It's been awhile...

So after an intense week of working the Smithsonian Craft Show in DC, my energy level was in need of a boost....I have rested, recooped and am ready to get to the bench! The Smithsonian Craft Show was an amazing experience that left me charged up in more ways than one. Overall, the experience provided me with the pleasure of getting to know Todd Reed on a more personal level along with Los Angeles based jeweler/scupltor, Eric Silva (www.ericsilva.com). We enjoyed dinners in Georgetown and attended the Jewelers Werk gallery opening featuring Karl Fritsch and Robert Baines. Earlier in the week we sat down for thai food near Chinatown with Thomas Mann and Dennis Nahabetian.
The work featured this year was fantastic! The amount of inspirtation I attained from the artists, the work and the energy was almost too much to digest. Some of my favorites include Adam Smith-mixed media, Jennifer McCurdy-ceramics, Judith Kinghorn-jewelry, Deborah Muhl-basketry, Carla Reiter-jewelry, and Andrea Janosik-jewelry.
Working sixty hours in five days can surely be exhausting, but the opportunity to meet artists sharing the same goal of sustaining a life as a craftsperson, promoting the education of fine craft and altering the conditioned notions of art has made me realize that I need no justification in the DIY field I have chosen.
Persuing the passion...

Getting busy!

So I realized I never explained the work of Todd Reed, the artist I'll be assisting this week at the Smithsonian Craft Show in D.C. He is based out of Boulder, CO and his work is quite unique! He uses yellow gold, platinum, paladium and sterling silver along with cut and uncut diamonds. If you are familiar with him or uncut diamonds I suggest checking out his website www.toddreed.com. His collaboration of uncut diamonds with cut diamonds is an interesting contrast while his designs are innovative and fresh. Hence my excitement!

On another note I applied to the Crafty Bastards Craft Show today, and am happy to announce there will not only be one but two this year. I have applied to the one in June since it is for uncoming DIY artists and the one held in September will not fit my schedule to move to CA in early September. I'll find out in a couple weeks and am keeping my fingers crossed since they are only accepting 50 vendors. Hopefully I will be happy to call mysefl one!

Excited....

I'm gearing up for the long week ahead of me....Very excited though since I'll be assisting Todd Reed at the Smithosonian Craft Show in D.C.! I have worked with Todd before and it is always quite the privledge. I am not a morning person by any stretch so we shall see how the adjustment goes at 7am! Show goes from thursday April 10th thru the 13th- do come.

Looking forward to spending time in the studio after my day shifts at one of the most amazing craft shows of the year....I'm sure to be inspired after taking in all the beautiful work!

Frustrating...

So I'm having difficulty photographing my work, naturally since my camera is only 5.0 megapixels and jewelry in particular is very hard to photograph unless you are a professional. I'm finding that until I get my hands on a better camera I'll have to settle for photographing my work outside, since natural light has proven to be the best.
So with that said, there will be more pictures of the Regal Series very soon, especially of those clasps I love so very much!
On another note, I'm excited to fill out some applications for upcoming craft shows! I'm hoping this summer is going to be a lucritive one!

Here we go...

So here it is....my emergence into the world of blogging! I know, I know a little late, but then again sometimes its never too late! I feel like its only appropriate to start a blog of my own since I read so many blogs of other artists and friends of mine. I myself am an artist, specifically a metalsmith and jeweler. It is important for people to know what your doing as an artist and what a great way to do so via a blog.

I am currently excited to announce that my new 'Regal Series' is certainly taking off! My sketches continue to evolve in new directions and the pieces are turning out better than I expected. I usually find the clasp to be the most challenging, but with this series the ideas are pouring out of me! Here is a sneek peak... more pics to come, especially of the wonderful clasps:)

Look forward to writing more and to you reading!