Necklace No. 6 in Print

  from top right, clockwise: 

Nikki Couppee, Katie Poterala, my necklace

Necklace No. 6 from Collected Memories: 1974-Present is part of an article by Michael Dale Bernard in the current Metalsmith magazine. "Material Complexity" describes the use of non-precious, mixed materials in contemporary jewelry and eloquently explains why artists, like myself, are using them. It's a beautiful piece and includes a strong group of artists. 

Michael asked each of us to write a short statement about our work. The following is my statement:

"This necklace is part of the series "Collected Memories: 1974 to Present." By using many different materials collected since childhood, I was able to intertwine events and people from my past that weren't connected until the moment each piece was made. Using my memory as a guide, the pieces were also assembled in such a way as to emphasize the impermanence and incompleteness of memory."

I am very pleased to be in Metalsmith again--it's always exciting to get some good press, especially in the magazine of my field. Then to have been chosen by such a strong maker in Michael and to be amongst such talented artists, makes it even more special. I've listed each person under their photo and included links to their websites. I strongly encourage you to visit each site and Michael's, as well. 

Katja Toporski 

 from top left, clockwise: Laura Wood, Kat Cole, Rachel Timmons

 from top left, clockwise: 

Laritza Garcia, Tara Locklear, Lauren Markley

Thanks for reading.

Paper Jewelry Love

Elsa Mora

I love paper and use it often as part of my artistic process, cutting and folding maquettes to help me visualize a piece before I begin fabricating it. My love of paper also keeps me looking for interesting paperwork in the form of jewelry. My friend Lisa who is really good at finding super-cool stuff on the internet sent me a link to the work of Elsa Mora and her incredible cut and folded paper ring (top image)...I've also added a few examples of more amazing jewelry made with paper:

Lydia Hirte

Laura Wood

Saloukee

Frucci Design

Tia Kramer

Nel Linssen

Thanks for reading.

Guest Star Friday #78...Thesis Friends

 

Loring Taoka from "Whiteout"  

March 8-11, Cora Stafford Gallery, University of North Texas, Denton

I've been getting MFA thesis announcements from metalsmithing friends around the country so I thought I would share their remarkable work with all of you for today's Guest Star Friday. Each artist has created a body of work built around a singular concept developed through intense study of their craft. Although some shows have come and gone, a few are about to open...I have provided links with each photo and artist name so you can further explore their work.

"Tarped Series" by Laura Wood from "ReCollection"

April 15-May 20, Gray Gallery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

"Nebuled Sag" by Sarah Holden from "Potent Materials"

April 15-April 30, Inova/Arts Center Gallery, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

"Constanly, she had to remind herself that LOVE was also a four-letter work."

by Marissa Saneholtz from "Corrupt Fairytales"  

April 15-May 20, Gray Gallery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

"Abaca Brooch 4" by Melissa Walter 

March 25-April 11, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Athens

"Sacra Sancta" by Liz Steiner from "Lithic Fragments: Sand, Stone and Spirituality

April 15-May 20, Gray Gallery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Andrea Miller from "Exchanges and Returns"
April 18-21, Lofts Gallery, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Thanks for reading.

Now THAT was good! ECU Symposium, Pt 1

There is so much to say about the ECU metals symposium "Material Topics: Shifting Traditions" which I attended over the weekend. In one word: fantastic. The event began Friday evening with two different openings including 20_3_20, an exhibition in which 20 different rings can be handled and tried on. My favorite rings were by Laura Wood and Joe Churchman. "Tin: The Element of Surprise" was also on view--alongside some great jewelry by Kat Cole, Marlene True, and Jane Wells Harrison, were several wall pieces by Margaret Couch Cogswell. Margaret just finished her Penland residency and since I have been missing her, I loved seeing her pieces. I also enjoyed the exhibition of student work. One of my favorite pieces was an enameled brooch by ECU grad student Tina Lazzarine. (Sorry I don't have a better image!) Finally, the display of Bob Ebendorf's spoon collection was fascinating to study.

Rings by Laura Wood and Joe Churchman from 20_3_20

student work exhibition

Brooch by Tina Lazzarine

Bob Ebendorf's spoon collection

I am still collecting my thoughts on the demonstrations and lectures and will write about them tomorrow.

More images on flickr.

Thanks for reading.