Hot Under the Collar Update

Bob Ebendorf

Hot Under the Collar, the exhibition I am co-jurying with Bob Ebdendorf at this year's SNAG conference, now has insurance AND the deadline for entries has been extended to February 1! Please follow this link to the call for entries. I would love to have a large selection of entries to choose from--the more the better in my opinion.

"Choker, collar, lariat, torque, pendant, the necklace is one of the most diverse formats available to metalsmiths today. Whether cascading down the front, or draped down the back, the possibilities are nearly endless. The human torso provides us with one of our largest canvases, while still keeping body as site.

From comments on the classic strand of pearls to contemporary takes on armor, this juried exhibition seeks to showcase how metalsmiths today interpret this incredibly versatile object.

Jurors: Robert Ebendorf (Belk Distinguished Professor at the East Carolina University Metal Design program) and Amy Tavern (studio artist and instructor).

"Hot Under the Collar" will be shown May 24-27, in conjunction with the 2012 SNAG conference. The exhibition will take place at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (SCPA), in a large atrium, and is located just steps away from the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Please note that SCPA will provide insurance.  Accepted works must arrive at SCPA on or before May 23, 2012. Return shipping costs must be covered by the artist either by pre-paid shipping label or by credit card. Work may also be picked up from SCPA at the end of the conference." (Necklace to right: Liz Steiner)

Email entries to Liz Steiner at hotunderthecollarshow@gmail.com subject "Necklace Show."

Thanks for reading.

Heat Exchange: SNAG Week Part 4

 Work by Beate, Elizabeth, and Melissa

I was recently invited to participate in Heat Exchange, an exhibition of enameled works curated by Elizabeth Turrell, Melissa Cameron, and Beate Gegenwart. The exhibition will open in May and will be on view during the SNAG conference. Here's what the Exchange is all about:

"Heat, in physics, is defined as an exchange of energy. In thermodynamics, a heat exchanger is a system built to effect efficient heat transfer. In most heat exchange systems the exchange is mediated so that the hot and cold media do not come into contact. Typically it is only their energy that is exchanged. This exhibition seeks to replicate this exchange. The participating artists, located in North America, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom will exchange ideas and inspirations without actually coming into contact with one another. The main interface for their exchange is this blog."

Although not an enamelist per se, I have done some enameling and have wanted to focus more attention on it. Between spray paint and my solo show, however, I have not had a chance to do so, until now. This show is a fantastic opportunity for me to move forward with enameling and to participate with a such fascinating group of artists. I like the idea of interacting via the internet and look forward to the give-and-take that situation will afford all of us.

During the summer I made an enameled book while Elizabeth was teaching a class here at Penland. Something went "wrong" during a firing of one of my steel pages, but Elizabeth suggested I look at it in another way. This "mistake" will be my starting point as I begin work for this exhibition. I am also happy to report this little book will head to London for an exhibition of enameled books in September, 2012 at Studio Fusion Gallery.

Thanks for reading.

Hot Under the Collar: SNAG Week Part 2

 

"Save Me From Myself" by Liz Steiner

I will jury an exhibition with Bob Ebendorf for the 2012 SNAG conference in Phoenix, AZ. The show, titled "Hot Under the Collar," will feature contemporary necklaces and was created by Liz Steiner, a recent MFA grad from East Carolina University. I am thrilled to be a part of this exhibition! Jurying has been in the back of my mind for some time now and I am excited that my first experience will be working with Bob. I think we will complement each other during the process and I look forward to working with him and Liz in the coming months. I am also excited to be involved with my community in this way. It is a opportunity to participate, to give back, and to promote the field and the work of my peers. There is an issue regarding the lack of insurance at the venue and steps are being taken to remedy the situation. Despite the controversy, I believe this troubling problem has come to the forefront for a reason and I truly hope that only good things will result in the end. If you are interested in reading about this, please visit the SNAG Facebook page.

Here is a description of the show followed by a link to the call for entry:

"Choker, collar, lariat, torque, pendant, the necklace is one of the most diverse formats available to metalsmiths today. Whether cascading down the front, or draped down the back, the possibilities are nearly endless. The human torso provides us with one of our largest canvases, while still keeping body as site.

From comments on the classic strand of pearls to contemporary takes on armor, this juried exhibition seeks to showcase how metalsmiths today interpret this incredibly versatile object."

You can find the call for entry and more information here. 

Thanks for reading.

Spotlight on Emerging Artists: SNAG Week Part 1

 Caitie Sellers

I have several SNAG-related events to share with you so this week's blogging is focused on my field's organization...I will be presenting a 15 minute lecture at the 2012 SNAG conference in Phoenix, AZ as part of the series, "Spotlight on Emerging Artists." This year's group includes Allyson Bone, Andrew Hayes, Caitie Sellers, Loring Taoka, and myself. My lecture is scheduled for Thursday, May 24 at 2:45pm and I will talk about my solo show and my residency. I'm looking forward to sharing my jewelry with me peers at the conference and to standing alongside the other Spotlight speakers who all make incredible work.

Allyson Bone

 Andrew Hayes

 Loring Taoka

Thanks for reading.