The Last Post

In the last nine months my father passed away, I chose a graduate program, and I moved across the country. More changes are on the horizon, too, ones I know are coming and others so intangible it's nearly impossible to even imagine them. Yesterday another big change happened: I started my graduate program, and a new way of being an artist and a new way of living. I had an inspiring talk with my mentor, Lori Talcott, recently and she told me I have to "submit" to school, meaning I must put aside most everything else and devote myself to my studies. I've been thinking a lot about this word "submit" and what it means to me. Then I found a quote by Henry Miller that defines it in a really beautiful way and articulates how I feel:

"True strength lies in submission which permits one to dedicate his life, through devotion, to something beyond himself."

So I submit to school and to my work in a way I have not done before, and in doing so, a few more things are forced to change:

my new studio at California College of the Arts

My Sienna Patti Contemporary solo exhibition has been postponed. Sienna and I decided to put the show on hold until I'm done with school. It's just not the right time. What about the Pearl Piece you may wonder? I will continue to work on it (and accept contributions), and when it's done, it will go out into the world. I've said "no" to a few other exhibitions and projects recently, too, and my Etsy shop is now closed.

I started working at Velvet da Vinci one day a week. It's great to work alongside Mike Holmes and will be a great way to stay current in the world of art jewelry while providing me with some structure and regular income.

And, finally, I'm going to take a long break from blogging and other social media that's focused on my work. These things, although I truly enjoy them, take a tremendous amount of time and I know I will need all the time I can get in the coming weeks and months. My work is going to change a lot over the next two years, too, and I think I need to keep things to myself, for the most part, as I move through school. Starting with this entry, I'm going to try a new approach and post only once a month, and I will no longer post here on Blogger. I'm moving over to Tumblr where you will find me at "I live here now." I will continue to actively post on Instagram and will Tweet occasionally, too.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for being a wonderful audience... please stay with me.

Pearl Stories, No. 4

Siri Kvalfoss from Tyssedal, Norway sent pearls to me in late April, mentioning in her hand-written note she had learned I was looking for pearls on April 27; the letter was dated April 28 and I appreciated her quick response. Her 15 faux pearls were hand-sewn to a piece of white linen alongside a wonderful geometric embroidery also in white. In addition to the individual teal stitches holding each pearl in place, she had also stitched a delicate 1/2" x 1" section, creating a free-form, yet thoughtful composition. I learned later that she had also done the white embroidery, Hardanger-embroidery, a traditional part of the national costume of her district, Hardanger, and taught to her by her grandmother. The words that accompanied this small artwork stated the pearls were "totally fake, but nice anyway," which made me smile. Siri also mentioned she felt compelled to sew them to the linen. The excitement of her text, punctuated with exclamation points, and the lovely presentation of her contribution seemed so heartfelt to me... and here is this person in Norway whom I have never met, connected to me by a common interest in metalsmithing, and she had taken the time to not only send me pearls but to go even further and send them sewn in this manner. I was thrilled to receive her contribution and even more excited to be connected to her more through the Pearl Piece.

Read the other Pearl Stories here, here and here.

Thanks for reading. 

Pearl Stories, No. 2

I have known Shava Lawson for years. We met in Seattle in 1999 and went to school together at the University of Washington. We were both in the BFA metals and jewelry program and have been friends ever since. Shava's package was the 17th one that I opened back in March and I remember being really happy to see her name in the return address. I opened the top crease of the yellow envelope with the blade of my scissors and carefully pulled out the matching card. Inside the card was a string of pearls, traditionally knotted and missing a clasp, draped from side to side. I lifted them to read the note and learned they had belonged to her grandmother, May, who was also an artist. Shava wrote that she had been wanting to do something with the strand for "quite some time" but decided I should have it because my pearl piece "feels so right." She also told me how excited she was to send them all the way across the country to "land in [my] hands." I was just stunned and I couldn't believe what I was holding: such a precious gift, now given twice.

Read Pearl Stories, No. 1 here.

Thanks for reading.

Pearl Stories, No. 1

When I first conceived the idea for my Pearl Piece and began my public call for pearls, I just thought it would be cool to collect a pearl from a bunch of people. I thought the sculpture I would make would be about the size of my fist. When I got back from Iceland and found a pile of packages waiting for me I realized pretty quickly that I was "off" in my thinking. And now, to my absolute delight, I've gotten pearls from 96 people. It's been gratifying to open each package and I often find myself in tears as I closely examine the contents and read the accompanying note or card. These 96 people have been so generous and thoughtful, sharing unique and sentimental pearls with me. Many of these pieces and their stories are too wonderful to keep to myself...

So I'll start this series with a pearl bracelet from Tracy Scott who lives in Atlanta, GA. Tracy is a collector of my work and over the years we've shared lovely back and forth conversations through email. I was happy to get her package because she has become quite special to me. Then I found myself speechless when I opened it. Inside was a card and a black box. I opened the card first to find thoughtful text describing the pearl bracelet she had sent accompanied by two photographs. Tracy told me it was the bracelet she had worn at her wedding in 1992. She also wrote it carries "very joyful memories" from her to me. The photographs were from her wedding: one of Tracy and one of Tracy and her new husband. Wrapped among layers of purple tissue paper was the bracelet, a double-strand of big, creamy pearls. Wedding jewelry, or any jewelry worn on a special occasion, is incredibly personal and sentimental; to let something like this go seems like a big deal to me. The bracelet felt heavy in my hands, in a good way, as I looked at the photos and then closed the card.

And, yes, I'm still accepting contributions! As soon as I'm settled in San Francisco I will post a new address you can send them to. Please email me at atavern@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thanks for reading.

The Pearl Piece Update #6

When I got back from Seattle a pile of packages was waiting for me and now my list is nearing 100 pearl contributors. Very exciting, very humbling. Thanks to everyone who has sent pearls; each one has been unique and I am so grateful! I'm still accepting pearls, too, so please send away if you're thinking about it. There is no longer a deadline, except to say I need them by October when the show opens... I will add your pearl, or pearls, as they arrive and will add them right up to the last moment. You can continue to mail them to me at the following address:

Amy Tavern

PO Box 1895

Richfield Springs, NY 13439

(Yes, I am moving but this address will continue to work. Once I am settled in CA I will post a new address. )

I've been thinking very deeply about how I will make this work and why I feel compelled to make it. I have come to some thrilling conclusions and feel really good about taking so much time to consider all the details. I still have things to work out and for now I want to keep this to myself. In the meantime, I thought I would share a few of the contributions:

Jowita Allen, Washington, DC

Kathy Clark, Reykjavik, Iceland

Raissa Bump, San Francisco, CA

Thanks for reading. 

The Pearl Piece, Extended

Yesterday I told you my solo show, Persistence, has been rescheduled for October. I also wrote that because I have more time, I have reopened my call for pearls. The original call began in February and when I returned from Iceland there was big stack of packages waiting for me. More have arrived since and I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity inside each box and padded envelop. Even today, two more packages were waiting at the post office! If you are still interested in being a part of this new sculptural work, please send me a pearl. I only need one, but multiples are welcome. In fact many people have sent more than one, but please don't feel you have to as well. I really only need a single pearl... and again, real or fake, white or off-white, drilled or not. The call is now open and ongoing!

Amy Tavern

P.O. Box 1895

Richfield Springs, NY

USA

Thank for reading.

Now This October: Persistence

Persistence now opens Oct 3, 2015

My solo show at Sienna Patti Contemporary has been moved from April to October, giving me more time to make the work and to figure out the best way to display each piece. This new work is more complicated than my past work and will require special pedestals or furniture to show it in its best light. The new dates are October 3-30. I am also thrilled to say the exhibition is titled, Persistence.

Because I have more time, I have decided to reopen and extend my call for pearls. I've gotten many wonderful contributions from around the U.S. and several European countries but would love more. The more pearls the better, the richer the layering of experiences. To remind you, here is the text for the original post:

"...please join me now... please send me one pearl. It can be white or off-white, real or fake, round or natural, something you own already, or something you purchase for this piece. It can be a bead or it can be whole. You can mail it to me in the U.S. to the following post office box:"

Amy Tavern

P.O. Box 1895

Richfield Springs, NY 13439

USA

I have started working on the piece, sewing all those pearls together, and now will continue to add pearls as they arrive. I would like your contribution sooner than later to maintain momentum, though. When mailing, please use a padded mailer or add some bubble wrap. Several envelopes arrived with little holes in them where the pearl must have been forced out in the postal sorting machine. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at atavern@gmail.com. Again, I do hope you will consider participating!

Thanks for reading.

The Pearl Piece

As I mentioned on Tuesday, I'm developing work for my Sienna solo show here in Iceland. One of the pieces I'm working on will be made with pearls, which I am completely taken with right now. I love their luminous quality and the many shapes they come in, but I also love them for the way they are formed. A pearl begins with some kind of irritant and, over time, layer upon layer of iridescent calcium carbonate builds up around this irritant as a defense mechanism. I see pearls as glorified callouses or scars, forms of protection. They also represent years of hard work and tenacity, and when complete, they are a rare, beautiful thing. I see pearls as a symbol of the experience of life.

My pearl piece will be made using a variety of white and off-white pearls, both real and fake, round and natural, that I've been collecting for years. And this brings me to the most exciting part: I would also like to collect pearls from you.

packages of dirt from 23 of my closest friends

We Walk on the Same Ground

Last year I made the piece "We Walk on the Same Ground" for my exhibition "I Live Here Now" in which I asked my closest friends to send me dirt from where they live. I love the participatory aspect of this piece and I believe it makes it more compelling and personal. It's a combination of the experiences of dear friends and me. I would like to try this concept once again now by combining my own pearls with pearls from friends, family, colleagues, strangers, and people who like my work. I like the idea of the materials coming from a myriad of sources from places far and wide. They will bring beautiful, complex layers to the work, and mimic the process of how a pearl itself forms.

So, please join me now... please send me one pearl. It can be white or off-white, real or fake, round or natural, something you own already, or something you purchase for this piece. It can be a bead or it can be whole. You can mail it to me in the U.S. to the following post office box:

Amy Tavern

P.O. Box 1895

Richfield Springs, NY 13439

USA

If you would like to participate please mail your pearl to me by March 4, 2015. I will return to my studio to make this piece shortly after that and will collect all the pearls then. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at atavern@gmail.com. I do hope you will consider participating!

Thanks for reading.

February at SÍM

I'm very happy to be back at SÍM in Reykjavík. I'm in my "old" space with that spectacular view of the sea, and given the winter weather, it's even more variable than over the early summer when I was here last. I love working in this spot. I love watching the clouds roll in and listening to the waves crash against the break wall.

I'm working on two new pieces for my upcoming solo exhibition at Sienna Gallery as well as developing the overall concept for the show, writing my artist statement, planning logistics, and so on. However, I won't make either piece until I return to the U.S.; this is just the research/thinking/writing part of my process. In addition to this work, I'm also taking my long walks, working with new found objects, making small drawings with horse hair, creating more videos, and, of course, shooting many, many photographs.

image of my view when I started writing this post

desk detail

image still from a video made in Blönduós

 horse hair drawing in my sketchbook

my latest finds from a low tide walk along the sea

image of my view when I was done writing this post, 

after about 20 minutes

Thanks for reading.

Solo at Sienna

I am thrilled to announce my upcoming solo exhibition at Sienna Patti. The show will run from April 4-30, 2015. I will be showing sculptural works and a catalog will be published. I find myself with few words right now. I'm just so excited and nervous, and still a little stunned. I do look forward to sharing the exhibition with you as the time approaches...

Thanks for reading.

Now I am Here, #14

I literally just finished my work. I always call the "time of death" when I'm done. It's not really the best way of putting it, but it's been a tradition for me ever since I completed the work for my first solo show in 2011. 

Very soon I will post photos and tell you all about it.

Thanks for reading.

Thank You

"I Live Here Now" closes tomorrow and so I've been reflecting on it even more in the last few days. This morning I started thinking about all the people who helped me with the show and I decided I wanted to publicly thank each of them. So much of what I do in my studio is private and solitary, but there comes a time when I have to reach out to friends and colleagues for advice or to simply think out loud. From talks during dinner to phone calls to Skype sessions to emails to hours of Facebook messaging…from thoughtful conversations to championing me...deepest thanks to all of you.

Renee Zettle-Sterling

Jen Townsend

Ele Annand

John Rogers

Raissa Bump
Amanda Lee

My friends who participated in "We Walk on the Same Ground"

Renee Zettle-Sterling

Ele Annand

Adrienne Smart

Catherine Sellergren

Beth Schaible

Rachel K. Garceau

Lisa Norton

Courtney Dodd

Allisyn Levy

Kelly Kelbel

Angie Terry

Raissa Bump

Tara Locklear

Day Hixson

Jenna Warburton

Jen Townsend

Jill Bourne

Janna Marinelli

Janet Link

Suzanne Pugh

Claire Buck

Crystal Thomas

Shava Lawson

Four Gallery and Karin Roy Andersson

My parents and my brother

Sharon and Robert Tavern and Mark Tavern

Thanks for reading.

Reading and Listening

the corner of my childhood home and site of my earliest memory

My work begins with a vague idea, a translucent thought and/or a broad question based on my memories. Then I read a lot and I also listen, and as I do both, I think and take notes. The following list includes links to articles and podcasts that made an impact on me while I was developing ideas for "I Live Here Now":

The Psychology of Home: Why Where You Live Means So Much 
by Julie Beck at The Atlantic

Home, Dismantled by Olivia Judson at The New York Times

Personal Identity is (Mostly) Performance by Jennifer Ouellette 
at The Atlantic

“Is there an afterlife?” Ghost-Hunting at My Grandmother’s House by Ben Shattuck at Salon

In Grief, Try Personal Rituals by Emily Esfahani Smith

The Definition of Home by Verlyn Klinkenborg at the Smithsonian

Lost and Found on Radiolab

No Place Like Home on This American Life

Away from Home on This American Life

On Not Going Home by James Woods on London Review of Books

porcelain escutcheon cover of the front door 

of my childhood home

lava fields covered in moss, my favorite place in Iceland

Thanks for reading.

Only a Few More Days

detail of Island of 14,264 Days

"I Live Here Now" closes this Saturday. It's hard to believe, and I do feel a little bit sad; all that work, effort, emotion, and then it's over just like that! However, all that work, effort and emotion was worth it, every little bit of it. I am so happy with this work, the process and the exhibition. The ideas and pieces developed in this beautiful, natural way with both difficult challenges and rare moments of clarity. As a whole, it feels like my best work and it also feels like the beginning of something even better.

Necklace No. 3 from Alone/Together

Since 1882, Since 1976

If you live in the Gothenburg area, I hope you will visit Four to see the show. If you don't live there, I please visit one of the following links to view the entire body of work:

Website

Facebook

Flickr

Necklace No. 7 from I Can Only Stay Away for So Long

Lost and Found

"I Live Here Now" closes Saturday, May 3.

Thanks for reading. 

Departing Ship

In addition to "Forget Me Not," I made a second piece about my father titled, "Departing Ship." This piece is based on a button from my dad's Navy pea coat and the popular image for Victorian mourning jewelry of a departing ship. When I was working on ideas for a piece about my father, I made a list of objects I associate with him that have some sort of personal significance to me: storage boxes he made for our camping supplies, his chef hats, his perfectly white Reebok sneakers. I asked my mom about all of the things on my list and nothing is left, except for one of the original buttons from his Navy pea coat. I wore this coat in college and somehow still have a button, even though the coat is long gone. At first I was very disappointed that nothing was left, but then I realized it was actually a good thing and truly appropriate given my father's illness. So I worked with the single button, toying with the idea of casting it, but then decided to really play up trying to replace it or recreate it by finding buttons that were almost the same. I made 68 pins for this arrangement/installation, my father's age now. Over time as pins are purchased, this number will diminish or disappear much like his memory, and eventually his life.

Normally, I would not bring up selling my work in a post like this, but the purchase of these pins is something I really want because it is the continuation of the piece. I want them to disappear… it adds to the meaning. If you are interested in having one for yourself, send me an email (atavern@gmail.com). They are $50 each.

More images on Flickr.

Thanks for reading.

Since 1882, Since 1976

When I was in the initial stages of developing the work for "I Live Here Now" one of the first pieces I knew I wanted to make was about the house I grew up in. My first thought was to use some of the original wood from the house, but when I looked for some, there really wasn't anything I could easily attain. My mom and I looked in the basement and the garage and I even thought about removing a board from a corner or something. Then one day my mom asked me to follow her into the basement and when we got down there, she pointed at the floor. There were bits of stone here and there and she told me they were from the foundation. She also wondered if maybe I could make something using them. I knew immediately this was the solution and was excited that my mom had so clearly been thinking about my work. I collected a bunch of pieces and designed a necklace reminiscent of a diamond choker or some sort of royal jewel. I made prong settings for each stone and then created matching earrings and a ring.

As I was working, I also thought about the presentation and became fixated on finding a blue velvet box. I searched online and found the perfect one on Etsy. It was a bit worn and stained and the word "Illusion" was stamped on the inside. It was even better than I ever imagined and when I got it and put the necklace inside, the piece became a truly complete thought. 

I've added lots of process photographs to Flickr including pictures of details around the house that I have loved since I was a child. The house was built in 1882 and we moved there as a family in 1976. My earliest memory is at this house…my mom was holding me and talking to my father outside. We were standing at the back corner in the yard. I must have been a year and half or maybe 2.

Thanks for reading.