Work in Process

Here's a glimpse at my latest work in process. Yes, it's still in raw form, so you'll need to check back after next Wednesday for updated photos!

I've been taking the most amazing metalsmithing class lead by Erica Stankwytch Bailey. It's been a long time since I've allowed myself the pleasure of being a student in a class, and one of my commitments to myself this year was to make time for it. I seriously considered the immersion approach of a week long session with one instructor. Instead I opted for a regional weekly course of study, and I'm so happy that I did.

In addition to the fact that Erica is an amazing artist and teacher, I'm also enjoying my new weekly creative habit. My class time, and my preparation for class time, is mine alone, and it's dedicated to developing my skills while expanding the possibilities within my current body of work.

I'm looking forward to all that follows!

A Walk Down Memory Lane

I've been seeking a photo that I created years ago, and I'm taking a walk down memory lane as a result. This process reminds me of so many things that I've forgotten. It also reminds me of my history as an artist. Life goes by so quickly, and I seem to be stuck in forward motion. I rarely take the time to look back and think about the evolution of my work. Perhaps it's something that I'll do more often in the future.

These three pieces are 6" deep cradled canvases. All were sold to collectors, and I'd completely forgotten them. This morning I realized that my love of words transcends the media in which I work. I also realized that the same words that meant so much to me four years ago still ring true in my heart.

Four years ago?!?! Could it possibly be four years?!?!?! Was it only four years?!?!?!? I suppose that it was, and in any case, I'm happy to have found the photos.

Peace Be With Them...

It's a field-trip day for Alan. He's been talking about it for days, and I know that he'll have a ball!



As for the teachers and chaperones...thank you! As I write this, I'm sending peaceful thoughts your way. :-)

Ten Ten Project

This is the first glimpse of what will eventually be my Ten Ten Project. It started innocently enough as a loose plan to cut wire while I was enjoying my trip as a passenger on a four hour drive. What you see here are the results so far.

More to follow soon...

Alan's Valentine's Surprise

When Alan was doing the dishes tonight, (A rare occurrence in and of itself!!!), he began yelling for us to hurry into the kitchen.

He'd placed a large pot into the water, and this was the result. How appropriate?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Creativity, Faith, and My Uncle Frank

For ages, a new jewelry creation for myself has been dancing around my head and heart. In it, I wanted to feature all or part of my favorite prayer, The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi. It's a long prayer; but it moves me every time I hear it or read it.

Well life can be busy, and sometimes I'm too busy for my own good. As a result, this piece had been moved to my personal back burner on more occasions than I care to admit. Then last month my Godfather, my Uncle Frank, passed away.

I was surprised when I discovered that my favorite prayer was featured on his prayer cards at the funeral home. Was it his favorite prayer too? I'm not sure; but I'd like to believe that it was. My Uncle Frank was a man who lived his faith; I admired him for it; and I think that this prayer embodies that spirit. He was also a man who loved God, life, his family, art, and music. He played an influential role in shaping my life and my career choice, and I miss him more than I can say.

After a very long incubation period, this piece virtually created itself, and I am so pleased with the results. When I wear it I'll think of him, and it will remind me to make time for those things in life that matter most.

Months ago....(Many months ago!)...I bent the handle of a spoon that I'd been moving from place to place around my studio for quite some time. The sharply curved metal and the feel of this piece in my hand pleased me; but I had no idea as to what else I would do with it. This unknowing is a part of the creative process for me. I have faith that inspiration will strike in its own time, and I've developed infinite patience as a result.

After bending this piece, I relocated it periodically and clipped it to a variety of temporary homes around my studio. I'd play with it when it caught my attention; but I was never moved to do anything else with it...until today. Today, while I was midway through a variety of other projects in my studio, an image of the finished piece popped into my head. I dropped what I was doing, retrieved my bent little spoon, and the creating was easy.

I'm thrilled with the results! This piece is all mine. Its substantial and interesting; it feels good to wear it; , and as I embarq on my quest for healthier living in 2010, I hope that it will remind me to breathe before I reach for another spoon... unless of course it's to add to this collection! :-)

Soon, I'll be debuting these creations in my store on 1000 Markets. This is a new venue for me, and I'm really excited about it. In the mean time, please feel free to contact me here if your need for a spoon of your own is more urgent.