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.

Variations with Spray Paint

Loring Taoka

I spent some time practicing my color on metal presentation yesterday and decided to add images of spray painted jewelry made by others in the field. I thought it would be interesting for students to see a variety of styles and applications beyond just my work. Here's a few that I really like...

Sara Borgegård 

Leia Zumbro

Mallory Weston

Tara Locklear

I teach and lecture tomorrow at California College of the Arts. The public lecture is from 3-4pm.

Thanks for reading.

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.

My Metal-Centric Weekend

Last Friday I drove to Raleigh to visit Tara Locklear and to attend several exhibitions. I arrived on Friday and drove with Tara to Greenville to see the MFA thesis show of Leia Zumbro. The show was lovely. (More tomorrow...!) The next day Tara and I worked in her studio and later went to Chapel Hill to attend the opening of Metal 2012 at Light Art + Design. This was my first time at the gallery and I was immediately impressed. The space alone is incredible with its high ceilings, massive support beams, and concrete floors. It has a monumental feel. The work throughout the space is wonderful-- thoughtfully chosen and displayed. The exhibition was fantastic with a variety of excellent jewelry and metalwork. I had a wonderful time visiting with friends and other attendees. A former assistant of mine even came, Emily Breyer. She worked with me one summer at Penland and makes some pretty fantastic jewelry herself. I think it's been two years since I last saw her and it was such a treat to catch up! 

Some of my favorite pieces from the show include Ele Annand's drawings on steel and the jewelry of Ashley Buchanan. (above images)

The next day I met up with Janet Link. Janet is an incredible draughtsman and curated the current Via Penland show at Rebus Works in Raleigh. The show features drawing and includes some of my Line Drawing necklaces. The gallery was closed on Sunday but I got to take a look anyway with Janet close by to talk about the work. All the artists are Penland-affiliated and most of them friends of mine. It was cool to see everyone together in that way, especially my work alongside the work of my friend Rachel Garceau. 

My Line Drawing No. 8 and ceramic pieces by Rachel Garceau

Next I drove to Charlotte to spend time with Day Hixson, another wonderful metalsmith. Then on Monday I had a private sale at my friend Amy's house. Amy invited her friends and we drank champagne all day. It was so much fun!

...and now I am back in Asheville, but only for a few days before I head to my mom and dad's house for Christmas. I haven't seen them since I left for Belgium and I really can't wait to see them again!

Lots more pics on Facebook!

Thanks for reading.

Guest Star #105...Tara Locklear

skateboard decks

I'm off to Raleigh today to spend the weekend with today's Guest Star, Tara Locklear. Tara and I are both in METALS 2012 at Light Art + Design and will be attending the opening on Saturday. We will also head to Greenville to attend the thesis show of our friend, Leia Zumbro, and plan to spend time together in Tara's studio. (I've been looking forward to this weekend since I got back from Belgium!) I met Tara a few years ago when she was at ECU working on her BFA; our shared love of spray paint is how our friendship began.

Tara's work focuses on jewelry as status symbol and she uses iconic images and forms to convey her ideas. What I like most about her work is her exploration and ambitious use of materials: skateboard decks, concrete, spray paint, enamel, plastic, wood, steel...Her combination of the unusual with the traditional makes the viewer take a closer look and think twice.

concrete, faux gold leaf

enamel, glass decals

steel, cement, garnets

plastic, concrete

ebony piano keys, sterling inlay, cement

Thanks for reading.

Teaching Week Part 3: Pocosin Arts Cabin Fever Reliever

 In February I will teach a chain making class called "Innovating the Chain" at Pocosin Arts Cabin Fever Reliever, a four day, three night creative arts retreat.

"In this class students will be challenged to think beyond the traditional chain while learning chain making techniques and design using both wire and sheet metal. Students will examine and manipulate line, shape, repetition, pattern, and negative space to innovate and personalize their chains. Daily demonstrations and discussions will be complemented with projects and lots of one-on-one time."

I've been wanting to teach a chain making class so I am excited for this opportunity. I will be joined by Tara Locklear, a BFA metals student at East Carolina University, as my assistant. 

Other instructors include:

Mary Hettsmansperger - baskets
Kranitzky and Overstreet - mixed-media
Akira Satake - handbuilt vessels
Jane Wells Harrison - painting
Kirsten Stingle - figurative ceramics

CFR takes place February 16-19, 2012 in Bulls Bay, NC.

Thanks for reading.

charm exchange

tara locklear, a metals student at ecu, invited me to participate in a recent charm exchange that she organizes several times a year. it's similar to the "pin swap" that kicks off the annual society of north american goldsmith's conference, but what's different about the charm exchange is that it is for ecu metals students, both current and former, and their metalsmithing mentors. participants make one charm each and names are drawn for the exchange. even though i was not able to be present for the day of the event, tara drew a name for me while my name was picked by marlene true. i got a sweet tin and copper charm made by marissa saneholtz. i forgot to take a picture of the piece i made, but marlene was kind enough to send one along. (thanks, marlene!)


thanks for reading.