December 23, 2011

happy holidays

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I hope you are enjoying the very last bits of 2011.

December 16, 2011

Marina Kharkover

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My friend Marina Kharkover is fearless with her use of colors. I really enjoy her charming illustrations. I think you'll be really happy just viewing her work online.

December 7, 2011

RISD Holiday Art Sale 2011

For the second consecutive year, Melissa J Tyson and I went up to Providence to participate in the RISD Holiday Art Sale at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The night before the event, we went to the convention center to set up our own table and display boards. It was so nice to have her company throughout the weekend to reduce all the stress. Melissa put on a great show as usual. If you haven't checked out Melissa's cool compositional brooches and pendants yet, I strongly suggest you do so now. Simply, the holiday shopping event was wonderful. It really is the place to find special gifts for loved ones. There were so many people who attended the sale to do major shopping. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by my table and to everyone who made purchases. I made more sales than last year, a sign of a better economy which is great. Hooray! The RISD Alumni Relations does such a great job in making the event run smoothly.

I wasn't able to tour all the booths because I had to interact with customers at my station the entire time. Sometimes, I really wish I had an extra hand! I only took pictures of my booth at the beginning of the day before the doors opened. Nevertheless, the day was fantastic; I couldn't ask for more.

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A bit of the process behind all the work building up to this event can be seen in the videos below. I recorded the last two days in studio before I went up to Providence. The time was spent on finalizing pieces and building my display. Enjoy!

This Is How I Work- November 30, 2011

This Is How I Work- December 1, 2011


Thanks again to all those who stopped by my booth! You made my trip to Providence so worth it.

November 28, 2011

inspiration

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This is a pattern I created with my most recent pendant. I can like things excessively multiplied and replicated, imagine this image times 10. 

November 27, 2011

pendants

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I finished this set of pendants yesterday. 


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I had a special stamp tool made with my logo engraved. My necklaces now have these KY tags that add a nice detail to the simplicity of the piece. They are all ready for the RISD Holiday Alumni Show this Saturday, December 3rd. So excited!

November 25, 2011

This Is How I Work

What goes on in a working studio?
This question has been more on my mind since I started working on The Bloomfield School. A great distinction about The Bloomfield School is that anyone who takes a class will actually work and learn where the artist works, which naturally allows them to encounter unique tools, machines and processes related to the artists' skills. As an instructor, being transparent with how I work,what I know and what I do is important. I am eager to share this with not just students but anyone who is curious. But if you were not in New York to take a class, then the opportunity to see inside Brooklyn's artist studios would be limited.
The internet gives us the opportunity to share things all over the world. May the next best option to being in a studio is viewing it on a screen? Well, the making of videos started when my sister's boyfriend,Donald, showed me his time-lapse videos. I was impressed with them and thought how fun it would be to make a video myself. With this blog, I can share how I work on the internet to anyone who is interested in seeing the process of jewelry making. So with the help of Donald's knowledge, here is my first time-lapse video. I hope you all enjoy it. I am excited to continue this series of "This Is How I Work."



Here are some new things, in detail, of what I am making.

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My working table is filled with small piles. My favorite way of working.


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A few of the many castings I am cleaning up. This particular set of castings will be my large cluster earrings.


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And now half way there with semi-finished products, pendants and earrings! I have some beading time ahead of me.


What is your workspace like and how do you work? 

November 22, 2011

November 19, 2011

Alloy Gallery

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I've been busy working on earrings for this holiday show. Thanks Alloy Gallery for inviting me to participate in this show. If you're in Newport, RI during December, stop by and check out all the jewelry! Opening reception is December 8th.

November 15, 2011

Tom Sachs' Ten Bullets

I found this video when I was browsing through The Selby more than a few months ago. It crossed my mind again because I have plans to spend a lot of time in studio working. It made an impression on me the first time because I probably felt the lack of guidelines I was giving myself; and in this video it is an artist sharing his habits and rules of working. There is a structure that Sachs gives his employees to make the studio efficient and productive. I would be a bit intimidated to work there but I am sure it is good training and discipline. I like how organization and placement of things are key- something to strive for. Might not be for everyone but take a look!

November 14, 2011

jewelry classes in Brooklyn, New York

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MESH | Design and Development and Kate Nielsen designed this wonderful poster. The Bloomfield School is excited to be offering jewelry classes again. The first round of workshops was successful so there is a new schedule for the months of November and December up and running. It's time to learn now; who wouldn't want to receive jewelry as a holiday present? Below is an image of what you can expect from The Bloomfield School.
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See more class photos on The Bloomfield School's Facebook page. Lots of jewelry making! Join in on the fun. 

November 10, 2011

working on earrings

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I really like round shapes.

November 5, 2011

pendant

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Time likes to speed.  This pendant was made in 2009.

October 30, 2011

backtracking

I didn't want to neglect all the great activities that happened these two months. It certainly has been fulfilling with work + travel fun.
In order of most recent:
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New York, Gowanus Open Studios

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Rhode Island, RISD Fall Art Sale

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Illinois, Chicago

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Colorado

With that in mind, I can't ask for a better way to begin another month of work for the holiday season.

in development

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October- lots of new things are happening in studio!

September 13, 2011

The Bloomfield School

A happy collaboration. Melissa J Tyson and I just started The Bloomfield School! Our mission is to train you to be a competent maker, not just a student. We're sure that you will be proud of yourself and what you will make in our courses, but we also want you to leave with something more: the knowledge and ability to recreate and expand on each project in the future. The Bloomfield School’s courses are taught in Brooklyn’s real studio environments by knowledgeable staff sharing expertise from their respective fields. Whether you’re trying out a new medium or refreshing an old skill, we hope that you come excited to use your hands and get into it.

Sign up now. We're open for business! Registration has begun for our first round of classes: Ring Making and Focal Bead Making, begining September 27. Both will be held at 75 10 Street, Brooklyn.
Also, check out what they're saying about our school from Brooklyn Exposed by Joann Jovinelly here.

August 22, 2011

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues

Temperance
Silence
Order
Resolution
Frugality
Industry
Sincerity
Justice
Moderation
Cleanliness
Tranquility
Chastity
Humility

Franklin wrote these values at the age of 20.

August 1, 2011

Hand lettered calligraphy by Wendy Fung

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You have to check out Wendy's work. Her hand is amazing. Look at how well she writes! A hand written place card would be perfect for any wedding. She's the reliable person to contact. Here's more of her work on etsy.

July 25, 2011

Pictimonial



I am so excited to share this site called Pictimonial with you. It is a new online gallery for posting images of your proud customers. It is fairly new but I am loving the whole idea of it already. You can also have your client post a great review of your work. Find more of my happy customers here.

I hope you will use it too.

July 10, 2011

A Bit of Clay on the Skin: New Ceramic Jewelry

This exhibition at the Museum of Art and Design is worth checking out. I had the opportunity to see Evert Nijland's work in person; his exploration of materials is admirable.

If you want to see contemporary jewelry, definitely visit the museum. Don't forget to peek through the pull out drawers under the showcases. They have tons of good stuff underneath as well.

July 7, 2011

Northside Market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn


A new great market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has opened! I love the variety of artisans here. I am also very happy to be one of the featured vendors. Here is not one, but two generous mentions about me.

I'll be at the Northside on July 16th! You should come visit the amazing space and the new work I've started.

June 15, 2011

Robert Baines

I remember when artist Robert Baines came to visit the jewelry department at RISD. He gave an unforgettable presentation about his amazing work. The video below gives you a closer look at the intentions behind his work and a view of his studio environment. It's great.

Robert Baines - Living Treasure from Object Australia on Vimeo.

June 12, 2011

making patterns

Victoria and I went to see Ryoji Ikeda's Transfinite exhibition at the Park Armory two days ago. I was completely encapsulated by the the cascading data displayed on the larger life screen. Along with the hypnotic sounds, I felt I could have stared at the screen forever. Kind of wild. Below is an example of what I had seen.
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Ikeda's extremity inspired me to replicate and scale the drawings I was working on. It led me to this:
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June 11, 2011

Bird by Bird

"What is the kid digging for? The stuff. Details and clues and images, invention, fresh ideas, an intuitive understanding of people. I tell you, the holder of the lantern doesn't even know what the kid is digging for half the time- but she knows gold when she sees it." By Anne Lamott.

April 21, 2011

mix and match bracelets


My series of mix and match bracelets began with these ones above. I hope to continue making more stackable bracelets because I like how these bracelets can stand as one piece but also have the option to be composed into a larger unit. I really enjoy creating these larger compositions because I like to believe that I am giving the bracelets happy company.

April 3, 2011

March 16, 2011

Sakura Gelly Rolls

My pack of pens came in the mail today. I am super excited about them. About a month ago, I started a series of abstract left handed drawings to explore fluidity in line quality. In addition to the markers and pens I have been using, I think these will supplement my drawings really well. I will, for sure, post some photos soon. Simple things like pens make me happy these days. They sparkle, yes!

March 10, 2011

February 23, 2011

making the invisible visible

"In the Reign of Harad IV" by Steven Millhauser is a fictional story worth knowing. I enjoyed the character development and do not wish to be that type of maker although I see his fascination. You can find the short story available online or you can listen to the audio podcast to understand what I mean. I want you to go see for yourself.

February 18, 2011

February 5, 2011

Talk to Me

I am saving the date July 24, 2011. The MOMA is holding an exhibition called "Talk to Me." It is an wide exhibition about what objects signify and the relationship between people and objects. If you visit the link, you'll see that the people involved in this show are sharing their resources and research material. It is interesting and admirable to view their transparent process. I can't wait to see the exhibition. Objects, like jewelry, can be a bridge between wearer/viewer and maker. This is why I find the exhibition exciting, to see different messages in objects.

February 4, 2011

Queens, NY

Two great places to check out.
The Museum of the Moving Image reopened the beginning of this year. It's a fun space and I was awed by their permanent collection.

Also the Sculpture Center is showcasing Ursula von Rydingsvard. She has a traveling exhibition here until March 28, 2011. It's beautiful.

January 12, 2011

Networks

"Networks" started in 2008, showcasing a brief profile of artists based in Rhode Island. I recently found these youtube clips from the Our (and YOUR) RISD blog. I am still going through the archives, but this clip is a great one to start watching.
I am really enjoying them.

January 3, 2011

Neil Youngberg

On making and the potential of metalworking.

PROFESSIONal from VITA BREVIS FILMS on Vimeo.

January 1, 2011

To remember from my 2010

One of my favorite pieces.

I made so many of these! I think it's time to make new and more complex pieces.
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Happy 2011

Cheers to a new year!

Starting to compile a new list of things I'm getting addicted to. Take a look!
still my all-time favorite Ted Talks
and all things peppermint!

I'm really looking forward to 2011.