OUR PLANET and to this end I will never use electricity or heat or corrosive chemicals to construct my jewelry and I will use as few items as possible from newly manufactured sources.

She also went on to tell me,

I burn NO fossil fuels: no heat, solder, torches, electricity, zero energy is used. I believe that is what makes the work compelling . . . and the one hope is for each piece to be an ambassador of my message: REDUCE, REUSE, RETHINK and recycle only when you have no other option. It is my raison d'être for creating my line.

Even without knowing her motivations for creating jewelry,

her work is intriguing, superbly-crafted and fun.

For instance, the naturally-occurring corrosion

process that happens in copper can produce

wonderfully striking effects.

This pendant is a great example.

An aluminum bangle becomes a study in simplicity.

McKenna captures the essence of

the old and revitalizes

that energy into delightful earrings

made from used radiator parts.

Finding the beauty in scraps of material from

demolition sites and local junk yards,

and salvaging those tidbits

is the essence of this artist's work.

And it's beautiful work.

There is a lot more information and great images

to see at McKenna Hallett's website.

Transforming Paper into Jewelry - Francesca Vitali

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:02:00 +0000

By repurposing paper, books and magazines with her own weaving techniques, Francesca Vitali creates vibrant, innovative jewelry. Transforming these ordinary materials into beautiful designs becomes a form of alchemy.

Francesca explains,

In ancient times, alchemists have been ambitiously trying to convert common matter into gold. Sharing this grand aspiration, I strive to transform paper, a humble and ordinary material, into precious objects of original and modern design. . . I enjoy the idea that fragments of our lives will remain trapped in my paper jewelry. . . In my most recent work, I . . . mix traditional metalsmithing approaches with embroidery, weaving, or tramp art. These techniques are revisited to confer my productions a unique signature. When I design a new piece, I found myself following aesthetic principles based on clean lines, repeated patterns, and geometric shapes. I also pay very close attention to colors which often become the focal point of my design.

This oxidized copper bracelet features her woven paper technique. The delightful paradox of combining paper and copper becomes a work of art that's also fun to wear.

This pendant features another of her original designs. The meticulous work and imaginative design translates into a piece filled with color, texture and motion.

This piece is especially interesting because individual words and letters can be seen in the recycled paper.

Repurposed materials can be transformed into upcycled jewelry in the hands of the right artist. This artist has those fortunate hands. See more luscious photos at Francesca Vitali's Facebook page.

Working from the Basics - Wendy Newman Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Jewelry created by Wendy Newman is a visual feast. As a lapidary and metalsmith Wendy finds many of her own raw stones and cuts them herself to create vibrantly-colored gemstones that she then showcases with exquisite settings.

As she describes on her website,

“It is always a challenge for me to balance the visual weight of the stone with the complexity of the metal work. It also provides a visual irony between the organic quality of the stone and the industrial quality of the metalwork.“

This lovely pendant features an Australian opal that she highlights with peridot, apatite, sapphire and a London blue topaz.

This piece focuses on a black druzy quartz that is punctuated with red, orange and yellow sapphires in a sterling silver and 18k gold setting.

This double-layered pendant in sterling and 18k gold is a showcase for a druzy quartz, imperial topaz, andalucite, and sapphire. I especially like being able to see within the setting to the other side.

The interplay of gemstones and metals are a fearless mix of unusual patterns and shapes - they just make me want to keep looking at them.

There is a lot more information and images to be seen at Wendy Newman's website.

Fresh - Exhibition in Print

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

The current exhibition at the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee is called, "Fresh - Exhibition in Print." It runs from December 9, 2011 to March 4, 2012.

This particular exhibit is described as "from the pages of Metalsmith magazine, comes a juried exhibition of work produced since 2009. Metalsmith magazine is a publication of the Society of North American Goldsmiths."

Despite the rather enigmatic description, this exhibition does feature work that we would characterize as new, different and, yes, fresh. Work from the following 30 artists was selected for inclusion in this exhibit:

Stevie B., Suzanne Beautyman, Nikky Bergman, Jim Bové, Namu Cho, Jennifer Crupi,
Adriane Dalton, Sidney Caldwell Deaghlan, Anja Eichler, Aliyah Gold, Kevin Hughes,
Minwon Kim, Andrew Kuebeck, Robert Longyear, Timothy McMahon, Andrea Miller,
Edgar Mosa, Seth Papac, Mary Hallam Pearse, Ryan Peters, Sara Pfau, Devin Ragotzy,
Katie Rearick, Sondra Sherman, Natalie Smith, Amy Tavern, Stephanie Tomczak,
Jennifer Trask, Andrea Wagner, Amy Weiks & Gabriel Craig.

Here are a couple of images from this exhibition.

This is called 'Swag Neckpiece' by Jennifer Trask.

The following piece is called 'Ornamental Hands' by Jennifer Crupi.

With a finger on the pulse of what is fresh in design, materials, and techniques, this is an opportunity to see a wide variety of work that is out of the ordinary.

Fresh: Exhibition in Print will be on display until March 4, 2012. For more information you can visit the Metal Museum website.

Zen Inspired Beauty - Tish Collins Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:59:00 +0000

There is alot to experience in the zen-inspired jewelry created by Tish Collins.

Whether in her polymer work or her metal series, most of her pieces depict a tableau of images and words that seek to describe universal experiences and emotions.

Her colorful and thought-provoking designs are based on shape, color and pattern. Her use of her collages within her jewelry evoke symbols and imagery from various cultures.

Her metal pieces are hand fabricated from etched, patterned and oxidized metals, and each component adds so much to the overall effect.

Each piece is an experience to enjoy.

For more images and information about her work, visit Tish Collin's website.

Sculptural Wire Jewelry by Kathy Frey

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:50:00 +0000

We've long admired the sculptural wire jewelry created by Kathy Frey.

Her work ranges from the stylishly simple to one-of-a-kind elegance, and each piece seems to come to life under her careful and meticulous artistic skills.

For instance, one can see the smooth, undulating shapes of stones in her Riverstones collection,

and her Cages collection delicately captures various types of gemstones,

while her Nests collection alludes to the delicate wispiness of bird nests.

There are many more delightful collections to see.
For more images and information about her work you can visit Kathy Frey's website.

Exhibition - Crafting Modernism: Midcentury American Art and Design

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:42:00 +0000

There is an interesting exhibit currently on view at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.

Entitled, "Crafting Modernism: Midcentury American Art and Design," it features work in all of the craft media (clay, fiber, wood, metal, glass, and alternative materials) that blossomed across the United States during the postwar era.

Spanning a 25-year period that begins in the mid-1940's and concludes in 1969, the jewelry artists that are included in this exhibit are not necessarily as well known as they might be.

Some of the pieces that caught our eye include:

this necklace by Betty Cooke that is fabricated in sterling silver and silver wire -

and a necklace by Elsa Freund that is forged and assembled with sterling silver, glazed earthenware and fused glass -

and one by Linda Watson-Abbott, aptly called Landscape, that is fabricated and uses lost-wax castings of sterling silver and enamel -

and this piece called Shaman's Necklace by Ramona Solberg that is fabricated and assembled from silver, Alaskan ivory and found objects -

and this cocktail ring made by Ruth Radakovich that is cast and forged with 14k gold, titanium, rutile and cubic zirconium -

These selections are only a small tip of the iceberg!

To see more of this exhibit, you can visit the MAD website.

The exhibit runs from October 12, 2011 to January 15, 2012.

Our 3rd Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:13:00 +0000

This month we celebrate the 3^rd birthday of this blog. Some may call it a blogoversary but we prefer the term birthday. Either way, Secret Life of Jewelry is officially 3 years old and we’re enjoying every moment of it. There are so many wonderful artists and collections of jewelry to discover and that’s what we look forward to the most!

We’re taking this as an opportunity to make some improvements (well, we see it as improvements!); you’ll see us post a bit more frequently and vary the format of our posts, and we’ll broaden the scope of work that we select. Also, we have a new Facebook page set up where we’ll include videos, announcements and other bits of jewelry-related information that we find around the web.

We’d like to say Thank You to our readers. We hope you continue to find this blog interesting and we look forward to the New Year.

Cara and Shelby

Beauty in Metal - Ornella Iannuzzi Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:26:00 +0000

Sometimes it's love at first sight.
Jewelry created by Ornella Iannuzzi
is contemporary and dramatic.
And eye catching.
All the qualities that I love
to see in jewelry.

Over the years, her collections have drawn
inspiration from nature, such as
forest motifs and the ocean
and they continue to do so.

Her strong design skills allow for
a great deal of innovation and exploration.
She uses all kinds of
metals and gems in her work -
from gold and silver, to copper and bronze;
from pearls, quartz and pyrite, to diamonds and opals.
Her designs range from the
quasi-primordial to the
ultra elegant.

The pieces are expressive, creative
and at times, surprising.
It's all beautiful.

Many of her pieces are incredibly adventurous
and decidedly individualistic.

Her meticulous methods

create harmonious compositions
of color and texture.

While some of her designs seem serendipitous
one realizes she's truly controlling each
technique to create these
complex sculptural forms.

Unusual settings are her forte

and each suits the featured gem.

This hand-carved opal includes a
tiny quartz crystal on the corner,
and seems to capture
all the colors of the rainbow.

The never-ending creativity
is inspiring and provides an
incredible array of variety.
With a body of work filled with such
variety one can never be bored.

You can see more of this innovative work
at the artist's website.

Paper and Structure Working Together - Jessica Beels Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Jewelry created by Jessica Beels is

innovative and imaginative.

She is a prolific artist with a distinctive style

that's recognizable by her signature

handmade paper and steel creations.

On her blog she describes the many stages of her process
from building the armature, to making the flax and
mulberry paper, and finally adding surface treatments.
What is especially enlightening is to understand how
part of the process includes having
the stretched paper distort the form of
the underlying structure as it dries.

I make handmade paper from overbeaten flax and mulberry (kozo and gampi) fiber and place it, still wet, over reed or wire armatures. The paper shrinks radically as it dries, leaving a taut, transparent skin on the pieces. I particularly like the way high-shrinkage paper distorts its armature, lending an element of unpredictability to the process of completing each piece. Often, I print the wet paper with inks and paints and, when the paper is dry, infuse the surface with wax to seal it and enhance its translucence. I am intrigued with how the opaque and sometimes reflective quality of the inks contrasts with the glow of the paper fibers.

Here are some examples of how

diffused light passes through the paper

and shows the hidden structure

underlying the design.

One can see how the paper

shrinks and wraps tightly

around her frameworks.

Continuous structural experimentation
has led this artist to
explore ever more diverse,
unpredictable and intricate designs.

Complex and creative things emerge from

these explorations, and by
using a narrow color range the focus
is directed to the shapes and textures.

It's obvious that her work is
inspired by many biological forms.
It allows for endless exploration of
nuanced shapes and silhouettes.

We found out on the artist's website that
some of her newest pieces are
currently on exhibit

at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut.
x

The exhibition is called,

"Bijoux: The Origins and Impact of Jewelry"
and explores a broad view of the materials
that have been used in jewelry
over the centuries "from bones and fossils, to diamonds
and . . . explores the ingenuity of artists
to create adornment from a host of materials,
from the common to the sublime."
x

This artist's contribution to the exhibit is
" a three-piece jewelry set of paper-over-steel
work with pearls and gold leaf. The necklace is a spiky
Elizabethan-collar-inspired piece with echoes
of sea urchins and horseshoe crabs;
the bracelet is an open sea urchin form;
the earrings are a two-tiered spiky blossom form."

If you look closely, you can see the pearls
she has hand sewn into the corners.
What she doesn't mention is the fact that
these pieces are made with
seaweed-infused papers.
It adds to the marine life aesthetic.

There is no doubt her innovative and distinctive
style stands out in any crowd.
We can almost feel the spirit of the
artist in each piece.

"Bijoux: The Origins and Impact of Jewelry"

runs until March 11, 2012

and more information can be found at the
Bruce Museum's website.
x

You can also find additional images
and information at the artist's website.

Making a Statement - Francisca Bauzá Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Statement jewelry is meant to make a statement.

Necklaces created by Francisca Bauzá

make a bold statement - both in terms

of color and size.

First, let's talk about the colors.

Simply stated, they are beautiful.

This artist's collection features enameling

on copper and silver.

Some of the colors are

gentle and muted.

They look like gently brushed

watercolors - a mere whisper of color.

Then there are the deep jewel tones

that almost vibrate with intensity.

It all works together in visual harmony.

Now let's talk about the size.

The separate components

are fabricated in a range of sizes

and when all the components come

together the result is a

gorgeous, oversized

statement piece that

can take your breath away.

The combination of size and color

creates a necklace that makes

an audacious statement.

It's a perfect combination.

Here's an example.

This floral necklace uses a range of

warm tones from the

palest shades of blush, carnation and rose

to deeper shades of ruby, magenta,

scarlet and russet.

This pleasing palette provides luster and depth

that is wonderfully captivating.

And the effect when worn is bold and strong.

It's a real show stopper.

Other pieces in this collection feature

colors like topaz, amber,

goldenrod and mahogany.

Again, each component blends
harmoniously with the others.

Working with a cooler range of color

also provides

interest and visual intrigue.

Here's a gorgeous example of her work in blue tones.

From the tiniest hint of robin's egg blue and aquamarine,

to dabs of cerulean and splashes of turquoise,
each color adds depth and interest to the necklace.

This necklace is stunning.

The play of light and color

in each translucent color creates

luscious, glossy surfaces with mottled effects.

Creating variegated hues and patterns

on each metallic component allows

the artist freedom to combine

color and effect in endless combinations.

The final result is eye catching.

As I said earlier,

statement jewelry is meant to make a statement.

If you make a statement be prepared

for a reaction.

These pieces will

always spark a conversation.

And attract lots of attention.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

For more photos of this

collection you can visit the artist's website.

Exhibition - From Minimal to Bling

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:17:00 +0000

The current exhibition at the
Society of Arts and Crafts

in Boston, MA is called,

“From Minimal to Bling: Contemporary Studio Jewelry.”
It runs from November 4 – December 30, 2011
xx

This biennial event is described as presenting

“the best of contemporary American studio jewelry

and demonstrating the range of conceptual and technical

approaches being employed by 33 invited artists."

Those 33 artists include:

Efharis Alepedis, Amuck, Allyson Bone,

Klara Borbas, Melissa Borrell, Jessica Calderwood,

Joseph Churchman, Lisa and Scott Cylinder, Fosterweld,

Don Friedlich, Michele A. Friedman, Charity Hall,

Rebecca Hannon, Ian Henderson, Kevin Hughes,

Chris Irick, Laura Jaklitsch, Deb Karash,

Satomi Kawai, Judith Kinghorn, Andrew L. Kuebeck,

Brooke Marks-Swanson, Toby Milgrim,

Gustav Reyes, Marissa Saneholtz, Claire Sanford,

Leslie A. Schug, Melissa Stiles, Cynthia Toops,

Myung Urso, Jennifer Wall,

Stacey Lee Webber and Joe Wood.

With materials ranging from

enamel to plastic to metal

and themes ranging the spectrum from
organic motifs to techology,

this exhibit brings together

a wide range of work

appealing to a wide range of tastes.

The name 'From Minimal to Bling'

is an appropriate appellation for

such an interesting show.

Here are a couple of images

from this exhibit.

Charity Hall

Jessica Calderwood

Here’s an opportunity to see

an eclectic collection of work from a

diverse group of studio artists.

For more information about this exhibition

you can visit the SAC website.

Leather Flowers Everywhere - Tanya Igic Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:33:00 +0000

No need to wait

until spring to see bright splashes of color.

There are flowers everywhere in the

hothouse of leather-made

blooms created by Tanya Igic.

This artist knows a thing or two

about form, whether in the structure of

a fuchsia or a spring-fresh

chrysanthemum.

By trial and error, this self-taught artist

has learned her craft over the years.

And she has certainly learned it well.

Working with fine-grade leather

her design process involves a lengthy

set of procedures to cut and bind many

layers of the material to create a

single petal.

This artist has developed a keen eye

for graceful silhouettes.

When embellished with sterling silver

each bloom seems to come to life.

The work is labor intensive.

The results are beautiful.

Simplicity of line and form

can be seen in each bloom.

Each flower looks as though it

was just snipped from the garden.

Picturesque and dainty.

One almost expects to see

dewdrops on the petals.

These full-bodied compositions

will remain fresh forever.

Each burst of color

brings springtime just

a little bit closer.

Leather jewelry can be interpreted

in so many ways.

We admire how this artist's interpretation

includes a strong sense of drama and élan.

You can see more at the artist's website.

Exhibition - This is How I Remember It - Amy Tavern Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:01:00 +0000

I have to admit that

when I took a look, it caught my eye.

Then I read the description and it

captured my imagination.

There is an exhibition on view
this month at

Velvet da Vinci Gallery

of jewelry created by Amy Tavern called,

"This is How I Remember It."

This exhibit is comprised of two separate

yet related bodies of work.

The first series is called,

"Fabricated Memory: Jewelry Box, 1980."

It's inspired by the jewelry box that the

artist played with as a child.

It belonged to her grandmother.

This imagery conjures up a strong sense of

familial memory and connection.

These are the pieces that

grab hold of my imagination.

The second series is called,

"Collected Memories: 1974-Present"

and is based on her own collection of jewelry.

Separate yet interrelated, these series both

relate to the artist’s journey to

connect with the jewelry of her past

and to recreate it as she relates to it today.

As the artist explains,

The jewelry that has come in and out of my life over the years has had a profound effect on me, fueling and sustaining my desire to be a jeweler. These special pieces changed my perspective on jewelry and form part of my personal history.

Here are a few pieces from the

"Fabricated Memory: Jewelry Box, 1980"

portion of the installation.

One can see she is looking at
repetitve patterns and
dismantling components
into simple elements.

As with so many personal memories

it's the simple pieces with simple shapes

that we remember most.

Her process includes a seemingly random yet deliberate

layering, arranging and shaping of design.

It’s interesting to study the modular components

of her pieces and realize that

she is tapping into a personal space

through her work.

Now, let's take a look at a couple of

pieces from the

"Collected Memories: 1974-Present"

portion of the exhibit.

The artist explains these pieces as

"materials I have collected and are assembled

in such a way as to emphasize the

impermanence and incompleteness of memory."

Each piece is sculptural and textural.

I admire artists who are willing to

think beyond traditional jewelry design

to create work that is both

personally significant and artistically edgy.

This artist's work seems ideally balanced for

an exhibition that is one part artistic process

and one part biographical experience.

I see this work as a celebration of family.

Of connection. Of authenticity.

This artist is willing to explore

a personal connection to her

work and embraces the depth

of its significance in her life.

Through artist's like her, we all

learn a bit more about ourselves.

It's inspiring.

To see more photos of her work
you can visit her website.

The exhibition runs until
November 30.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together - Gabrielle Gould Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Birdwatching is an interesting

hobby for many people.

Happily, one doesn’t need a

field guide and binoculars

to view the humorous collection of

birds and other wildlife

created by Gabrielle Gould.

Taking inspiration from

the woodlands and wetlands

around her home in Florida,

this artist creates

little critters of all types,

but it's her adorable feathered friends

that we find absolutely enchanting.

Handcrafted in sterling silver

and embellished with enamels, mixed metals,

and occasionally feathers, each delightful

bird in this menagerie has an individual character,

and each brings cheerfulness and

a strong dash of whimsy.

Over the years we've seen many of her avian creations.

Here are some of our favorite pendants.

They are similar to one another

yet very different.

Some are bright and colorful

while others display more subdued

colorations.

All are cute, adorable and sweet.

And irresistible.

Viewing this jewelry

is a lot like embarking on

an avian adventure.

We love how this artist's style is easily

recognizable and each piece brings

a smile to one's face.

It's a fun way to wear jewelry

and connect with nature at the same time.

More jewelry can be seen

at Gabrielle Gould's website.

Evolution of Design in Rubber Jewelry - Kathleen Nowak Tucci

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:23:00 +0000

There has been a lot of buzz recently about

jewelry created by Kathleen Nowak Tucci.

A prodigious designer, this artist

turns recycled rubber bicycle and motorcycle

inner tubes into vibrant, exciting pieces

of statement jewelry.

Experimentation and innovation

are hallmarks of this artist's

much-praised repertoire of

rubber jewelry.

She has worked in various mediums over

the years, including ceramics and

acrylic paintings but it's her

uber-stylish line of recycled and

repurposed rubber jewelry

that has capture the imagination

of eco-friendly jewelry lovers.

It's the dynamic characteristics of

repurposed rubber that allow it to be

twisted and sewn and looped in

endless and repetitive variations.

One can see that repetition forms the basis

of her work as she explains on her website,

I have always made my work in components . . . it may be long triangular pieces, that I call shreds, that eventually are assembled to create to become a necklace. Strips of inner tubes wait to be connected together along with other shapes . . . I like to have many parts pre-cut out ready for whatever combination strikes my fancy. I have always liked C and S curves juxtaposed against geometric shapes such as squares, circles and triangles.. . Working with the raw material of recycled rubber allows me to make dramatic pieces with very little weight.

Continuously evolving work is a

hallmark of her work.

This chain mail-esque neckpiece

is comprised of a multitude of

humble O-rings and aluminum jump rings.

Recently, she has been experimenting yet again.

She is expanding her line to include

handcrafted bronze-metal-clay elements.

Incorporated into her work they fit

seamlessly and are just as natural and fluid

as all of her work.

These hand-formed bronze metal clay kiln-fired discs

show a great deal of detail and contribute

a lot of visual interest.

What began as a single collection with a
single material is expanding to become
a complete statement.

Even as her namesake line

has gained a loyal following,

this artist continues to push the

boundaries for her work.

Not willing to rest on her laurels,

she continues to evolve

by creating work that is

avante garde and easy to wear.

And eco-friendly.

You can see many more great photos

at her website.

Memorable Jewelry by Lucia Antonelli

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:27:00 +0000

There are moments in life

when one sees an image and that image
lingers forever in one's memory.

One of those iconic moments

occurred several years ago when I saw a
cover of Ornament Magazine

featuring work by Lucia Antonelli.

That image stays with me to this day.

I was instantly smitten

by elegant design

and abundant detail.

All of her work is just as

opulent and elaborate as this.

With harmonious color selections

and detailed textures, the eye can't help but

dance around her necklaces.

In many of her pieces she allows

color to take a supporting role as she

encourages texture to take the mainstage.

This is best seen in her necklaces that

incorporate a labyrinthine

braid-within-a-braid effect.

On the other hand, when color does take centerstage,
this artist tends to work with warm tones -
golds, coppers, bronzes.

They add richness and depth to her work
and radiate a mellow, burnished glow.

She also adds delicious tidbits of visual intrigue
by including splashes of pearls
and dashes of gemstones.

Truly, each multi-strand piece
dramatizes energy and movement.

This broad variety of effects all come together
to create pieces with a lot of visual and
tactile appeal.

All that textural design is rather
sweeping and majestic.

And difficult to resist.

No wonder that original image
from so long ago
resides in my memory.
And always will.

You can see more of these pieces
at the artist's website.

Romance in Metal - Valerie Ostenak Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Sometimes I dream about

the gorgeous jewelry created

by Valerie Ostenak.

Her work is so beautiful

it takes my breath away and

sets my unconscious mind

into overdrive.

It's easy to interpret my dreams --

I want to wear this jewelry!

Fluid and flowing designs are

brought to life in metal.

Her collections celebrate

the contours and shapes suggested by all sorts

of complex forms found in nature,

such as raging rivers, swaying branches

and delicate tendrils of flowers.

Also, one can see Art Nouveau

influences in her work.

Her Elemental Collection features

silver, argentium silver, 14k gold, freshwater pearls,

gemstones and Swarovski crystals

in myriad curvilinear designs.

Each piece overflows with movement and energy

and an enchanting play of light on metal.

Skilled as both a blacksmith

and as a metalsmith she combines techniques

from both disciplines

to create this sculptural jewelry.

In her Garland Collection she incorporates

freshwater pearls, glass and/or Swarovski crystals,

silver and/or 14k gold with mild steel.

The steel gives this collection bold

emphasis and structural design.

Her work is an ongoing dialogue between

her blacksmith forging techniques, her

silversmith craftsmanship and her

design skills in art jewelry.

Each is superb.

Much of the charm and beauty of

these pieces lie in the wonderful variations

of form, shape and feel

that this artist offers.

These variations are seen in

her bracelets and earrings also.

But most of all,

this artist infuses her work with

the essence of romance.
And you can't go wrong with Romance.

For many more images of this

lovely work you can visit her

website.

Exhibition - Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Every so often something truly

groundbreaking occurs.

The Polymer Collection at the

Racine Art Museum will make its

debut this weekend.

To celebrate the establishment of

this permanent collection

RAM is showing a group exhibition

of polymer artists who are considered

the groundbreaking,

early adopters of this specific material.

The purpose of this exhibit is to highlight

the history and development of polymer

art and craft over the last 30 years.

Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads

reflects on the history of all things polymer.

Featuring a comprehensive collection of

over 200 objects made of polymer,

it includes jewelry, sculptural objects,

and furniture.

This exhibition features exemplary pieces from

34 artists. From this large group a smaller group of

"8 Boundary Breakers" are being showcased.

These artists are recognized for their

extraordinary contributions to the field.

The "Boundary Breakers" are Bonnie Bishoff and

J.M. Syron, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Kathleen Dustin,

Steven Ford and David Forlano, Tory Hughes,

Cynthia Toops, Pier Voulkos, and Elise Winters.

Each will be represented by new work as

well as historical pieces showing their

experimentation with polymer.

Other participating artists include: Jamey Allen,

Kathleen Amt, Rachel Carren, Dan Cormier,

Debra DeWolff, Gwen Gibson, Linda Goff, Michael Grove,

Ruth Anne Grove, Lindly Haunani, Carl Hornberger,

Donna Kato, Ronnie Kirsch, Judy Kuskin, Maggie Maggio,

Wendy Wallin Malinow, Sandra McCaw, Linda Pedersen,

Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Carol Simmons,

Barbara Sperling, Melanie West, and Amy Zinman.

Additionally, this exhibition will be memorialized

by an accompanying

illustrated hardcover 140-page book,

"Terra Nova: Polymer at the Crossroads"

published by RAM.

It includes portfolio sections highlighting

each of the exhibition's "Boundary Breakers"

with images of their work, a brief artist statement

and a concise exhibition history.

The exhibition will run

October 21, 2011 through February 5, 2012.

For more information see the

Racine Art Museum website.

All photos via Polymer Art Archive

Not Your Every Day Knots - Jewelry by Barbara Natoli Witt

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Jewelry created by

Barbara Natoli Witt features

color, texture, micromacramé

and lace-making techniques.

Working methodically she

creatively combines textural elements into

elaborate designs. An extraordinarily

time-consuming process produces work

that is imaginative and evokes

a sense of lush richness.

Working in her signature style, this artist

mixes gemstones with found objects and beads.

With an eye for intricate designs and soothing

color combinations she creates pieces that

mix traditional knotting concepts with

modern flair.

The final result is colorful and unique.

Her inspiration is derived from a life-long study

of symbolism, history, and diverse cultures.

These exquisite pieces of jewelry

begin with simple concepts yet

evolve into highly patterned tapestries.

As the subject of a new book,

"Adornment, the Art of Barbara Natoli Witt"

by Lois Sherr Dubin, this artist will be

participating in a lecture and signing of the book

featuring her tapestry necklaces. It will be held

Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 4:00 PM

at Museo ItaloAmericano, in San Francisco.

She will elaborate on some of the stories included in

the book and plans to show some of her latest

pieces as well as some vintage necklaces.

You can see more of her work on her website.

So Many Rings, So Little Time - Nora Rochel Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Sometimes it's all about

combining a love of vibrant texture with a

passion for botanical design.

Jewelry created by Nora Rochel

overflows with textural elements.

And it celebrates her vision of hidden gardens

and botanical domains.

Her exploration of these themes leads to

jewelry that, as the artist says,

"turns one‘s hands into small landscapes and gardens."

These are like country gardens where the

vegetation is allowed to grow with

wild abandon in secret corners.

Secret corners of those unkempt gardens

tend to shelter the most exquisite

specimens. Discovering those hidden gems is where

curiosity meets delight. That sense of

discovery exists in her jewelry.

The golden warmth in this ring

is almost luminous.

She uses different metals and several types

of patination to achieve

different effects.

The key to

expressing one's inner vision

is to experiment and play.

And throw caution to the wind.

This artist definitely succeeds.

This work has a sense of playfulness

and discovery and enchantment

that's not easy to resist.

Each piece holds a tiny treasure within

its recesses

that begs to be explored.

It's jewelry that's off

the beaten path - where

being an adventurous tourist can be

rewarding.

You can explore more of Nora's

work at her website.

Exhibition - LOOT 2011: MAD about Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Carmela DiLeva (Cara)) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

The Museum of Arts and Design in NYC will present

"LOOT 2011 Gala Event: MAD about Jewelry,"

its annual juried exhibition of contemporary

jewelry created by more than 50 international

studio jewelry artists.

Now in its 11th year, LOOT: MAD about Jewelry,

has become known as, according to the museum,

“the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary

art and studio jewelry,” where the public can acquire

pieces from some of the world’s most innovative

jewelry artists in a social setting while contributing to

a worthy cause. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the

Museum’s exhibition and education programs.

International in scope, multi-disciplinary in technique,

and diverse in style each of the pieces offered are

characterized by excellent craftsmanship, originality of

design, and a broad range of creative

and exciting materials.

Some of the participating artists include:

Sara Abramson, Eleanor Bolton,
Anastasia Azure, Lucia Corral,

Sara Basch, Elaine Cox, Lia di Gregorio,
Jacqueline Cullen, Susan Green, Emanuela Duca,
Danielle Gori-Montanelli, Suzanne Golden,
Susanne Klemm, Nicole Landaw, Ute Kolar, Anna Ruth Henriques,

Mia Hebib, Liz Hamman, Jan Huling, Gilly Langton, Jina Lee,

Alba Polenghi Lisca, Asagi Maeda, Margherita Marchioni,

Maggie Meister, Sabrina Meyns, Laura Michaels, Carolyn Morris Bach,

Giuliana Michelotti, Iris Nieuwenberg, Simonetta Starrabba,

Rebecca Myers, Yoon Ah Paik, Olga Prieto, Kara Ross,

In Hwa Yu, Rossella Tornquist, Liz Schock, Lynne Sausele,

Andrea Williams, and Elise Winters.

Eleanor Bolton

Maggie Meister

Sara Basch

Liz Schock

Carolyn Morris Bach

Elaine Cox

This exhibition will run from

October 11 through October 14.

Proceeds benefit the Museum’s exhibition

and education programs.

For more information about this exhibition and

items available for purchase

you can visit the MAD website.