What type of jewelry do you make? For example, what media do you work with? What are your favorite media to work with?
My work seldom fits into a neat and tidy category. "Narrative, wearable sculpture" describes it best. It begins with the belief that all things, even common, throw-away bits, have value and beauty. Cast off glass and plastic, paper, wood and metal mingle with semi-precious stones and silver like the blending of individual voices into a concert of the whole. I don't have a favorite material or media. I enjoy the process of discovering the characteristics of various elements when exposed to heat, water, salt, pressure. Keep an open mind and embrace the "what happens if I try this..."
How did you get started in jewelry-making?
It started as a challenge, to prove that I could do something that I had never tried. It evolved into a quest to learn new terminology and techniques, try new tools, experiment with time-tested materials and push the boundaries.
What other places did you learn jewelry-making techniques?
I have been very fortunate along my creative journey to learn from some amazing artists! Workshops are an invaluable source of inspiration and an opportunity to share creative energy.
One of the first workshop series I attended was at Bead & Button (Milwaukee) with Susan Lenart Kazmer. Susan has the most amazing color sense and playful approach to materials.
I first learned of Robert Ebendorf at a retrospective of his work at the Renwick Gallery in DC. A few months later, I took a workshop with him at Pocosin Arts. Bob is truly a leader in the studio jewelry movement. His work challenges the concept of what is precious. He combines traditional goldsmithing techniques with unconventional materials to refashion the discarded into amazing jewelry assemblages.
I understand that you live in the sleepy town of Saluda, NC. What brought you to Saluda or what does Saluda have to offer to an artist like you?
It was one of those chance discoveries that in an instant, change your life! I was living at the Outer Banks with all the wind and water thinking..."what was I thinking!" I had taught workshops at Chevron Trading Post in Asheville and loved the area. My search for a place to settle involved a systematic search of the MLS real estate listings for about two years via the internet. I also took the more random, what if approach...driving around, seemingly aimlessly. Both methods came together in a sort of big-bang, Ah-Ha moment when I discovered Saluda and Random Arts, Jane Powell's mixed media artist's mecca.
You mentioned that you are working on a book with Lark Books. What is the focus of your book and when will it be published? Do you have a title yet?
It is still very much in the development stage. Sort of a how-to adventure guide on creating your own personalized jewelry with a message. Mixed-media...found objects...re-purposed materials...conventional materials all combined in an unconventional manner to create narrative, wearable sculpture. Tentative date for publication is in the Fall of 2011...providing we have a title by then!
I know that you teach workshops. I imagine that you must enjoy teaching. Could you tell us what draws you to teaching?
I love sharing ideas and techniques. The group dynamic is an amazing way for us to combine our personal experiences, to re-energize and explore new ways of thinking and doing. Sometimes I think I learn more from the students than I impart!
Could you tell us about your involvement with Asheville's Arts for Life organization?
Arts for Life (http://www.aflnc.org/) is a non-profit organization improving the lives and healthcare experiences of children and adolescents by teaching patients visual art, creative writing, and music. Each day, Arts for Life teachers direct art stations and lead art lessons for patients battling cancer and other serious illnesses. I am one of many committed teachers providing arts instruction to kids within Mission Hospital here in Asheville. We also have chapters in Charlotte, Winston/Salem and Durham, our members and volunteers strive to create many healing moments for patients and their families.
Thanks Louise! It was great to hear all about you and your jewelry-making.
My work seldom fits into a neat and tidy category. "Narrative, wearable sculpture" describes it best. It begins with the belief that all things, even common, throw-away bits, have value and beauty. Cast off glass and plastic, paper, wood and metal mingle with semi-precious stones and silver like the blending of individual voices into a concert of the whole. I don't have a favorite material or media. I enjoy the process of discovering the characteristics of various elements when exposed to heat, water, salt, pressure. Keep an open mind and embrace the "what happens if I try this..."
How did you get started in jewelry-making?
It started as a challenge, to prove that I could do something that I had never tried. It evolved into a quest to learn new terminology and techniques, try new tools, experiment with time-tested materials and push the boundaries.
What other places did you learn jewelry-making techniques?
I have been very fortunate along my creative journey to learn from some amazing artists! Workshops are an invaluable source of inspiration and an opportunity to share creative energy.
One of the first workshop series I attended was at Bead & Button (Milwaukee) with Susan Lenart Kazmer. Susan has the most amazing color sense and playful approach to materials.
I first learned of Robert Ebendorf at a retrospective of his work at the Renwick Gallery in DC. A few months later, I took a workshop with him at Pocosin Arts. Bob is truly a leader in the studio jewelry movement. His work challenges the concept of what is precious. He combines traditional goldsmithing techniques with unconventional materials to refashion the discarded into amazing jewelry assemblages.
I understand that you live in the sleepy town of Saluda, NC. What brought you to Saluda or what does Saluda have to offer to an artist like you?
It was one of those chance discoveries that in an instant, change your life! I was living at the Outer Banks with all the wind and water thinking..."what was I thinking!" I had taught workshops at Chevron Trading Post in Asheville and loved the area. My search for a place to settle involved a systematic search of the MLS real estate listings for about two years via the internet. I also took the more random, what if approach...driving around, seemingly aimlessly. Both methods came together in a sort of big-bang, Ah-Ha moment when I discovered Saluda and Random Arts, Jane Powell's mixed media artist's mecca.
You mentioned that you are working on a book with Lark Books. What is the focus of your book and when will it be published? Do you have a title yet?
It is still very much in the development stage. Sort of a how-to adventure guide on creating your own personalized jewelry with a message. Mixed-media...found objects...re-purposed materials...conventional materials all combined in an unconventional manner to create narrative, wearable sculpture. Tentative date for publication is in the Fall of 2011...providing we have a title by then!
I know that you teach workshops. I imagine that you must enjoy teaching. Could you tell us what draws you to teaching?
I love sharing ideas and techniques. The group dynamic is an amazing way for us to combine our personal experiences, to re-energize and explore new ways of thinking and doing. Sometimes I think I learn more from the students than I impart!
Could you tell us about your involvement with Asheville's Arts for Life organization?
Arts for Life (http://www.aflnc.org/) is a non-profit organization improving the lives and healthcare experiences of children and adolescents by teaching patients visual art, creative writing, and music. Each day, Arts for Life teachers direct art stations and lead art lessons for patients battling cancer and other serious illnesses. I am one of many committed teachers providing arts instruction to kids within Mission Hospital here in Asheville. We also have chapters in Charlotte, Winston/Salem and Durham, our members and volunteers strive to create many healing moments for patients and their families.
Thanks Louise! It was great to hear all about you and your jewelry-making.
1 comments:
What beautiful work and what a terrific interview, Lynn!
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