Parallel Constellations - The Final

thanks to the Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco 

for the great images

Just a few final thoughts about my two-person show with Raissa Bump...The entire process was wonderful from start to finish. It really and truly was. Two years ago we were invited by Gallery Lulo to do this show over lunch on a beautiful California day. In January of this year we began developing the concept and started making the work. Over the following months we talked frequently, discussing progress, problems, and triumphs.

photo: Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco

Working with Raissa couldn't have been easier or more lovely. We worked beautifully together as we shared ideas and challenges and made decisions regarding various aspects of the exhibition. We were also supportive of one another all along the way. I arrived in San Francisco a few days before we installed the work and spent most of my time with Raissa in her home and studio. We talked more about the work and the process and even made new pieces side by side. It felt fantastic to have an equal partner in a big project like this. It was good to know I was not alone, while being challenged in new ways to do well. I loved every minute! I'm glad we had that time together before the opening. It felt like the perfect end to the story. It felt really special.

Raissa was the person who encouraged me to get back into one-of-a-kind work several years ago when I was feeling discouraged by production jewelry. Since then we have become good friends and close colleagues. Being in a show with her was a wonderful way for me to honor our relationship. It was also a wonderful new way to experience what I do. I am honored to be in a show with such a dear friend and colleague and it was truly an absolute pleasure to work with her.

Thank you, Raissa! 

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Parallel Constellations - The Opening

thanks to Nat Hansen for the wonderful photo of Raissa and I during our artist talk

What a wonderful opening it was! The work looked beautiful, lots of people came, and we gave a casual, yet intimate talk. It all felt incredibly natural and personal, right on par with the entire process from developing the idea to making the work to collaborating to installing the finished pieces in the gallery. What an absolute pleasure to celebrate with a dear friend and colleague after two years of planning and working.

Thanks to everyone who attended the opening - it felt truly special. Huge thanks to the Metal Arts Guild of San Francisco for making a special trip and for all the great questions and conversation. And, finally, sincere thanks to Karen and Katrina of Gallery Lulo for taking us on and for being so supportive throughout the process. 

Thanks to the amazing Suzanne Pugh for these great photos, too! (top and bottom)

More images on Flickr.

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Parallel Constellations - The Install

Raissa and I installed the work on Friday before the opening and it really could not have gone better. We began with our collaborative pieces because we knew we wanted them together--it was a simple, defined place to start. Then we moved on to our black and white necklaces. Next we began working with a grouping of tables, selecting one for her pieces, one for mine, and the other two for a mix of our work. Finally, we added more work to the walls and in the end, filled the space. 

The process was easy as we exchanged thoughts on what would be the best use of the space and the best places for our pieces. Karen and Katrina, our gallerists, were very supportive. They were open to our ideas and helped us to fully utilize the gallery. Our choices and the way the installation unfolded felt natural and unforced. 

More images on Flickr.

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Parallel Constellations - The Work

Sea and Land, Land and Sky, sterling silver

Maps: Upland, brass, sterling silver

a collaborative piece with Raissa Bump

Monoscopic, sterling silver

 Equilibrium, brass, sterling silver

Left Turn, Right Turn, brass, sterling silver

See the rest of the work on Facebook and on Flickr.

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In Tandem

A few images of Raissa and I in her studio working on the final pieces for the show as well as titles and other show-related details. It's been great to work alongside her the last two days since we've been planning this show from afar for two years! 

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Seattle Debrief

I never tire of seeing this sculpture by Richard Serra at the 

Olympic Sculpture Park

I just left Seattle after an absolutely wonderful week of reconnecting with dear friends and colleagues, teaching at The Ranch, a trunk show at Velouria, and my usual wandering and art viewing/sight-seeing...Here are some highlights in pictures:

some of my students at The Ranch where I taught a two-day version of "Innovating the Chain"

The first Agnes Martin painting I have ever seen in person at the Seattle Art Museum. This was a big moment for me -  she is one of my favorite artists. 

The only picture I got to take at the Seattle Art Museum while visiting Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion.

one of my favorite pieces of street art, found in Pioneer Square

I got to spend part of a day with my mentor and dear friend Lori Talcott in her studio. 

Lots more on Flickr...

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Back to Velouria

Amanda wearing my "Small Earrings in Yellow"

I'm so happy to announce I will return to Velouria in Seattle next Thursday for a trunk show! Back in my Collections' days, Velouria was one of my favorite shops and I had trunk shows there regularly. My work is available at the shop once more and as I was planning this upcoming trip, I thought it would be wonderful to reintroduce myself with a little show. The shop has new owners and I'm looking forward to meeting them along with their lovely customers. I will have lots of work on hand from my latest collections, "History Repeats," "Regal Graffiti," and "Line Drawings," and will be ready to visit with all of you. The show is next Thursday, September 5 from 5-8pm. Hope you can make it!

My trip to the West Coast begins tomorrow! My first stop is in Seattle for this trunk show and teaching at The Ranch. Then I fly to San Francisco to install "Parallel Constellations" at Gallery Lulo with Raissa Bump and to attend the opening on September 14. I'll be blogging as I go...

Remembering Earrings

Sentiment Earrings

Cat wearing "My Anchor"

Find Velouria on Facebook and the invitation to the show here.

Thanks for reading.