Drawing on Metal classes and fabrication classes

So many of you have been asking about Drawing on Metal classes this year and I promise that I will be teaching some.  Right now I am sort of in limbo because my mom has to have some major surgery which will be happening in Houston, TX.  By the end of next week I should have a better idea of when I will be able to plan a class.  As  soon as I know, I will let you know.  What I do know is that the classes will be held in Bakersville, NC.  Timing will depend on my mother’s surgery and how long her recuperation will be.  Family comes first but I am looking forward to my classes.

work, travel, teach

Sydney Opera House as seen from the botanical gardens.

2013 has started with a bang, and I don’t mean fireworks!  Once again I was able to spend nearly a month working in Key West at the studio of John Martini.  I love that space, even though I’m tucked into a little corner, when I step out of my space I’m surrounded by enormous colorful creatures that have truly inspired my work.  This year we were pleased to meet Studios Key West resident artists Vico Fabbris and his art historian wife, Grace.  Check out his work for a bit of inspiration of your own.  He is the definition of a renaissance man and he and Grace were a delight to know.  Of course the warm weather was lovely and I always work best when I’m warm and happy.  I have never been an artist who needed to suffer for her work.  After Florida I headed north to do a couple of shows in Philadelphia and Baltimore and then after just 2 short days to regroup I left for Australia to teach some workshops.

Yep, Australia.  Just 30 hours of travel which included 15 hours on the longest non-stop flight in the world and we arrived in Melbourne.  (why did they decide that stopping in Hawaii was a bad idea?) We loved Melbourne for its focus on the arts and the ease with which we were able to get around.   We saw some some great galleries there (more on that later) and the street art was amazing.  There were so many fabulously painted alleyways.  Melbourne has embraced it’s street art and it is not to be missed.

street art in Fitsroy, a section of Melbourne

In Sydney we, of course, toured the Opera House and  took in an Opera.  We try, each year, to visit one interesting architectural site and so you can image how thrilled we were to see the Sydney Opera house.  Of course we couldn’t be in Sydney without taking a trip to the famous Bondi Beach and then we walked along the cliffs from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach and little beyond.  In Brisbane we enjoyed the riverfront cultural district and the beautiful pedestrian bridges that connect to the central business district.   We also went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and got to pet a Koala and a Kangaroo.  Each city had a beautiful botanical garden right downtown and I had to visit each one.   I felt that each city was really livable and they do a lot to make everyone safe and comfortable.  We were especially struck by Federal Square in Melbourne where you can get a lawn chair or a cushion from a trailer full of these items and relax and watch the people go by.  In Brisbane all of the museums are free and there is a free manmade beach that is right across the river from the cbd which we enjoyed on our last day in Australia.   The Australians we met were all friendly and helpful.  It was a privilege to be invited to teach there.

More about the teaching next time, right now I must get back to work.  You know what they say…if you want to play you’ve got to pay.  It’s time for me to pay.

A little help from my friends…

photo by Sanders Visual Images — logo by Design One — graphic design by Marisa Falcigno

This necklace turned out to be one of my favorite pieces and I just had the fabulous Marisa Falcigno design new banners for my booth using Larry Sanders’ beautiful photo and my logo which is the work of Design One in Asheville, NC. You’ve heard the saying ” it takes a village,” well in a sense we all need our creative “village” to be successful. Sometimes we feel that because we are creative that we need to do it all ourselves but I find it best to turn to my talented friends for certain things. I’m so pleased with my new banners and I am also very excited to announce that this necklace, entitled “The Gift” will be included in the upcoming book, 500 Art Necklaces.  I have just returned from a glorious month in Key West (more on that later) and am packing again to head off to the Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia and directly on to the American Craft Council show in Baltimore, MD and then on to Australia to teach 3 workshops.  It’s already stacking up to be an exciting year so stay tuned …I can’t wait to see what’s next.

watch for my work in the upcoming book 500 Art Necklaces, published by Lark Books

New work for the new year

Lots of texture in fresh green and white for spring.

Another year behind us

Well, my friends, 2012 has been an interesting year.  I started the year by working in the studio of a friend in Key West, making work for 2 big shows in February.  It was really fun to be able to work hard and then take my breaks at the beach!  The shows were good and I’m grateful to the individuals and galleries who have supported my work.  I love making jewelry and am fortunate that there are those who want to wear it.  I’ve stopped doing most of the shows and am focusing on working with my galleries and on teaching.  I have taught more this year than most other years put together and I have enjoyed every class.  My students have ranged from beginners to experienced jewelers

Drawing on Metal class enjoying some lunch at Dot’s cafe.

and many have now become friends.  I want to thank each of you for allowing me to teach you.  Teaching has enriched my life, allowing me to be with other makers and share discoveries.  My favorite part of teaching is when a student has what I call an “aha” moment.  When someone finally understands a technique and can do it with confidence.   As I head into 2013 with a busy schedule, already, I look forward to all of the new relationships that I will forge, all of the “aha” moments,  and to making exciting new work.  I will be setting up my little studio in Key West for a few glorious weeks, doing a couple of shows in February, and spending a month in Australia where I will teach 3 classes and see a small part of the country.  In the spring I will also be moving my studio to Asheville where I’m looking forward to becoming part of a new community.  Keep an eye on the blog for previews of  work that I’m making for 2013.

Happy holidays to all of you, and  may you have a creative New Year.

Black Friday at Flow

I spent today at Flow. For those of you who don’t know, Flow is a shop that I own with 9 other artists in the small town of Marshall, NC. It’s as hand made and local as you can get! It was heartwarming to have a busy day at Flow with so many people stopping in to start their holiday shopping by purchasing beautiful hand made goods produced right here in Western North Carolina. Thank-you to all of those shoppers and to all of you who are making an effort to shop local and shop hand made this year. As an artist and shopkeeper I am truly grateful.

20/20

In related news, my exhibition of brooches, 20/20, will remain up at Flow until late December. All of the pin/pendant pieces are priced at $320.20 until the end of the year, after which the price will go up. No pressure…………..
Don’t forget to enjoy the holiday season when you can and let it be about connections rather than possessions.

Schedule error!!!

Okay, I need a new brain because the one I have is not functioning so well these days.  Maybe I’ll check on Ebay….  The workshop that I had previously said was November 10-13 is actually DECEMBER 10-13.  So sorry, I just realized my error this morning.  You know it’s only going to get worse from here……………………!