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. 6

Kathleen Edwards Hayslett sent her contribution to me in late April. Inside the mailer was a short, handwritten note and a single pearl earring tucked inside a small fabric pouch with a drawstring closure. I read the note first, as I always do, and then opened the little bag to see its contents. Kathleen wrote she had been given a pair of pearl earrings from her dad when she was in her 30s but had lost one of them... and was now passing it on to me for my piece in memory of both of our fathers. This short but poignant message and the simple pearl earring brought me to tears. This kind of connection, this kind of shared experience, is why I make my work and why I wanted to make the Pearl Piece. My intention for this sculpture was reinforced and magnified with Kathleen's simple and layered addition.

Read the other stories:

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4

No. 5

Thanks for reading.

Pearl Stories, No. 5

Claire MacDonald from Toronto, Canada sent me a teardrop-shaped pearl in the most beautiful pinky-peach color. It had a delicate gold bail attached, too, evidence that it was once part of something. The letter inside the package detailed how it had been an earring and half of a pair given to her by an aunt a few years ago on her birthday. She described how the earrings had quickly become favorites. She also mentioned how as a jeweler she doesn't wear much jewelry but when she does, she chooses pieces that have "sentimental value, or nostalgic meaning," points I can relate to. These earrings, worn almost daily, were special. She continued that one of the jump rings would come loose and she would temporarily loose one of the pearls from time to time. However, somehow, she would always find it, repair the earring, and wear the set once again. Unfortunately, the last time this happened, just a few weeks before I announced my Pearl Piece, she lost one of the pearls for good. When she read my post about collecting pearls from people everywhere, she "couldn't think of anything better than to send the lone remaining pearl to [me]." Now this single pearl is once again a part of something.

Read the other stories:

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4

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 Update #5

from Philip Sajet, Amsterdam, Netherlands

For today's update (and my last update for a bit) I would like to share my list of wonderful, generous contributors. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far. It's been incredibly gratifying to open each of your packages and find all your beautiful pearls and kind words. Thank you! I will add to the list as more pearls arrive...

Chris Keener, Huron, OH

Terry Taylor, Candler, NC

Lisa Norton, Shoreline, WA

Renee Zettle-Sterling, Coopersville, MI

Amy Hockett, Charlotte, NC 

Bonnie Lambert, Helena, MT 

Lucia Tremont, Syracuse, NY 

Rebbecca Tomas, Seattle, WA 

Charlene Schneider, Maineville, OH 

Ellen Vontillius, Swannanoa, NC 

Denise McCarthy, Houston, TX 

Gill Miller, Lancaster Park, England

Shannon Cobb-Tappan, Dunedin, FL

Mark Fenn, Capel Iwan, Wales

Jowita Allen, Chevy Chase, MD 

Baba Barnett, Raleigh, NC 

Shava Lawson, Seattle, WA 

Janna and Leah Marinelli, Traveler’s Rest, SC

Kelly Johnston, Bainbridge Island, WA

Kathy Clark, Reykjavík, Iceland 

Laura Siegel, Brooklyn, NY

Jannie Rozema, Wageningen, Netherlands

Rachel Ehlers, Lake Ridge, VA

Tom McCarthy, St. Louis, MO

Anastasia Young, London, England 

Jane Wells Harrison, Lenoir, NC

Janet Link, Raleigh, NC

Jenny Baughman, Roswell, GA

Lisa Juen, Utica, NY

Hilary Pfeifer, Portland, OR

Susie Luyet, Paia, HI

Sarah Powell, Oberhaching, Germany

Liz Willis, Pirton, England
Philip Sajet, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jen Townsend, Pittsford, NY

Heather Allen, Raleigh, NY

Raissa Bump, San Francisco, CA 

Michael Magno, Brooklyn, NY 

Casey Shepard, Los Angeles, CA

Eileen Wallace, Athens, GA 

Kathy Brughelli, Middletown, RI 

Marianne Dages, Philadelphia, PA 

Fritz Maierhofer, Vienna, Austria 

Dan Price, Chicago, IL

Mary Quin, Decatur, GA

Claire Sommers Buck, Austin, TX 

Linda Callahan, Gloversille, NY

Katie Rosenthal, San Diego, CA 

David Chatt, Penland, NC

Chris Boland, Sheffield, England 

Rachel Davis, Milwaukee, WI 

Kris Baker, Seattle, WA 

Maria Phillips, Seattle, WA 

Lori Hawke-Ramin, LaFayette, NY 

Michele Tuegel, St. Petersburg, FL

Kelsey Simmen, San Francisco, CA

Erin Wheeler, Johnstown, NY

Crystalyn Brennan, Brooklyn, NY

Elisa Bongfeldt, Berkeley, CA

Stephanie Voegele, Milwaukee, WI 

Adrienne Smart, Lincoln, NE

Susan Owen, Vilas, NC

Elizabeth Brim, Penland, NC

Meadow Thurston (in memory of)

Carolina Apolonia, Middelburg, Netherlands

Rebecca Illet, Cambridge, England

Kathy Edwards Hayslett, Coralville, IA

Madeleine Veillet, Gaspe, Quebec, Canada

Virginia Hungate-Hawk, Seattle, WA
Tracy Scott, Atlanta, GA
Michelle Smith-Lewis, Seattle, WA
Sarah Rachel Brown, Philadelphia, PA
Jenna Warburton, Seattle, WA
Paul Casey, Seattle, WA
Lisa Macutchan Gray, Seattle, WA
Lori Talcott, Seattle, WA
Catherine Chandler, Portland, OR
Stacey Mosteller and Noreen Coveny,
Endicott and Richfield Springs, NY
Holinka Escudero, Mexico City, Mexico
Jane Ponsford, Esher, England
Jan Smith, Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada
Mary Wolaniuk, Boulder, CO
Christina Carlbaum, Gnarp, Sweden
Louise Perrone, Vancouver, BC Canada
Devon Matlock, San Francisco, CA
Siri Kvalfoss, Tyssedal, Norway
Claire MacDonald, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Emily Kidson, London, England
Michele Wyckoff Smith, London, England
Tara Locklear, Raleigh, NC
Robin Kranitzky and Kim Overstreet, Richmond, VA
Natascha Bybee, Seattle, WA
Natalia Araya, Valencia, Spain
Katja Prins, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Diego Richardson Nishikuni, London, England
Andrea Wagner, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Lylli Meredith, Seattle, WA
Elle Sharifpour, San Francisco, CA
Miri Admoni, Sde Tzvi, Israel
Bonnie Levinthal, Philadelphia, PA
Lien de Clercq, Antwerp, Belgium
Melody Woodnutt, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Katharina Schneider, Blönduós, Iceland
Karen Vanmol, Antwerp Belgium
Yvette Dibos, San Diego, CA
Devon Clark, Palm Harbor, FL

Amy Sledge, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Amy Bishop, Aptos, CA 

Anonymous, Long Beach, CA

Anastasia Egorova Shelyakina, Illes Balears, Spain

Cathy Woodall, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England

Caitlin Skelcey, Urbana, IL

Sam Woehrmann, San Francisco, CA

Rachel Weidinger, Oakland, CA

Hilde De Decker, Antwerp, Belgium
Kit de Sousa, Randolph, New Jersey
Bette Schuler, Tuscon, AZ

Melissa Lyon, Sherman, NY

Susan Bolding, Hayward, CA

Catherine Chambers, Ísafjörður, Iceland

Jonis Black-Parr, Seattle, WA

Christina Shmigel, Shanghai, China/Bakersville, NC

Nikki Couppee, Oakland, CA

Sara Erkers, Gothenburg, Sweden

Dawn Nakanhishi, Soquel, CA

Kerianne Quick, San Diego, CA

Shane Prada, Baltimore, MD

Mike Holmes, San Francisco, CA

Julia Turner, San Francisco, CA

Tescia Seufferlein, Oakland, CA

Lisa Fidler, Petaluma, CA

Sharon Tavern, Richfield Springs, NY

Elísa Mjöll Guðsteinsdóttir, Los Angeles, CA

Brooke Marks-Swanson, South Bend, IN

Lisa Heller, Philadelphia, PA

Kathleen Browne - Ravenna, OH

Megan McGaffigan, Vancouver, WA

Maya Kini, San Francisco, CA

Maria Porges, Oakland, CA

Chelsea Poe, Oakland, CA

Liz Oppenheim, Oakland, CA

Sara Valente, Herkimer, NY

Helga Ragnhildur Mogensen, Reykjavík, Iceland

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And, as a reminder, I am, indeed, still collecting pearls. Please send yours to me at the following address:

Amy Tavern

2015 Polk St.

San Francisco, CA 94109

Thanks for reading.

P.S. If you are one of my contributors and I have spelled your name incorrectly or gotten the name of your town wrong, please let me know. I have checked and doubled checked, but there is always room for error. Or, if you sent a pearl and do not see your name, please also let me know. Again, I have checked and double checked... and it's possible I have not received it!

The Pearl Piece Update #4

from Kelsey Simmen, San Francisco, CA

I just love some good packaging and I imagine many of you understand me when I say this. I have received a number of pearls boxed and bagged in obviously special ways... a round pearl nestled among origami birds, a vintage Japanese cotton pearl cinched in velvet, a glass vile of pearls inside a box adorned with a feather from a pet bird, a vintage faux pearl choker carefully pinned inside folded Belgian linen.

from Kelsey Simmen, San Francisco, CA

from Rachel Ehlers, Lake Ridge, VA

from Bonnie Lambert, Helena, MT

from Bonnie Lambert, Helena, MT

from Janet Link, Raleigh, NC

from Janet Link, Raleigh, NC

Thanks for reading.

The Pearl Piece Update #3

handmade polymer clay pearls from Gill Miller, 

Lancaster Park, Morpeth, England 

(Gill is an admirer of my work and a fellow artist.

As I mentioned in my first update I have nearly 70 pearl contributions, which is remarkable to me. Most pearls have come from around the U.S. but I have received several from other countries, too, including Iceland, England, Austria, Netherlands, and Germany. I know many of the contributors--friends, family members, colleagues--but there are a number of people I don't know. Pearls have ranged from perfect singular pieces to strands of creamy faux pearls to natural pearls in very unusual shapes. One person made pearls for me with polymer clay. This diversity is what I was hoping for: all kinds of pearls from all kinds of people, and I get more and more excited with each new pearl that arrives. When I get a package, I open it carefully and examine the contents. There is often a note to read, too. I add the contributor's name to my growing list along with where he or she lives and a short description of the donation. Then I send a thank you message and photograph the pearl and packaging here in my studio. I feel all these steps are necessary and part of the process. I usually take this time to focus on the donation and the person who gave it to me whether I know her or not. Here are pictures of a few contributions:

very unusual natural pearl from Chris Keener, Huron, OH 

(Chris is a former student.)

two strands of faux pearls from Michele Tuegel, St. Petersburg, FL 

(Michele is one of my gallerists.)

perfect pearl from Rebbecca Tomas, Seattle, WA 

(Rebbecca works at Pratt Fine Arts Center and we have been working together on my upcoming class.) 

Thanks for reading.