London! Jewelry Galleries

Electrum (at its temporary location in Contemporary Applied Arts) 

I visited several jewelry galleries while in London including Electrum, Gallery S O, and Lesley Craze. Each gallery has a completely different feel but I was happy to see artists I'm familiar with and to learn about new ones...like Irene Wolf at Electrum:

Gallery S O 

Bernhard Schobinger at Gallery S O:

Lesley Craze

and Fern Jelleyman at Lesley Craze:

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London! Graffiti

Swoon

I spent a day walking around Shoreditch and Spitalfields where there is a lot of graffiti, especially along Brick Lane. It was so fun to weave my way through the streets and alleys discovering all kinds of incredible work, including pieces by Banksy, Roa, Stik, Swoon, Space Invader, and Broken Fingaz Crew. 

The Horror Crew

 Roa

 Banksy

So many more pictures on Flickr.

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London! National Gallery and More

I visited London's National Gallery just to see The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan Van Eyck and, of course, saw lots of other wonderful paintings in addition. The Van Eyck is an incredible painting. I remember studying it in art history class and it seems like we spent an entire class discussing it, and with good reason: it is so rich in detail, symbolism, and story. I was lucky enough to listen in on a short talk about the painting, too, and then stood there and just looked for quite awhile. After I walked from room to room...The museum is really good. It has an excellent collection and the size of the gallery is manageable.

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche

Portrait of a Boy Aged 11 by Jacob Van Oost

Later as I walked to the Underground a painting of birds in a gallery window caught my eye and I went in to see the work. It was part of a two-person show at ROA GAllery  with work by Daniel Shadbolt and Lucy Mellor. Both artists were present and I had a glass of wine with them as we chatted about the work. I really liked the pairing of the two styles and what a treat to talk with both artists.

ROA Gallery

 Parliament by Lucy Mellor

The Violinist by Daniel Shadbolt

Thanks for reading.

London! Enameled Books

My friend, Amanda, reminded me that an enameled books show we are in at Studio Fusion would open while I was in London. How cool! I made my books at Penland, one during a summer class I visited and the other in February in the textiles studio. (That was such a nice day. Amanda and I hung out together--I was making a book, she was threading looms.) The exhibition features the work of the Ele Annand, Beate Gegenwarte, Cath Fairgrieves, Jane Wells Harrison, Amanda Thatch, Barbara McFadyen, Elizabeth Turrell and Eileen Wallace. It's a great collection of styles from simple to complicated and I am pleased to be a part of such a great group, especially with some Penland friends. I have been interested in making books for years so this opportunity was a real treat, too.

one of my books

Amanda Thatch

Ele Annand

I created a set on Flickr that includes process shots along with more views of the show.

Thanks for reading.

London! Victoria and Albert Museum

Breast Ornament in gold and diamonds, probably France, 1620-30s

So I was in London for a week...I meant to blog during that time but was so tired at the end of each day I could barely make dinner for myself. Thus, now begins a series of London posts to catch you up! I'll begin with my trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Seeing the collection of historical jewelry at the V & A was my number one priority while in London and it far exceeded my expectations. The collection is arranged chronologically but begins with an overview that explains why we wear jewelry with examples to support each reason. Then the timeline starts with gold from ancient times and ends with contemporary examples from the 2000's. The collection is astonishing and I was thrilled to see pieces I have studied over the years. I was most excited to see the above brooch which I use in my lecture when I talk about my influences.

Then upstairs you can see a beautiful examples of folk jewelry from Northern Europe, men's accessories, chatelaines, and other unique pieces. My favorite was this pair of hummingbird head earrings.

Dior

While at the museum I also visited the fashion collection which includes jewelry and accessories. Then I just wandered from room to room...

burka with footed trousers from about 1850

this model explains embroidery

mille-fleur tapestry, 1500's, Flanders, Belgium

lace from the 1600's

plaster casts from the late 15th century

More pictures on Flickr.

Thanks for reading.

A Few Final Thoughts

Displaying the final collection is an exciting and challenging task for me and, just like when I am making my work in my studio, things inevitably change during the installation. I like to have a loose plan or idea before I begin, but I also try to be open to changes that one can only see in the moment.

You can see all the work and also purchase your favorite piece on the Beyond Fashion website. After you reach the homepage, just click on "expo." Each image includes measurements, materials, and the retail price in euros. 

I discovered this hand-written schedule while making my coffee one afternoon in the gallery. It made me happy. 

My kitty friend and the pet of my gallerists. She is very difficult to photograph--she moves all the time! I have many blurry pictures of her and I'm glad the one I have that's in focus is so cute. 

Finally, thanks to Prairie Underground...Having beautiful clothes to wear added to the excitement of both the lecture and the opening reception. (They designed the dress I wore at the opening reception of "This is How I Remember It," too!)

See all my pictures of the work and my process, the show, and my trip on Flickr. I have also posted the text from my lecture there and on Facebook.

Thanks for reading.

Big Night!

with my gallerists, Karin and Rene

(check out the brooch I'm wearing, a gift from Linda Savineau)

The opening reception for my solo show "Observation/Translation" happened on Thursday, September 6. It was a fantastic night with lots of people in attendance over the course of four hours. Many Belgian jewelry friends came and it felt fantastic to share the evening with them. I still can't believe I have a solo show in Belgium! I am so grateful and honored...it was an amazing night!

 Karin Vanmol, Ria Lins, and Linda Savineau

Thanks for reading.

Now That Went Well!

I gave my lecture last night and it seemed to go very well. It felt like I was having a conversation and as I looked around the room people seemed engaged. This lecture was the first in which I did not have a Powerpoint to lead me through so there were no visual cues to help me. I stood in front of the audience and just talked. I gestured to the work a few times but mostly relied on my memory to guide me through text I had written a few weeks ago. I did forget some things including a part about my process but I added it at the end. When I was finished I got good questions from attendees and then talked with smaller groups about even more specific aspects of the work. Everyone was so kind and supportive! I had fun and it was a great night! 

And tonight is the opening and I am so excited! I am really looking forward to celebrating the work and my time here in Antwerp. The event begins at 6pm.

Beyond Fashion
Pourbusstraat 7
2000 Antwerpen Zuid
Belgium

Thanks for reading.

Almost There...

The opening of my show is just a day away and here I am again, excited and nervous and waiting. Tonight is my lecture which starts at 7pm and I feel almost ready. I plan to sit here in my apartment and read through my notes a few more times. This morning I went to the gallery early to display the work and to create a small installation of process pieces and photographs. I am very happy with the final look of the show.

Here are the details one more time:

Observation/Translation
solo exhibition
Beyond Fashion
Pourbusstraat 7
2000 Antwerpen Zuid
Belgium

The opening is this Thursday, September 6 from 6-10pm

The lecture is today, September 5 at 7pm.

I do hope to see you!

Thanks for reading.

More Photos

I posted more pictures of the work for "Observation/Translation." These were taken by my friend Victor Darmont at the De Winkelhaak, Antwerp's design center. We spent a few hours last week taking the pictures. I'm pretty sure this was his first time shooting jewelry and I think he did a pretty good job. Also, the De Winkelhaak will carry my work soon...!

Thanks for reading.