Guest Star #87...Namu Cho: SNAG Week Part 5

To find today's Guest Star I revisited my copy of Exhibition in Print: Fresh. I'm interested in so many of the artists featured inside and it's hard to choose just one to write about. But, after visiting everyone's website and lots of thought, I finally landed on Namu Cho. I chose him because I wanted to look closer at someone working with traditional techniques and using primarily metal. As much as I'm drawn to alternative materials and processes, it's refreshing to find someone who focuses on metal. Namu's work is composed of high-karat gold, damascene, and damascus steel. (One of the great things about his website is that he includes definitions of these materials as well as the techniques he uses.) I like his abstract compositions and how he pairs geometric form with organic line. The intricacy of the technique is also fascinating. 

Exhibition in Print: Fresh begins today at the Metal Museum.

Thanks for reading.

Heat Exchange: SNAG Week Part 4

 Work by Beate, Elizabeth, and Melissa

I was recently invited to participate in Heat Exchange, an exhibition of enameled works curated by Elizabeth Turrell, Melissa Cameron, and Beate Gegenwart. The exhibition will open in May and will be on view during the SNAG conference. Here's what the Exchange is all about:

"Heat, in physics, is defined as an exchange of energy. In thermodynamics, a heat exchanger is a system built to effect efficient heat transfer. In most heat exchange systems the exchange is mediated so that the hot and cold media do not come into contact. Typically it is only their energy that is exchanged. This exhibition seeks to replicate this exchange. The participating artists, located in North America, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom will exchange ideas and inspirations without actually coming into contact with one another. The main interface for their exchange is this blog."

Although not an enamelist per se, I have done some enameling and have wanted to focus more attention on it. Between spray paint and my solo show, however, I have not had a chance to do so, until now. This show is a fantastic opportunity for me to move forward with enameling and to participate with a such fascinating group of artists. I like the idea of interacting via the internet and look forward to the give-and-take that situation will afford all of us.

During the summer I made an enameled book while Elizabeth was teaching a class here at Penland. Something went "wrong" during a firing of one of my steel pages, but Elizabeth suggested I look at it in another way. This "mistake" will be my starting point as I begin work for this exhibition. I am also happy to report this little book will head to London for an exhibition of enameled books in September, 2012 at Studio Fusion Gallery.

Thanks for reading.

EIP at the Metal Museum: SNAG Week Part 3

This year's Exhibition in Print will be on view at the Metal Museum starting this Friday. You will be able to see the majority of the selected pieces in person, including my "Bow Cluster Brooch with Chain and Tassel." 

The opening reception is this Sunday, December 11 during the holiday open house at the Metal Museum from 12-5pm. The show will be on view until March 4, 2012.

"The General and His Lady" by Amy Weiks and Gabriel Craig

Thanks for reading.

Hot Under the Collar: SNAG Week Part 2

 

"Save Me From Myself" by Liz Steiner

I will jury an exhibition with Bob Ebendorf for the 2012 SNAG conference in Phoenix, AZ. The show, titled "Hot Under the Collar," will feature contemporary necklaces and was created by Liz Steiner, a recent MFA grad from East Carolina University. I am thrilled to be a part of this exhibition! Jurying has been in the back of my mind for some time now and I am excited that my first experience will be working with Bob. I think we will complement each other during the process and I look forward to working with him and Liz in the coming months. I am also excited to be involved with my community in this way. It is a opportunity to participate, to give back, and to promote the field and the work of my peers. There is an issue regarding the lack of insurance at the venue and steps are being taken to remedy the situation. Despite the controversy, I believe this troubling problem has come to the forefront for a reason and I truly hope that only good things will result in the end. If you are interested in reading about this, please visit the SNAG Facebook page.

Here is a description of the show followed by a link to the call for entry:

"Choker, collar, lariat, torque, pendant, the necklace is one of the most diverse formats available to metalsmiths today. Whether cascading down the front, or draped down the back, the possibilities are nearly endless. The human torso provides us with one of our largest canvases, while still keeping body as site.

From comments on the classic strand of pearls to contemporary takes on armor, this juried exhibition seeks to showcase how metalsmiths today interpret this incredibly versatile object."

You can find the call for entry and more information here. 

Thanks for reading.

Spotlight on Emerging Artists: SNAG Week Part 1

 Caitie Sellers

I have several SNAG-related events to share with you so this week's blogging is focused on my field's organization...I will be presenting a 15 minute lecture at the 2012 SNAG conference in Phoenix, AZ as part of the series, "Spotlight on Emerging Artists." This year's group includes Allyson Bone, Andrew Hayes, Caitie Sellers, Loring Taoka, and myself. My lecture is scheduled for Thursday, May 24 at 2:45pm and I will talk about my solo show and my residency. I'm looking forward to sharing my jewelry with me peers at the conference and to standing alongside the other Spotlight speakers who all make incredible work.

Allyson Bone

 Andrew Hayes

 Loring Taoka

Thanks for reading.

Guest Star #86...Niki Ulehla

While in San Francisco I took a drive to Healdsburg to visit Gallery Lulo. At that time, Niki Ulehla had a solo show on view with jewelry, paintings, and sculpture based on her dreams. Niki combines precious and found materials in unusual ways and creates jewelry that is curious and imaginative, disjointed and abstract. I really like this quote from the Gallery Lulo website: "Through these divergent techniques where play and exploration are among the most fundamental concerns, I work to create unique pieces that are simple and refined, albeit a little bit crazy."

Thanks for reading.

La Noche del Broche

My work is part of a brooch show opening tonight at Equinox Gallery in San Antonio, TX. "La Noche del Broche" features brooches by 100 artists from around the country. The show was curated by Alejandro Sifuentes with guest curators Jillian Palone, Gary Schott, and Laura Wood. The opening is tonight from 6-9pm.

Thanks for reading.