Ache, A Work-in-Progress

the finished installation, "Ache"

My participation in "Off the Wall" at the ECU Metals Symposium couldn't have come at a better time. I've been moving an idea around in my mind for some new autobiographical one-of-a-kind work. I'm not going to detail the concept yet as I'm still figuring it out, but in the meantime here are a few pictures of the piece I made for the show as well as the statement. I used the opportunity to begin the process of working out the idea and also documenting where I am at right now.

The wall before I started...I marked the space with blue tape, then began hanging a collection of items, moving them around, adding and subtracting until it felt complete. I did not photograph every move because I felt it would take away from the process.

detail of drawing on a photocopy of a Victorian bustle

"I see my work as more than just jewelry, I see it as objects that tell the story of my artistic process. I work through ideas and problems and learn about the meaning of my work by collecting, arranging, and processing tangible visual cues, works-in-progress, and finished pieces. I like to place these things in a specific arrangement on a wall in my studio. These pieces from a paper doily to a maquette to a partially made brooch to a complete necklace is evidence that can be studied. Hanging these items on the wall allows me to process the collection every time I walk by it both consciously and subconsciously. Through deliberate and unintentional analysis I am able to recognize patterns, discover visual definitions, self-edit, and develop new ideas. This differs from off the wall study simply because the perspective is physically different. When the work and its accompanying inspirations are grouped together on a wall they create a visual map and further establish the basis for a visual dialogue as they are seen as a whole. I can see how they relate to one another far easier than if they are separate and laying on a table."

the show postcard

Participating artists were asked to create a piece for the wall under the confines of a 2' x 4' space. My piece includes several one-hour exercises I made in the spring, a paper doily, some free-writing, a few chains, a button, a brass teardrop, a drawing on a photocopy, a piece of patterned metal, and some twisted steel wire. Once the piece was done, I took photos and made a diagram so the arrangement could be easily duplicated during the install. You can see more pictures including ones from the opening and the other works here.

Thanks to Tara Locklear and Bob Ebendorf for inviting me! 

Thanks for reading.

Open House...Now with Privacy Envelopes

My last open house as a resident at Penland was this past Friday. I spent part of the day rearranging and curating my collections as a way to both honor my studio and process the many thoughts in my mind about leaving. I also hung part of my collection of privacy envelopes on a wall. (I've been collecting them for about two years.) I have a new series in the works that will incorporate embroidery and privacy envelopes with metal. These works-in-progress are hanging next to the envelope collection.

I enjoyed spending time with my objects in this manner and even added some of my work among souvenirs from trips, family heirlooms, and found objects. Arranging is a big part of my process and always inspiring for me to do. When I was done I sat on my sofa and relished my space.

More on Flickr.

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arrangements

i was interviewed for a project recently by a student at the massachusetts college of art and design. along with answering some questions, lauren also requested some images for her presentaion. i emailed her 10 and told her if she wanted anything specific that i did not include to just let me know. then she asked if i had any shots of my collections and arrangements in my studio. (lauren had been to penland last summer and saw my studio then.) i told her i didn't have any but had been thinking about this very thing - her request motivated me to document this current interest of mine and on saturday when the lighting was good i got to it. you can see all the shots on flickr.

and, to share something cool with you, check out lisa congdon's blog "a collection a day, 2010." lisa posts a daily photo of one of her many collections, some are objects, some are drawings, and all are very interesting. since realizing my keen interest in order, arrangements, and collecting last summer, i love finding others who are like minded. i was delighted to stumble upon lisa's wonderful project.

thanks for reading.