C o r p o r a

INDULGE!

2012-02-07T10:13:00.003-06:00

Barely got this neck piece done in time...

The new brooches I did for INDULGE!

All rings attack all humans.

Oh boy--see you in Bellevue!

Last Lap

2012-01-31T18:11:00.002-06:00

I've got one week until my flight to Seattle...so I decided to start 18 more rings today. Because it doesn't feel right if I get things finished with time to spare? The first night of INDULGE is next Thursday, February 9th so I hope you drop by if you're in the Seattle/Bellevue area or peer pressure your friends with applicable geography.

Also, I'm trying to be extra savvy and maintain a regular mailing list. You'll notice you can sign up by entering your address to the right. There's a growing list of interweb gew gaws over there. I'll send you fancy pictures, updates, and occasional Etsy coupons!

Minutiae

2012-01-18T10:21:00.008-06:00

Things are getting pretty sloppy. Still no time for an overhaul.

Did I mention I'm also making charms for the Society of Contemporary Craft?

And more earrings...

And those long blue bits in the background have to assemble themselves into a serviceable entry for the necklace show "Hot Under the Collar" that's going to take place during the SNAG Conference.

These new polymer clay pieces are helping me get brooches moving more quickly. That's something at least. Trying to do this and cut back on caffeine consumption simultaneously is driving me a little nuts. My teeth feel sharper than usual. My tongue feels vulnerable. Shaky hands are counterproductive to my tiny dot painting regimen.

Must think small, calm thoughts.

INDULGE

2012-01-11T09:58:00.005-06:00

Winter in Iowa is not the ideal time to work in my basement studio. However this freakish weather is making it more tolerable than normal. I just have to suppress my anxieties about how this will translate into the gardening season...

In less than a month I'll be trying my hand at INDULGE, a four day orgy of jewelry selling. I'm qualifying this event as my first real foray into the world of the high-end craft sale. The SNAG Trunk Show was a 2 hour scrum without the pretense of displays, charm, or dignity. It was perfect. My local favorite "What a Load of Craft" show affords a low financial investment--I show up and spend a day with my local Iowa Citians.

INDULGE will be different...plane tickets, major entry fees, and a lot of staying power along with an optimistic inventory. Though the price is comparatively low in the scheme of things, it's a tall order for this art hermit. So I'm working on new bits and pieces.

Yes, that's polymer clay. I'm as baffled as you are. Don't worry, lots to add.

And look at this disaster of a bench. I had dreams of cleaning and organizing...until my calendar reminded me that I have less than a month.

INDULGE takes place at the Bellevue Art Museum from February 8th through 12th.

Take a Peak

2012-01-04T09:10:00.003-06:00

Metaphors and Similes

2011-07-06T09:03:00.002-05:00

Reposted from my article at Art Jewelry Forum's Blog

I have a habit of making calendars, almost obsessively – in my sketchbook, by the computer, and pinned up in my studio. So I know that it’s only been a month since I returned from Seattle and the SNAG conference, but it feels like a full season has passed. Somehow I’m still scrambling to avoid scorching everything I put on the back burner in May. Now I’ve had some time to sit with the whole ordeal, read other blogs, and let things settle . . .

Often the difference between one conference and another has more to do with the individual attendee than the programming. I’ve been on a hot spree of SNAG conferences for the past six years, and in some ways they become interchangeable. The routine of lectures and exhibitions coupled with the landscape of a giant hotel and an unknown urban setting blurs into a merry-go-round of manic conversations and gut reactions. The whole conference experience is so removed from daily life that it can be too much to process....(continued)

SNAG Seattle 2011

2011-06-05T10:10:00.003-05:00

I've recovered (mostly) from SNAG. This was the longest I've ever stayed at the conference, arriving a day early and leaving in the early evening the day after the party. I thought waking up in the hotel on Thursday morning that I would be rested and prepared. Everyone else flew in haggard having been stranded in airports, coping with canceled flights, or not making it at all. Somehow the conference still got the best of me, and as I tried to juggle the blog for Crafthaus, various meetings with friends, the Trunk Show, and the Pop Up Promenade, I lost my mind. Without enough sleep and under duress I become a shambling, squawking, senile version of myself.

I saw a fraction of what I'd hoped to in Seattle and a fraction of the conference as well. It is impossible to be all things to everyone, including myself. The homestead is rough around the edges, there are weeds to pull, pies to bake, and cat hair to vacuum before a family visit. Thankfully the Trunk Show went well enough that I can take care of some of these things without having to dance for nickels until fall.

Pre-Conference Urgency

2011-05-14T12:43:00.004-05:00

Trying to make mass quantities of work for the upcoming SNAG Conference. I'm one of 60 participants in the Trunk Show so I want to be as prepared as I can. Also, I don't know how to relax before a trip like this. I might as well be chugging coffee in the studio anyway. So give me your dollars in Seattle or I'll cry like a manic over-caffeinated little bitch.

Door-to-Door Resin Instructor

2011-04-06T08:35:00.004-05:00

Did you know that Corliss Rose, in addition to her many other titles, is up for sainthood? She's been plugging away helping to organize and promote my upcoming workshop for MASSC at El Camino College. The lovely montage above is just one of her many labors.

So don't let all of her work be in vain! Sign up!

talktalktalk

2011-04-01T08:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I managed to find a balance between caffeine and decongestants just long enough to avoid sounding like an mucus-filled idiot.

Jay Whaley interviewed me for his show Metalsmith Bench Talk! You can hear the actual show with me and find many other great interviews as well.

Bonafide

2011-03-24T07:56:00.003-05:00

I'm still working on prying some time into my new schedule. Thanks to some day job juggling I get a "new" schedule every 6-8 weeks. If this doesn't forestall dementia, then I don't know what does.

Still short the necessary rubber to complete the new neckpiece so I'm only allowing teasers still. Finally some liquidity in the bank account, so I can get it moving along. Things have backed up in the studio, and I'm trying to get back on top of it all. Lots of deadlines in the near future that have to be worked in between other things. Some of those being an upcoming workshop in April at the University of Northern Iowa thanks to the help of Professor Erica Voss, and a workshop in May through MASSC thanks to Corliss Rose. Both have been so helpful in getting me started in the workshop scene! Everything about workshops sounds wonderful--show up, do the fun stuff, get the students wound up, then leave before the late nights and real problem solving. That last bit gets saved for their real teachers.

Along with all that, have you caught the most recent issue of American Craft? That image was mercifully sent by Sharon Massey as the East Coasters got it before I did, and I am terribly impatient. It's still a little odd to open it up and see my work. Beth DeBoom did an amazing job, and it was so much fun meeting with her and talking about my work.

Because I've had some new galleries added to my roster, and because there was only so much room in the article, I just wanted to include some links here as well. I am really lucky to have a lot of amazing galleries out there with great people representing my work. The article did mention Velvet da Vinci in San Francisco, and Friends of Carlotta in Zurich. Also, I am always excited to mention the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia--I have work in their Museum Store.

Additionally, I have work at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in the Asher Gallery and recently sent work to Fancy Gallery in Seattle.

And of course I would never want to forget Quirk in Richmond. Those ladies are awesome!

Signs of Mental Illness

2011-03-12T16:59:00.002-06:00

Nearly there. That's the last in a series of elements that will soon come together in a neck piece I've been slowly toiling on for too long. Hopefully after everything is done, and I've resolved the format a bit, I can get rolling at a more efficient pace.

I thought the dots on the long, thin spoot elements was crazy. But know, I devised a new torture for myself with this circle painting. After the last piece is painted I move on to what will hopefully be the last layer of resin for the larger elements.

The hand painting on these is brutal.

Nomen Dubium

2011-01-05T08:49:00.009-06:00

"Capsicia" 2010, fabricated and electroformed copper, polymer clay, epoxy resin, paint, ink, 8" x 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Nomen Dubium—“doubtful name”

Our natural tendency to seek out patterns results in a sensitivity to the congruities in biological forms. Deliberate exploitation of these phenomena results in objects that are both ambiguous and evocative. Some are organs removed from the body in which they once belonged, revealing structures with unknown functions. Others are complete specimens tagged with labels. Signs of dissection as well as taxonomy provide evidence of attempts to demystify these new organisms. However, this approach leaves many unanswered questions and highlights the inherent ethical compromise in these methods of understanding.

I choose materials and techniques that are transformative, resulting in objects that do not readily reveal the processes of their making. Copper may be hidden under layers of paint, the only exposed metal oxidized. The electroforming process allows for wax forms to be coated in copper leaving a hollow shell with textural encrustations--evidence of the accretive nature of the process of building copper on a molecular level. The resin pieces are light in weight, built on a core of carved foam that is strengthened by successive layers of an opaque, water-based composite resin. The clear epoxy resin is then layered with paint to create a depth of surface typically expected of glass work. The slick gloss of the resin further mimics biology.

Solo exhibition on view at the Appalachian Center for Craft from January 6th through February 10th.

...If It Kills Me

2010-12-31T11:04:00.004-06:00

It's the last day of 2010, and I'm trying to stay optimistic as the next year lumbers in.

I've been trying to make a go at this working artist thing since I finished my degree in 2008, and although I haven't figured out how to survive, I haven't failed yet either. For the record I've defined failure as any of the following: having the utilities switched off, eating my cats, having my house forclosed on, burning extraneous doors for heat, or having to work a full time day job thereby sacrificing invaluable studio time. Those are in no particular order.

I had some surprises that got me through this year in the form of blogging. I will never be able to fully articulate how grateful I am to Brigitte Martin at Crafthaus and Mike Holmes, Susan Cummins, and Damian Skinner at Art Jewelry Forum. Not only did they all take a chance on my writing, they helped me attend the SNAG Conference in Houston and SOFA Chicago. When living as a studio hermit, these rare social events are important opportunities to recharge my batteries.

And I'm starting 2011 with a solo show--Nomen Dubium--at the Appalachian Center for Craft, so there's a reason to put my best foot forward. Though progress has been slow, sometimes painfully so, I seem to have had a general uptick as time passes as sales trickle in, exhibitions come along, and writing opportunities bubble up.

I'm going to grit my teeth and get through this year and hope that things continue to be marginally better by the end of it.

The First Fruits of My Labor

2010-12-12T20:46:00.003-06:00

A couple of new electroformed pieces--one sculptural object, one brooch. Made the LEAP Award Finalist deadline last week by the skin of my teeth.

Neotenia--7” x 3 ½” x 3 ½”, electroformed and fabricated copper, paint, ink

Spriozan--brooch, 2” x 3” x 1 ½”, electroformed and fabricated copper, paint, ink

I managed to finish two larger foam/resin brooches as well. It was a loooong day.

Orificium--brooch, 8” x 3 ½” x 2 ½”, foam, composite and epoxy resin, fabricated copper, paint

Organella Monstruosis--6” x 5 ½” x 2 ½”, foam, composite and epoxy resin, fabricated copper, paint, ink

I've also been cranking out small pieces for holiday sales. Check out my Etsy site as things slowly unload there...

2 Sales, 1 Month

2010-11-22T17:18:00.003-06:00

Lots of bits and pieces in production. If you're in the Iowa City area, here's some info.

-Saturday, Dec. 4th from 10am-5pm, A Jewel of a Show at Modela, 323 E. Market St.
My work along with Penny Adrishok, Kathy Edwards, Satomi Kawai, Susan Shinnick, and Laurie Moore (no relation, but a lovely and talented lady!)

-Saturday, Dec. 11th from 11am-7pm, What a Load of Craft 7 at Johnson County Fairgrounds, Building C4261 Oak Crest Hill Road SE in Iowa City , a list of artists and performers too long to include so check out the facebook site!

Oh yeah, and don't I have a show coming up?

SOFA Chicago

2010-11-15T20:45:00.002-06:00

For anyone who missed it, please check out my blog post over at Art Jewelry Forum about SOFA Chicago!

Getting Mangled by the Wheels in Motion

2010-11-04T08:08:00.004-05:00

Our completed spoon family! More rushing than I normally like, but I think they make a good group. The "fork" is glossed over with resin making it a spoon by the way.

I had to do some special maneuvers to shoot them because some were still tacky--shh!

Plan B for "South Seas" with a little hitch. I had previously shot this piece with the labels not actually affixed. I managed to epoxy them upside down and had to re-shoot. That's what happens when your brain stops working. The piece is fine, just a very silly mistake on my part.

Below is the story that accompanies the piece.

Essay for "South Seas" at Friends of Carlotta

A collection was recently uncovered relating to the discovery of an island somewhere in the South Seas. Though the names of the crew and many of the papers that accompanied the collection were damaged, scholars have pieced together what survived. Below is an excerpt from the journal found with the collection.

“This first specimen taken from the newly discovered island was at first thought to be a fruit of some kind as it appeared both plump and inviting. They could be gathered at low tide attached to the branches of a sea vegetable that ringed the island. The method of attachment was difficult to discern, and I was not able to verify whether the pods were truly fruiting bodies growing from them or some sort of zoological structure anchored on them.

Unfortunately several crew members attempted to eat these supposed fruits saying that the golden color and shining surface was too tantalizing after so many months of ship’s rations. They might even help forestall the onset of scurvy. The following day these same men suffered fevers, violent fits, and finally hallucinations that they were “burning alive.” To put out the phantom flames they ran into the sea and did not return.

Their bodies later washed ashore, covered in what appeared to be bore holes as if something had made its way out of their flesh. None of the remaining crew would touch their remains so that we could conduct a proper burial.

We left the island.”

husslehusslehussle

2010-10-31T13:48:00.004-05:00

Scrambling this week.

I leave for SOFA Chicago on Thursday, and I'll be blogging the fair for Art Jewelry Forum.

But first I've got two deadlines looming. South Seas, an exhibition at Friends of Carlotta that I'm really trying to pull off a new piece for. If not, I have a Plan B.

And Co:Operative Tableware, which I'm doing with Emily Watson. She put the forms together and sent them to me to try and whip up some surfaces. I'm still noodling, but you can see below I'm trying to juggle all of them because I couldn't choose favorites.

And why not throw in more rings, it's not like December is that far away.

At least these last two are done so if I crash and burn, I've got something to show for our efforts!

Willful Abundance

2010-09-28T08:12:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to resign myself to the fact that I simply have too much to do in a short span of time. My obsessive calendar and list making has reached new levels, and I may soon have a sketch book full of tiny tiles for the days and little thumbnails of my pieces while I try and win at this shell game I've made for myself.

December is a magical month where people will finally give you their money. I'm trying to make the most of this by participating in a local craft show--What a Load of Craft--that's not unlike the Renegade Craftfairs of other locations. It went well last year, so why not try again. And why not try another independent Holiday Sale? And why not participate in a local holiday trunk show at Modela?

So I'm trying to make about a dozen rings at a time.

And earrings...

And finish this commission that looks awfully slurmy and far from finished in this picture...

Oh yeah, and all those big pieces I need for my show in January at ACC!!!

So I'll just be breathing into a paper bag in my studio for the next few months.

Electroforming!

2010-09-10T13:21:00.003-05:00

I've finally gotten a few of the electroformed pieces through the ringer, but I've got plenty more to go. I've changed my labeling method, and they're now fabricated so that they're just a little more substantial. I've also incorporated polymer components with resin on two of the brooches. I'm hoping to further combine all of my favorite surfaces in some work to come.

Parasiticus Fructus, electroformed and fabricated copper, polymer clay, resin, paint, ink

2.5" x 3.5" x 1.5"

Fructoma, electroformed and fabricated copper, polymer clay, resin, paint, ink

3" x 2" x 1"

Lutila, electroformed and fabricated copper, paint, ink

1 3/4" x 2" x 1"

Cross Pollination

2010-08-05T20:43:00.002-05:00

That's my brooch on Lana Bragina! Since the trade article went up on Art Jewelry Forum there's been some buzz about the internet. It's now making a second appearance on Etsy under blog postings! I was able to include work from a lot of great people so take a look.

Also, new bits and pieces on my Etsy site.

Proof I'm Not Dead

2010-06-27T09:20:00.005-05:00

In my disaster of a studio, wearing "Hairy Friend J" by Satomi Kawai.

I've been very lucky to receive a metaphorical life raft in the form of work for the last few weeks as a studio assistant for a good friend and seasonal resident of Iowa City. He's been saving me a little every summer in some way or another with odd jobs, and this year he arrived just in time as I'd hit a rough patch. I don't know about you, but sales have been slower than the molasses I make my swamp drink with in the morning.

With all of this business I've lost the thread of what I was doing for a little while so I'd like to
backtrack.

I've been very lucky to get to play with the electroformer at the University again. It was destroyed in the flood two years ago, just as I was graduating. I've started off with some small test pieces to experiment with the new wax mix and to get back into the motions of working that way.

Here they are ready to go.

And here's the first batch I've gotten back. I've already been zooming along with them in the little windows of time I've gotten, but bonafide bill-paying work has come first. At least my current "day job" involves hand sewing gratuitous amounts of hankies for my vagabond artist friend.

Effing and Jeffing

2010-06-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

I've been mulling over a few strategies to try and tackle this delightful economy.

Some will be more time consuming and require more details once I've sorted them out for myself. But the most immediate change that might help people who want to buy work is Free Shipping on my Etsy site.

So I'm now doing Free Priority Shipping on all sales, whether you live in the US or the rest of the globe!

It's Here!

2010-06-08T10:24:00.002-05:00

Not only did I receive this amazing neckpiece in my swap with Lana, she also wrapped it beautifully and added some tea and a nougat!

The whole swap process was very fun, and I plan to do it again soon. With the economy as crappy as it is, we should all at least have a little fun with the merchandise that sits around instead of letting it go nowhere. And how fun is it that two artists in separate countries can have a dialog online that leads to such a meaningful exchange?

Who Wants a Big Pink D-nut?

2010-05-25T14:02:00.003-05:00

"Big Pink Dnut" (brooch) 2009, extruded foam, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel silver findings, 2.5" x 2.75" x 1"

I don't know if you've heard about We Swap, but it's a very new online community that allows makers to post work they'd like to trade with other makers. Two Etsy makers who go by JuliAni and Uloni who both live in Hamburg, Germany started the project.

After you submit a piece, you receive offers from other makers who send photos of a piece they think you might be interested in. Weigh your options carefully, and then decide who you want to swap with based on the piece you'd like to receive.

So...

Who wants a big, pink d-nut?

"underwaterlove" Reception

2010-04-20T09:54:00.004-05:00

Some assembled viewers.

I hope she's just scrutinizing my piece, and not angry.

Several of Beate Weiss' pieces. I can't tell in the image if the necklace is Tamara Grüner's.

My work as well as Tamara's.

Several of Beate's pieces.

Tamara's work, and a lovely reflection of Ute Klotzbücher!

And more of Tamara's work--I really love the round brooches she's doing.

I'm so glad Ute was able to take pictures of the reception for me. It was very nice to see images of the work together, and of the gathered masses.

"underwaterlove"

2010-04-05T09:42:00.003-05:00

Lumen— (brooch) 2007, electroformed and fabricated copper, epoxy
resin, paint, ink, nickel silver, 2.5" x 2.5" x 2"

Lasche—(brooch) 2010, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel silver,
7" x 3.5" x 2.5"

Cordyceps—(brooch) 2009, fabricated copper, composite and epoxy resin,
paint, nickel silver, 4" x 9" x 3.5"

Druplus –-(brooch) 2010, fabricated copper, composite and epoxy resin,
paint, nickel silver, 5" x 4.5" x 2.5"

Bulbate Succulum—(brooch) 2010, fabricated copper, composite and
epoxy resin, polymer clay, paint, ink, nickel silver, 7" x 6" x 3"

Here are the larger pieces that headed off to "underwaterlove" last Thursday. I've also included some of the new rings I was doing as well as some of the smaller foam/resin brooches. Similar to what I did for my Swap pins, but a little more elaborate.

Very excited to hear how the show goes!

Art Jewelry Forum

2010-03-28T14:16:00.001-05:00

Check out my article for the Art Jewelry Forum blog!

"Untangling SNAG"

I wish I could take credit for the title, but it was gifted by Damian Skinner.

"underwaterlove"

2010-03-25T09:57:00.003-05:00

Working on two new pieces for the show in Berlin at Schmuckfrage called "underwaterlove" with Beate Weiss and Tamara Grüner.

Post-SNAG Recuperation

2010-03-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

No, it isn't a particularly flattering photo of me, but it's honest. I may have slept since returning, but I still feel as tired as I look in this picture from the final night Party. From left to right, Heejin Hwang, Brigitte Martin, Satomi Kawai, and some crazy lady.

I have a ridiculous amount of work to do now that I'm back. A few more wrap up posts for Crafthaus, a more in depth article for another publication (more info. later!), work to finish for a show in Berlin at Schmuckfrage called "underwaterlove", and an order to fill asap. Oh, and lingering commissions I put off when getting ready for the conference.

I met so many wonderful people in Houston and had brief moments to catch up with old friends as well. Next year I plan to reassess my time budgeting. This year was a little too intense for me and my lapsed social skills now that I'm an art hermit.

I hope everyone who wanted a Swap Pin received one. If not, there's always next year!

SNAG 2010 Houston

2010-03-09T17:56:00.002-06:00

"Wurmiz" and I will see you in Houston.

SNAG Houston Swap Pins

2010-03-04T08:54:00.003-06:00

Check out more details on my blog for Crafthaus.

SNAG Houston is coming in less than a week. Are you sleeping any better than I am? So much to do!!!

Etsy Shop News

2010-02-28T10:35:00.003-06:00

Sorry if these images are a little wonky--I'm trying to get used to using our laptop given that it will be my sole device for blogging from the SNAG Conference. Still some bugs to work out, but maybe darkened hotel rooms will serve my purposes better than a sun (and cat) filled home office.

Some new pieces added to Etsy today. I've culled some personal favorites from my large batch of Swap Pins and traded some things around. A few little guys that were languishing on Etsy have been put into the Swap pool to offset things. Forgive me, but I need the income if I'm going to make it through the conference without panhandling.

Also some changes to my Etsy shop policies. I'll now be accepting Personal Checks and Money Orders given that they arrive and clear first. As with Paypal, nothing gets boxed up until payment because I just plain can't afford it otherwise!

Also, I'll be changing pricing starting March 7th (one week.) My Etsy shop has always been based on my wholesale prices, and I've gotten a lot of heart-to-heart talks from gallery owners, collectors, and friends who have all told me my prices are too cheap. This has always been a problem for me--my inner socialist needs therapy to cope with what I do for a living. I also hate to make work that is out of the realm of possibility for myself and my friends.

But it isn't fair for the galleries and shops that represent me for my work to be available at wholesale prices to the public. I don't know if this is something that has been widely addressed since the advent of Etsy, but there is an inherent conflict between gallery representation and individual representation if the prices are disparate.

This means that in one week, my Etsy shop will switch to retail pricing. I know it's kind of a bummer, but it's long overdue. So you have one week to buy everything cheap and help me get my bills paid!

Oodles of Noodles.

2010-02-24T17:02:00.004-06:00

In case you haven't been keeping up with my blog for the upcoming SNAG Conference at Crafthaus, here's a run-down of what's been happening in the studio.

I've been making such a large batch of work for the Pin Swap that it's just plain stupid.

With 80 all together, I think I'll have everyone covered who's interested.
After epic spray painting, they were shaping up nicely.

Then the goo started.

Now they have little tidbits here and there and half are almost finished thank goodness! My bench is a wreck, but I'll be eager to take a picture of them in one giant pile when the time comes!

Lots of Everything!

2010-02-10T17:28:00.006-06:00

Today was a day to harness my lowered tolerance for coffee. Two cups helped me finish shooting pictures of my SNAG Auction piece.

"Buffare" (brooch) 2010, composite and epoxy resin, paint, nickel
silver scatter pins, 3.5" x 4.25" x 3"

I managed to get the first coat on my GIGANTIC batch of pieces for the Pin Swap at the Conference.

And I'm making progress on this big beast too!

On top of all that I reshot a bunch of rings on my Etsy site as well as new rings I posted today. I used the macro lens and found that the images are much more interesting this way. Hopefully people will respond well and decide they need them more!

And a new post on the SNAG Houston 2010 Blog for Crafthaus too!

Charmed

2010-02-06T15:58:00.001-06:00

Sharon Massey has begun posting work from the "Charmed" show at the Society for Contemporary Craft Store in Pittsburgh.

All kinds of great people have work in the show--it's a great way to buy a sampling of work from a lot of people at great prices. And you can buy directly from the site! Whoa!

Working my way toward SNAG

2010-02-02T10:16:00.003-06:00

The Crafthaus blog will probably take precedent for now. Maybe I'll be a little more self-indulgent here. Or maybe I'll just be a little more brief.

New things on the way for SNAG.

Also, working on a piece for the Silent Auction.

Blogging for Crafthaus

2010-01-31T09:44:00.002-06:00

I've been fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to blog the SNAG Conference this year for Crafthaus! I'll continue to post work images and other information here, but my blog at Crafthaus will relate specifically to the conference, interviews, and maybe some videos of me panhandling to raise money to make it to Houston.

Check it out here !

Lots of Little Trifles

2010-01-26T09:03:00.003-06:00

Making wall pieces with my extra resin dribbles has proven a good way to use up surplus resin and a fun way to make a surface to play with.

"Pink Zoom" wall piece, mixed media

"Space Fruit" ring

"Orange Ring with Growths"

"Cut Red Horn" ring

"Blue Branch" ring

Busy stocking up everything on Etsy.

Also getting ready for a possible Valentine's Show in town. We'll see if everything comes together!

"Charms"

2010-01-13T10:00:00.002-06:00

Finally finished my minis for "Charmed" at the Store for Society for Contemporary Craft.

There was a fifth, but he fell on the floor when he was still gooey and ended up covered in filth. I can save him, but not in time to express mail these babies in time!

"Play" interview

2010-01-09T21:26:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow (Sunday) at 1pm you can catch an interview of me, Terry Rathje, Steve Banks, and Susan Czechowski on "Art Talks" hosted by Bruce Carter on WVIK 90.3FM--a local NPR affiliate in the Quad Cities.

We talk about our work, the theme "Play", and how we interpreted it for the show.

If you don't live in the Quad Cities area, you can stream the show live.

And if you miss it, it'll be posted online and free to listen whenever you like!

The reception for "Play" is Friday, January 15th from 7-9pm at Quad City Arts, Rock Island!

Polymer Clay

2010-01-06T11:20:00.003-06:00

I will openly confess to often finding polymer clay to be totally lame. But recently I've returned to an old stash of it to see if I could salvage something interesting. It's become a good replacement as a form-building foundation in the same way foam has been. However, I'm able to get more definition in the form on a smaller scale. Here are some new rings and a pair of earrings that are early attempts. The other batch of rings disappeared between two local craft events. These are on Etsy with more trickling in, destined for other locales.

polymer clay, fabricated copper, paint, epoxy resin

size 8

1.5" x 1.25" x .75"

polymer clay, fabricated copper, paint, epoxy resin

size 7

1.5" x 1" x .75"

fabricated copper, epoxy resin, beet powder, paint (okay, not polymer clay--an old epoxy resin nugget that had been forgotten and then sucked into this ring-making frenzy)

size 8.5

1.5" x 1" x 1"

earrings made from polymer clay mixed with carborundum, layers of epoxy resin and paint

stainless steel ear wires

2.25" x .25" x .25

If you've always loved polymer clay, with it's inherit ability to render alien heads, magic mushrooms, and dolphins then I offer you my deepest of apologies. My next ring will most assuredly feature an alien riding a dolphin riding magic mushrooms.

"Play"

2009-12-29T12:38:00.002-06:00

Press release submitted by Dawn Wohlford-Metallo, visual arts director, Quad City Arts.

ROCK ISLAND -- The public is cordially invited to attend an exhibition titled "Play" by Steve Banks, Terry Rathje, Jillian Moore, Susan Czechowski and Monica Correia at Quad City Arts Center Gallery from January 15-February 26, 2010.

An opening reception will be held on January 15 from 7-9 pm.

Inspiring and unconventional mixed media works by Steve Banks of Davenport, Terry Rathje of Long Grove, IA; Susan Czechowski of Macomb, IL; and Monica Correia & Jillian Moore both of Iowa City will be on display from January 15-February 26 at Quad City Arts Gallery in Rock Island. Be prepared for the unexpected, as anything is possible from this group of eclectic regional artists.

The Quad City Arts Center Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees; Quad City Arts Partners; and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts and humanities.

For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo at 309-793-1213, ext. 109 or visit www.quadcityarts.com.

Only Two Left

2009-12-07T09:58:00.002-06:00

The Holiday Sale went amazingly well! I've only got two of the new rings left so I've put them on Etsy. I'm also working on more sellable things for the What a Load of Craft fair this coming weekend in Iowa City. Hopefully it will also go well!

Summit St. Holiday Art Sale

2009-12-02T10:40:00.002-06:00

Rings

2009-11-29T15:42:00.002-06:00

More images to come soon. These are part of a new experiment to use polymer clay instead of foam/aqua-resin for smaller, more detailed pieces. I've got a lot of local sales coming up, and hadn't made any rings in a long time. I'm hoping they disappear quickly, but if not then they'll show up soon on Etsy.

XMAS

2009-11-24T08:48:00.003-06:00

I've been too busy lately!

Juggling several projects right now. Making tons of ornaments for Velvet da Vinci's holiday crowd. Below are various types I'm working on.

Painted/sanded/oxidized tolling copper.

Strange space d-nuts for your XMAS. Or for whatever, I won't judge you.

(There's a ring tucked up in the top left corner, second image. We'll talk more about him later!)

And I've finally gotten things to Friends of Carlotta gallery in Zurich. I am forever in debt to Bruna Hauert who bravely battled customs so that she could take my work to Blickfang!

An Act of Desperation

2009-10-21T08:42:00.003-05:00

"Vivis Indehiscent" electroformed and fabricated copper, paint, wax, 26" x 14" x 14"

Sadly this piece was damaged in shipping. I have repaired it by patching the two small cracks and matching the paint to the best of my abilities. Still, there are shadowed areas around the damage so I'm not comfortable exhibiting the piece anymore.

I've listed it on Etsy in the hope of someone buying it at a much lower price than it would have sold for.

Better Late Than Never

2009-10-09T13:05:00.007-05:00

Given a series of stressful events, I let this slip through the cracks!

I was in Metalsmith Magazine's Exhibition in Print this year!

I may have mentioned it before, but I'm going to do it again...

Whooooooooooooo!

Rearranging!

2009-10-07T12:39:00.005-05:00

Posted some new things on Etsy today. Also finally preparing to send work to Friends of Carlotta!

Digging Back In!

2009-09-29T09:22:00.000-05:00

So it's been far too long since I've been working in my studio.

I had to leave for a family health emergency for a few weeks and returned to chaos at one job and an overabundance of hours ($$$ opportunity) at the other. Today is the first day I've really been able to get back to work.

I have to finish some rings for a Spanish jewelry book I was asked to participate. It sounds like a very neat project. I've been meaning to do some rings with the smaller forms so this is perfect!

And in a couple of days I'm going to get organized and send things to a gallery in Zurich, Friends of Carlotta!

Whoa!

New images soon!

Zing.

2009-08-01T09:27:00.002-05:00

What a week!

Going away parties, a sick cat, and now flying away for three weeks for dad's surgery. What happened to lazy summers eating snacks on the couch and watching crap on the interwebs? I miss the mundane.

Things are finally settled up with the online show at Object Fetish and can be seen here--

Creatura: A Thing Created.

Moving Along

2009-07-23T10:10:00.003-05:00

Things have fallen together for the Object Fetish show Creatura: A Thing Created.

Leo at Klimt02 just posted the show announcement, so much thanks to his hard work on that.

The show will officially be up August 1st!

In the meantime, I've started adding some older sculptural pieces to Etsy. I need to empty some space downstairs--it's getting out of hand.

Finally!

2009-07-17T11:05:00.004-05:00

More info. later....I'm tired

Almost There

2009-07-14T10:15:00.002-05:00

Things are finally wrapping up with the show for Object Fetish. I'd like to say I'm bummed my piece didn't get into Cheongju, but now that I can add it to the tally for this show I'll have a less hectic week.

The interior of the hollow piece. You can just see what's happening inside while the resin runs out.

My strange polymer clay experiment--the red forms are clay that has been painted and coated in epoxy resin. The yellow form is fabricated copper that has been painted. Next comes sanding, oxidizing, and assembly.

The horn had some interior things I didn't like at the cross section so they were ground out yesterday. Another layer of epoxy resin, and then I'll redo some things.

This giant d-nut is starting to grow on me. The chrome on chrome painted surface was a satisfying discovery of the last couple of days.

This piece is in the grinding phase while layers of paint and epoxy resin are exposed. It looks a little chalky from the dust, but the layers will show more clearly once it's finished. Still a little bit to go with the pattern.

Continuing to work on Show II

2009-07-07T10:26:00.004-05:00

More things coming along for the Object Fetish show.

A large extruded foam piece. I'm attempting to do a more complex piece with it. I've typically used the extruded foam for quicker, less detailed things.

And a new carved foam piece that rests on the shoulder and has a sort of amputated/vivisected thing happening on the front. It needs aquaresin and a lot more.

So far this is going well. The interior has layered colors and it's first layer of epoxy resin as well. Still working on what will occupy the void.

Front and back of electroformed piece. It's been painted, but not sanded. The next steps involve wet sanding, oxidizing the exposed copper, and printing on the "labels" so still a bit of work to go before finished.

Continuing to work on Show

2009-07-04T13:17:00.002-05:00

I've started spreading around info. for my upcoming online show with Object Fetish.

"Creatura--A Thing Created" It will be comprised of 20 pieces--all work completed this year.

Here are some of the pieces I'm finishing up still. On the plus side with it being an online show, I have more time because nothing has to be shipped!

Here are two pieces with aqua resin applied. Still a lot of layers to go. Both are experiments to a degree. I have not tried to do larger, more complex pieces with extruded foam as a base rather than carved foam.

Another sort of experiment. This form has had the supporting foam removed, so it will be interesting to see how I sort everything out with the final piece.

Two forms with epoxy resin layers growing.

A lingering electroformed piece with some fabricated elements. I'm trying something I did with a wall piece--fabricated "labels" that will be printed on rather than printing directly on the surface. The interior is painted, but that's all so far. It looks strange in all white.

The front, only primed so far.

Last Minute Deadlines

2009-06-26T08:20:00.004-05:00

As a brief diversion from the pieces I'm doing for my show with Object Fetish, I hurriedly finished a piece for Cheongju and a local show for the Iowa Metals Guild.

Par Lobbe (brooches) composite and epoxy resin, fabricated copper, paint, mixed media, dye
largest brooch dimension--8" x 4" x 2.75"

Asprutan (brooch) composite and epoxy resin, copper, paint
9"x3"x3"

Lots

2009-06-15T17:26:00.002-05:00

Minus Rooty, who already sold to Jennifer Culp on Etsy, and the batch at White Rabbit, this is the giant pile. It's very satisfying.

Just sent 10 to the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia this morning. Now what to do with the rest...

And Another Batch

2009-06-13T16:46:00.004-05:00

I've finally started putting more of these up on Etsy. I need to get back to work on larger pieces for the Object Fetish show in August.

It's fun to pile all of them together. They sound like fake plastic beach pebbles.

Another Clutch of Little Beasts

2009-06-12T15:41:00.003-05:00

Soon these will be sorted into those going to the Mutter Museum and those going onto Etsy. There's still one last batch that's almost finished. I'd like to wait to divvy them up just so that I can have one giant pile picture.

Some New Old Things

2009-06-09T14:35:00.004-05:00

Some things recently came home in the mail that I never had a chance to shoot. Although I finished these back in Feb., I hardly had a chance to look at them before they were gone to the Metal Museum Gift Shop.

All of them started as weird cedar eggs I bought from Granny's oh so long ago. After some lackluster whittling, they got copper doo-dads that were all painted and resin-ed up attached. Oh, and lots of layered painting.

Initially I put these on Etsy, but they've now been earmarked for my show in August on Object Fetish. A sucking vortex has begun.

Switcheroo

2009-06-05T09:06:00.004-05:00

So I've dropped off some of the new little nuggets at White Rabbit here in Iowa City and took home some nuggets that just couldn't get adopted. I've put them on Etsy in the hope of sending them off somewhere.

Now back to the rest of the little beast army. There are still about 40 more that I need to finish.

Time Thieves.

2009-06-03T17:03:00.004-05:00

Rooty

Red Lumpen

Little Worm

My attempts at jumping in to the Gallery Walk were in vain. I think I'm officially giving up on local venues outside of White Rabbit. On the plus side--a bunch of my new little guys will be showing up there soon and it should be the pick of the litter.

But I did put these three up on my Etsy site because I just couldn't wait!

And yay for Young Joo coming over and cheering me up after my meeting with a time thief.

First Finished Batch of Mini-Beasts!

2009-06-03T12:59:00.002-05:00

They'll start adding up now....

But I'm running out of catches for the pins!

If a meeting this afternoon goes well, these might be on the gallery walk this Friday here in Iowa City. Updates on that later.

New Piece

2009-06-03T10:57:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd manage to squeeze this one out before the conference, but no such luck. Finally had time to finish him up in between working on the beast army. A batch of them will be done later today by the way.

This piece doesn't have a name yet, but something about yellow summer squash. But I'll see where my etymological trolling takes me.

The largest pendant/brooch form is about 12" x 2.5" x 2"

Printing on the Beasts

2009-06-02T16:12:00.002-05:00

I decided to do some printing on this batch--I had a smart plate already made that would work.

This batch has some with epoxy resin, some not. So there are painted details and printing on some, but not all the way there yet. My hands get wiggly if I don't have tea in the afternoon so I had to take a break.

Here's a close up showing the box my unfinished swap element came in. I'm sorry Liz! I'll get to it soon, I promise! Oh, and there's the big pink beast in the corner keeping watch over things.

Some loners.

Several Things

2009-05-30T11:35:00.005-05:00

Here are my swap pins from SNAG. This was the first year I was able to do the pin swap--I should have brought more. I had to turn down a lot of people because I had so few, and it was unfun.

And I've begun putting on the first epoxy resin jacket on the little beast army. This could go on for some time...

Because this is how many DON'T have an epoxy resin jacket yet.

And here's a new piece I finished just in time to wear at the conference. I'm not sure if he's actually done. I think I might put a slick coat on the outside. Partly for functional reasons and partly to get more depth out of the blue spots. The matte surface flattens the layering.

And did I mention the current state of my bench?

And Proliferation Continues

2009-05-27T17:15:00.003-05:00

So everyone got double dinner jackets and felt very fancy.

White undergarments.

Then I donned my mask and had a spray paint party in the drive way. This made the local residents confused. They don't appear happy and ask if they are flowers (in a way that means "you're doing it wrong.")

I will be sad when I begin putting Envirotex on all of these.

Making Babies Con't

2009-05-27T09:13:00.004-05:00

For the sake of my own sanity, I'll try and finally lay this out with visual aids.

Aqua-Resin--a composite fabricating resin that is non-toxic, opaque, and used only for structure. I always prime and paint over this layer.

EnviroTex Lite--a clear epoxy resin used only in thin instances due to viscosity and difficulties with degassing, not good for breakfast, makes my babies shiny on the outside.

Here's your product placement for the day. Aqua-resin is my best friend. It won't kill me like the EnviroTex Lite is going to.

This stuff smells like Elmer's Glue. Very reassuring.

Here's a party of juicy little babies. The Aqua-Resin dries in about 20-30 minutes. After that I'll do a second coat just to make sure they're strong. The first coat is thin and doesn't adhere to the foam well. Later coats are much thicker because that first layer is so thirsty. Two coats is more than enough for these little guys. I tend to do three or more for the big lugs.

Here's a pile of the first batch with their first coats on. Notice the popsicle action. This is handy now and will be later for the EnviroTex Lite layer.

Making Babies

2009-05-25T18:31:00.007-05:00

Just got back from the SNAG Conference in Philadelphia. Exhausted but ready to get back to work. I started this piece awhile ago and thought I'd finish it before I left. No such luck, so now I'll post my sad, unfinished failure. It'll be done in time for some exhibition deadlines next month.

Made some last minute babies for the pin swap that were popular, so I'm attempting to do some similar small pieces to sell.

Hope they'll be on Etsy sooner than later. Then I need to get back to larger pieces like the yellow blimps at the top. Object Fetish wants to do an online exhibition of my work to coincide with the release of the Exhibition in Print in August. It will be a good way to show more pieces so I've got to get my nose to the grindstone.

Met so many amazing people and got to see a lot of old friends too. I'm too tired to remember everything, but Philadelphia was a wonderful city--may favorite of the conference locations. I was less interested in the lectures. Some were good, some were not. Some were torturous but I'll leave out the details for propriety's sake.

And the Jewelry in Motion event organized by Gail Brown was absolutely crazy! Way more than I was expecting! Another participant, Jennifer Crupi, was kind enough to send an image to all of us in the show.

A Straggler

2009-04-23T08:46:00.003-05:00

This piece missed the last photo session due to catastrophic resin failure. He has finally returned from an extended convalescence.

He'll be traveling with a group of friends to Velvet da Vinci Gallery soon. Hopefully they will be adopted by loving parents.

Also, I wanted to thank everyone at the National Ornamental Metal Museum for all the hard work they did on my show! Now that the work is back, I'm sprinkling them here and there so the hustling can continue.

I've updated pieces on Object Fetish and Etsy.

New Things

2009-03-24T12:19:00.004-05:00

polyurethane foam construction, envirotex resin, paint, nickel silver scatter pin at back
3" x 5" x 1"

polyurethane foam construction, envirotex resin, paint, steel and plastic pins, nickel silver scatter pins on back
2" x 4" x 2.5"

polyurethane foam construction, envirotex resin, paint, steel nails, nickel silver scatter pin at back
2.5" x 2.75" x 1"

polyurethane foam construction, envirotex resin, paint, nickel silver scatter pin back
2.5" x 3.25" x 1.5"

Just finished another batch and put them up on my Etsy shop.

These are mostly from the last group of progress pictures. I'm trying to get a stock pile going again in between getting the garden started and continuing the job hunt!

Back to Work!

2009-03-16T10:35:00.003-05:00

Proof that I've been cleaning my bench. This is a serious improvement although it may still look a little messy to you. You can see one of the big beasts looming in the background.

Some new pieces I'm working on now that I'm back. I've been trying to find elements I can add to get more action on the surface without fabricating elaborate additions. The whole purpose of these was efficiency, and I've been doing a fairly lousy job at that so far.

Using various stacked things to be more economical with my resin. I've been wasting too much--I'm too poor for that and it's nasty stuff to be putting in the trash all the time. I've been using it much more efficiently this way.

I'm still into the "d-nuts" with dots a lot.

I like the dots on this guy. I'm trying to mix up the patterns without hand painting them for hours upon hours--back to the whole efficiency in production thing.

In the mean time, I'm also working on a new larger piece so I have something to chew on for awhile.

Home Again, Home Again

2009-03-05T17:01:00.003-06:00

I've made it back from Memphis, and the weather has turned warmer finally.

Memphis was beautiful--aside from the unseasonable snow storm that was all too familiar. The Metal Museum is like a secret little gated community of metalwork. Very fun--I'd like to visit for Repair Days. Maybe it wouldn't snow.

Sick with airport germs, but I just needed to announce that I just found out I'll be in this year's Exhibition in Print for Metalsmith. The theme was Saturated: Metal and Color, very appropriate! I'm so excited to see my work in Metalsmith this August!

The form says "Images B and E" were selected. Well I used numbers, but if my reasoning is any good--I think I can riddle this out.

"Ramus," (brooch) composite and epoxy resin, paint, ink, 4.5" x 6" x 2"

"Cucurbits," (pendant/brooch) composite and epoxy resin, coppery, paint, felt 8” x 2.5” x 2.5” (largest pendant dimension)

So long!

2009-02-26T07:04:00.002-06:00

I'm taking off for the Metal Museum today!

The reception is tomorrow night from 6-8pm. If you're in the area, stop by!

Less Than a Week!

2009-02-20T09:05:00.009-06:00

"-Osis," (brooch) 2008

"Drupe," (pendant/brooch) 2009

"Cordyceps," (brooch) 2009

"Tentaculum," (brooch) 2009

"Porphyr," (brooch) 2007

"Epiphytic Capsularis," (brooch) 2009

"Lumen," (brooch) 2007

"Meioun," (pendant) 2008

"Gleba," (pendant) 2008

"Calabaza," (pendant) 2008

"Neckslug," (wall sculpture) 2007

"Telophase," (sculpture) 2007

"Vivis Indehiscent," (sculpture) 2007

"Nudus Brankhia," (sculpture) 2008

"Angeion Morphos," (sculpture) 2008

Next Thursday I take off for Memphis to go to the National Ornamental Metal Museum for my first bonafide solo show! I thought it would be good to include all the work I'll be showing to give people a sneak peak.

More information about the materials/scale at my website.

Building Buzz on the Interwebs

2009-02-18T20:57:00.002-06:00

at AmericanCraftMag.org

and at the National Ornamental Metal Museum site

and at Klimt02

I'm doing this as hard as I can.

New Things

2009-02-17T09:49:00.003-06:00

Polyurethane foam, epoxy resin, paint.

electroformed copper, epoxy resin, paint, ink

Polyurethane foam, epoxy resin, paint.

Polyurethane foam, epoxy resin, paint.

All at www.objectfetish.com

I'm very ready to work on some larger, more complex pieces now. I've spent the last few weeks working on quicker pieces that I might be able to sell. I'm starting the foam for a more elaborate neck piece. I'm hoping to apply the composite resin soon and get it moving along to the fun part.

Printing and Other Things

2009-02-16T16:15:00.003-06:00

Tony got a lens for close ups. He's been doing a lot of this. It's a close up of one of the new foam/resin constructions I'm doing for Object Fetish.

I was planning on doing a step-by-step of printing with Smart Plates. Here's some ink.

Here's a plate with text before being cut down.

Here's the magic toothpaste and water mixture that helps prepare the Smart Plate. And that's when the camera died because of that new lens...Tony has been taking a lot of pictures. So the next time I have things to print, we'll try this again.

This one looks extremely unsettling at this proximity.

Applying Resin

2009-02-14T13:46:00.004-06:00

A coating of resin applied to both recent electroformed nuggets and a few foam pieces I'm working on. This is a view from above the contraption I rig up for them to drip on.

Layered paint and resin that has been sanded--eventually a brooch.

And another foam piece that will become a brooch.

The two electroformed and painted pieces getting their resin.

If I can maintain my patience, I'll print on some of them. They don't have as much room for me to play around in.

Next I'll try and work on some foam pendant forms. The way I've been building them, they've lent themselves to brooches. I'd like to play with pendant/neck pieces in this speed and scale next.

Start

2009-02-14T11:10:00.001-06:00

I'm hoping this blog will be a way for me to share processes with makers/collectors/interested parties in more detail. I've only posted finished pieces in the past, but I'd like to start keeping track of things as they come along.

These initial images are of extruded foam pieces with their early coatings of paint and epoxy resin. I will continue to add layers or paint details until I feel they're either done or junk.

I'm also working on some of the older electroformed pieces I had around the studio. I was motivated to resolve some of them because I'm having a show at the National Ornamental Metal Museum this month. I needed more pieces that were predominantly made of metal, and without the means to make new pieces I had to find ways of using old ones instead. Now I'm enjoying working with them and using some of the smaller ones for potential listings on Object Fetish.

These are painted, but have not yet been coated in resin. These are part of a group of electroformed copper pieces that I'm painting, coating in resin, and printing on.

And a sample of how messy my bench gets. I keep saying I'll clean it up, but then I come up with more things to work on instead. I need more shelves/work benches...but then I would probably just spread out farther.