In Living Color

In my jewelry and in my mixed media assemblages, I tend to be drawn to the same colors again and again.  These include the raw colors of all types of metal, and of metal in various forms of decay.  This palette is comforting to my eye, and somehow it has a story to tell.


In my work, the exception to this includes any and all of the folk art pieces that I create.  In these, all bets are off!  Bright rules; more colors are a wonderful thing; and generally each piece is polka dotted to within an inch of its life.



While I adore both of these approaches to my art, for years I've challenged myself to "add more color to my jewelry".  This has come in the form of beads, enameling, fiber, and various patinas.

In January, I joined the talented Debbie Keen and Nikki Thornburg-Lanigan for a weekend of creative play.  During our time together, we experimented with metal etching, enameling, graphite, colored pencils, and alcohol inks.  We learned from the good , the bad, and the ugly... and we had a ball!


As I posted this photos to Facebook today, I realized that this process of adding color continues to evolve for me, and I love where it's going.

The journey continues...

Jean Skipper's Creative Marketing - July 2016 at MATTIE Arts Center in Swan Quarter, North Carolina

MATTIE Arts Center in Swan Quarter, North Carolina is one of my favorite hidden art gems.  It's hidden in that Swan Quarter itself is off-the-beaten-path in the best possible way.  It's convenient in that it's located in the center of town, beside The Hyde County Government Center, and anyone lucky enough to be arriving or departing The Swan Quarter Ferry to or from Ocracoke Island will reach its front doors with little to no extra effort at all.

MATTIE is an acronym for Mattamuskeet Artisans - Teaching, Training, Instructing, and Educating, and MATTIE Arts Center lives its mission one class, event, artist, and student at a time.  At Mattie Arts you'll find a gallery, classroom, and a passion for art, artisans, and the community that can barely be contained in its walls.  Today I'm exceedingly grateful to announce that I've been invited to contribute to MATTIE Arts' economic development efforts by leading my Business Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs Workshop on July 30, 2016 from 9:00 until 12:00.

Please call or email MATTIE Arts to register for this free event!

   

To register for this event, please call MATTIE Arts at 

252-943-8991 or email MATTIEArtsCenter@Hyde1854Courthouse.org.  

Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.   

The cost of Business Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs is being funded by The Beaufort Community College Small Business Center.  As a result, there will be no cost to individual participants. 

The Small Business Center Network (SBCN) now has over 60 sites throughout the State.  Its known as the most expansive state funded technical assistance program in the United States, having locations within a 30 minute drive of virtually every North Carolinian.  The objective of the SBCN is to increase the success rate and the number of viable small businesses in North Carolina by providing high quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners which will lead to job creation and retention. 

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I'll also be leading a metalsmithing class during my time in Swan Quarter.

Details to follow soon!

Inspiration in Living Color

Since our studios are side-by-side, how could I
my Critters and Creatires not find some inspiration in the
expansive color palette of Jodi Ohl's work?!?

I tend to find creative inspiration all around me everyday.  Often, I'm inspired without even thinking about it consciously, and I almost never find the need to articulate why or how something strikes a cord with me.  

Recently I was asked, "What inspires your work?"  This question caused me to pause, and it set me on a more conscious path toward identifying the sources of my inspiration.  "Color" is an answer that I return to again and again when I'm seeking inspiration.  Often it's the colors in nature that inspire me...the greening of trees in Spring, the blue of our Carolina Sky, or the palette that surrounds me while near the ocean.  

Man made cacophonies of color inspire me in a completely different way.  A few photos from my archives follow.  I find that these images are especially inspirational to me.

Glass in Debbie Keen's Lampworking Studio

Fresh veggies prepped and waiting to be transformed.

A collection of buttons at Creative Studios NC.

While inspiration from bright colors isn't always apparent in my collection,

It's hard to miss it when the mood moves me!

In my jewelry, and in Wanda's Folk Art.

Pattern and texture definitely inspire me as well; but I think I'll save that discussion for another day.

What inspires you?  If it's color, what are some of the images that move you to create and how is this inspiration reflected in your work?

Captured for Posterity - Etching with Lori and Zoe

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending time at Creative Studios NC with my friend, Lori, and the newest addition to her family, Zoe.  Zoe is just over a month old, and Lori's enjoying bonding time with her while on maternity leave.

My day plan included etching huge numbers of cuff bracelets and other metal parts and pieces, while also taming the chaos that's overwhelmed my studio since returning from our most recent ReMe Retreat.  I happily report that I remained focused and on task...for the first hour or so.  For me, this is a major accomplishment.

After that, all bets were off!  It began innocently enough in a conversation about resin, vintage lace, and the manner in which we could create a collection of charms through the years to mark the milestone's in Zoe and Sophie's lives.  (Sophie, aka "Zoe's Big Sister", is almost three years old.)

The next thing I knew...

And the end result of it all...

Please note that no babies were harmed while making these pieces!  Lori will be creating wall art by mounting and framing them.  

I'm hopeful that this is the first of many such pieces that I'll have a hand in creating.  If you'd like to make something similar, or if you have another crazy-good idea that you'd like to discuss, please message me at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com, or call Creative Studios NC at 910-245-4129.

When Opportunity Knocks - Creations from Jewelry Class - ReMe - Ocracoke - May 2016

Here's a sample of my work in process from my
'When Opportunity Knocks" Class

At the beginning of May, I had the absolute pleasure of leading my 'When Opportunity Knocks' class at our ReMe Retreat - Ocracoke.

This exploration in self expression is represented by vintage treasures, found objects, resin, beads, baubles, and other parts and pieces.  Our guests knocked it right out of the park!

Here for your viewing pleasure, in no particular order, are 

our guests' creations from this class.

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We'll be publicly debuting our next 

ReMe Retreat on Monday, May 23rd.  

Stay tuned for more details!

It's a Metal Etching Time of Year at Creative Studios NC

For the next few weeks, I'll be focusing on etching solid copper and brass.  The very thought that we're able to permanently capture each other's handwriting in metal for posterity is magical, and so sentimental.

Imagine the possibilities.  Children's writing for Mom and Dad, words of encouragement for friends and family, love notes to our significant others, and so much more!  Words, sayings, song lyrics, bible verses, drawings, doodles, and stamped designs; the sky is the limit!  These pieces are so near and dear to my heart.What will we create?  

Cuff Bracelets?  Yes!  

Necklaces?  Absolutely!

Earrings?  Will do!

Key Rings?  Them too!

Please join us.  Class prices start at just $29 for one finished necklace, cuff bracelet, or earrings.  A reduced price will also be offered if you'd care to make additional pieces.

Registrations are suggested, and may be made by calling 910-245-4129.  Drop-ins are also welcome.  I'll be in the studio and available at the times that follow: 

Tuesday, April 19th, (Today!) 10:30 - 1:30
Wednesday, April 20th, 1:00 - 4:00
Thursday, April 21st, 1:00 - 4:00
Tuesday, April 26th, 10:30 - 1:30

Other days and evenings by chance, or please call to schedule a time that's convenient for you.

This gorgeous patina graced me with its presence yesterday in The Studio..

Marketing Magic at The Magic Bean

I just returned from the most invigorating trip to Ocracoke Island.  I was there to lead a series of sessions called, Business Marketing For Creative Entrepreneurs.  We were the  best kind of business community!  Among our ranks there were visual artists, musicians, performers, photographers, and business owners.  We represented arts organizations, non-profits, news outlets, spas, salons, galleries, a book store, a tackle shop, and more!

For the first two days of our time together, we met in small groups at The Magic Bean Coffee Bazaar.  This warm wonderful location was the perfect place for us.  In addition to great coffee and other refreshments, owner Katy Mitchell and her staff welcomed us with open arms.

The story of The Magic Bean is probably best told in a personal visit; you must experience it for yourself!  For now, these pictures will have to do, and I encourage you to treat yourself to a stop at this gem anytime you're on Ocracoke.

Leave your mark.

Holy Creativity!  Inviting you to dive right in and play.

Something for everyone!

A few pieces by the talented Kitty Mitchell.

This was my view throughut the day.
The Magic continues outside...on the porch,
and in the yard and garden!

Thanks again to Katy Mitchell for extending her hospitality, and also to Kim Robinson Meacham of Milk Street Soaps, The Ocracoke Open Source Community, Hyde County, North Carolina, and Lentz Stowe of Beaufort Community College Small Business Center for facilitating such a wonderful opportunity for all involved!  I'll be providing additional details about all of you and the fabulous services that you provide soon on this blog.