Arrowmont Part 4

Thursday was gold day in the studio--Keum boo and leafing. I love doing both demonstrations. This time I was really interested in the leaf packaging with its handmade bind and stamped labels. I won't demo anything new tomorrow, only review as needed. I know studio time is precious and I want my students to be able to work all day before studio clean-up at 4.

We also got to view the upcoming enamalist society exhibition that opens here on September 9. The work is not on display yet so it was a true sneak peak and such a treat. I especially liked the work of Alicia Boswell.

Alica Boswell, "Ossify" in copper, enamel, sterling silver, fine silver, 18k gold, sapphire, paint

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Arrowmont Part 3

Yesterday was a very full day for "It's the Little Things." I started by demonstrating how to make simple earwires, headpins, and clasps followed by drawing down wire, twisting wire, making wire rick-rack, and making jumps rings. I am so impressed with how my students can just roll with the amount of information I am firing at them. They seem so excited! Individually they are all focused on projects of their own in addition to trying everything at least once.

Later in the afternoon we walked to the artists-in-residence studios for their open house. As usual I loved seeing how other artists work. The current residents include Phil Haralam, Lisa Johnson, Chandra DeBuse, and Dustin Farnsworth.

 something interesting on the studio wall of metalsmtih 

Lisa Johnson

Then after dinner a few students piled into my car and we drove through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I worked alongside my students afterward, making paper models for pieces for the upcoming Penland Resident Artist show.

Lots more pics on Flickr.

Thanks for reading.

Arrowmont Part 2

Yesterday I did a variety of demonstrations for my students starting with simple surface textures using files, sandpapers, and other abrasives. In the afternoon I covered roll printing and also gave a multi-part demo on sawing/filing/sanding/piercing/dapping for my beginners. Today we started the morning with hammer textures and chasing followed by patination and rivets in the afternoon. But before I did those demos, I went on a fantastic tram ride with several students and artist-in-residence, Dustin Farnsworth. Throughout the day I met individually with my students and, I must say, this is what really got me excited. I loved talking with each other them about what they are learning and what they would like to accomplish by Friday. This kind of time with my students is absolutely wonderful.

 samples

view from the tram

More images on Flickr.

Thanks for reading. 

Arrowmont Part 1

I'm at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts this week to teach my class "It's the Little Things." This is my first time here and I am excited to get to know the school. I drove from Penland yesterday morning and what a lovely drive it was! It's basically all mountains the entire time and, lucky for me, nothing but blue skies. I was jostled out of dream-time, though, when I entered Gatlinburg, the complete opposite of the landscape proceeding it. The main street is packed with wax museums, souvenir shops, flashing lights, and fried food. It's a spectacular spectacle! Then Arrowmont is this sweet little place tucked away just off that crazy road and it feels incredibly secluded for being so close to all that kitsch.

After I got settled into my room yesterday afternoon I settled into the fantastic metals studio with the help of artist-in-residence, Lisa Johnson. Next I was toured around the facilities by Bill Griffith, the program director, followed by an instructor meeting. There are only four instructors this session and about 20 students. The feel in general is very personal.

I have five students in my class all with varied backgrounds and metals experience. We met for about two hours last night--I gave them a safety tour and talked about the class, we introduced ourselves and chatted. They seem like a great bunch already and I am looking forward to spending my week with them.

I ended my night by driving around town as I listened to Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. 

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The Cover

My work made the cover of the Metalsmith Magazine's Exhibition in Print! I'm feeling many things at this moment and, honestly, I don't know where to begin...I will say the cover is beautiful with its white background and yellow accents. It feels like me. If at some point in the future I feel like I can better express myself here, I will.

This is an incredible honor.

 Seth Papac "orangeshagfauxwood" (one of my favorites from the exhibition)

You can see the list of participating artists here.

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Time Away

I don't know if you noticed but I was gone for a bit recently from blogging, Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. I was so busy I could barely find time to answer my emails, let alone write a blog post, upload images, etc. I have an incredible amount of work on my plate from now until November and it is a challenge to balance my time. So after some thought, I've decided to step away from online activity, again, like I did in May of 2009. I will be away for the rest of July and will start up again in early August. I just need time to be devoted to my bench. I hope you don't mind and I also hope you will come back later for more.

Thanks for reading.

New Rings

My work was recently published in a wonderful new book titled, New Rings by Nicolas Estrada. I am excited that two Line Drawings rings were chosen because they were among the work I made when I started getting back into studio jewelry. The rings pictured below are featured in the book alongside pieces by jewelers from around the world. The book also includes several interesting essays about rings.

Thanks for reading.