My friend Marsha and I headed up Friday morning, and spent a full day there - managing to walk the whole show of 650 artists. Marsha and I both work in clay, so clay and jewelry were our focus - and we neglected giving a detailed look to many fabulous fiber, wood, and glass artists. There simply wasn't time....
It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with the artists. When I do arts festivals - I meet and chat with my customers; we all do... so when the shoe is on the other foot! When I get to talk glaze with Valerie Bunnell, or ivory with Lisa Cylinder... what a treat! Let me introduce you to some of the jewelry artists I had the pleasure of meeting. Some I knew previously through their work, others were brand new to me...
Kathleen Dustin - If there was a Queen of Polymer I think it would be Kathleen. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to her - and we never even discussed the clay! But I have known her work since the late 80's and to chat - a pleasure!
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| real wood, polymer faux stones. |
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| "Seed Bead" - polymer and pearls. |
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| "Nigella pod" wrist purse. 8" |
Lisa and Scott Cylinder/Chickenscratch Jewelry - Whimsical, intelligent pieces with a focus on reclaimed materials. There was a story in each piece - and it enriched the experience to hear them! The reclaimed piano parts, ivory and the challenges it presents, we even talked music, and hair...
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| Vintage enameled watch face as birds head - pierced on the back to reveal numbers. |
Jackie Haines - Lovely seed bead work, at times incorporating PMC components also.
Brandon Holschuh - Organic designs in metal, reminiscent of pods and geodes. His booth and display was one of the best of the day. I flipped through his book -The Jeweler's Studio Handbook - while Marsha was chatting with him. Clear, interesting, may have to add it to my wish list.
Stacey Lee Webber - jeweler/sculptor working with coinage and hardware...
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| Mercury Dime pendant |
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| Screw necklace. |
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| Abe's lucky locket ring |
Roberta and David Williamson - Fantastical, stunning mixed media pieces integrating antique images, found objects...
There was so much to see, and just fantastic work exhibited. If you are in the mood for more, browse the list of artists at the ACC site. And I will be doing a series of posts on my blog with more artists and more work from the show - please stop by!
Do you ever attend shows like these? Tell me your thoughts. What artists do you wish you could meet and chat with?
Jenny
www.jdaviesreazor.com
