Daily Art Muse - Contemporary fine craft curated by Susan Lomuto » Metal

kinetic objects: angela fung slides her way to success

Susan Lomuto — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:40:35 +0000

Angela Fung’s kinetic jewelry collection includes rings that spin and slide, pendants that glide and bracelets that fold. The rest of her portfolio boasts not-quite-kinetic jewelry that looks like it might spring right off of your body. All appeal to the fidgety, restless side of me.

Fold Bracelet, silver, stainless steel

Slide Ring, titanium, 18kt gold rivets, blue topaz

Spin Ring, gold, platinum, diamond

Fung’s engagement rings with diamonds that spin in their settings are interesting – but wouldn’t you be afraid of what might happen if the pin that holds the diamond in there became compromised? Worrying about that would be enough to make me fidget!

Glide Ring, stainless steel, 18kt gold rivets, garnet

Fold Necklace, stainless steel, silver

“Angela has always been drawn to movement, interaction between jewellery and wearer. The function, adaptability and an element of surprise play a very important role in her designs.”From the artist’s website

kinetic objects: hemsley, doremus and taniguchi in motion

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:32:04 +0000

kinetic ki·net·ic (kə-nět’ĭk, kī-)
of, relating to, or produced by motion.

Kinetic objects are a continuing source of captivation and joy for me. Get comfortable and be prepared to smile – you are in for a treat this week as we celebrate several artists who create work meant for you to move and meant to move you.

Joanna Hemsley, pendant

There is an element of playfulness in kinetic jewelry that brings out the carefree child in me. We start the week with a jolt of color, a play on words and a few ‘creature’ comforts, beginning with the aptly titled series, ‘Inter{action}’ from England’s Joanna Hemsley. Her large collection of colorful, accordion-like rings, bracelets and necklaces can be worn closed if you are in a quiet mood – but be sure to open the pop-up centers if you are looking to start a conversation.

Joanna Hemsley, bracelet, ring

Joanna Hemsley, ring

“I am intrigued by creation and the beginning of life; plant shoots breaking through concrete, and creating a pocket of life from nothing. I am also inspired by the magic of pop-up and the playful transformation of three dimensional forms growing from a flat plane before disappearing again.” Joanna Hemsley

I find it impossible to look at Sarah Doremus’ kinetic jewelry without laughing out loud. She skillfully plays with us, plays with words, and laughs with us at our human limitations. Love it.

Sarah Doremus, Self Congratulatory Ring

Sarah Doremus, Self Fanning Ring

Sarah Doremus, Queen Elizabeth Wave Ring

“I like to use my work to create a sort of tongue in cheek play on the human condition. Using words, puns or expressions in combination with physical representation of form I want to poke fun at our collective angst-ridden human condition: Not to minimize or diminish its impact but rather put it in perspective and by doing so remove the perceived anxiety; Basically, to render it impotent.” Sarah Doremus

Japanese born Rie Taniguchi makes lighthearted articulated pins, rings, pendants and objects. Some do double duty, all bring smiles. Taniguchi’s site has an extensive portfolio dating back to 1995. Spend some time browsing through the archives to see many more gems.

Rie Taniguchi, Peagons

Rie Taniguchi, Penguin Chick Pin and Pendant

Rie Taniguchi, Donkis

Rie Taniguchi, Donkis Dismantled

Rie Taniguchi, Fairy Pin

“She finds jewellery and poetry have a similar essence. They are both small and concentrated, so that can be carried with you mentally and physically. They are full of metaphor and very personal.” From Rie Taniguchi’s Website

Previous kinetic jewelry posts from DAM here and here.

Later this week kinetic meets geometry meets industrial meets…you. And Synergy2, Part2 (nope, I didn’t forget – and here’s Synergy2 Part1 in case you missed it). Time for me to go play – see you soon!

patricia lemaire’s traces of life

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:12:38 +0000

Sculptor and jewelry artist Patricia Lemaire lets silver, nickel silver and ordinary materials like plants, bone and urchin quills tell her poetic narrative. The unconventional materials – fragile (plants), poor (bone) and misappropriated (urchin quills) – find new meaning as Lemaire uses them to express the “fragility of life and womanhood” in a collection of jewelry and sculptures.

Salutation, brooch

Salutation, detail

La Passion, sculpture

Brooch

Douxpiquants, brooch

Promenadebucolique, sculpture

“Diverting them from their usual context, they take a new direction. They take shape in unlikely juxtapositions, sometimes to the verge of collapse, calling or referring to an absent body, dreamed, fantasized. Traces of life, steeped in contradiction, oscillating between strength and weakness, attraction and repulsion, pain and stroke, sacrifice and offering.”

More of Lemaire’s work at Galerie-Orfeo

so young park explores the cycle of life

Susan Lomuto — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:51:30 +0000

With two Masters degrees – an MFA in metals and jewelry from Kon-Kuk University in Korea and a second MFA in metals and jewelry from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York – So Young Park explores the cycle of life in an extensive collection of jewelry and sculpture.

Working mostly with silver and gold, she pierces the metal with hundreds of small beaded pins to add texture and movement and uses tiny concave circles to represent single cells, explaining that the work expresses “hope, desire and the power of life through organic plant forms that are artistically rendered in a simplistic, geometric and sophisticated manner.”

More at Aaron Faber where So Young Park’s jewelry will be part of next month’s exhibit, Working in Metal: Three Women.

linnie mclarty’s pin-less poppi brooches

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:21:06 +0000

Linnie Mclarty’s collection of Poppi brooches attach to clothing with no pins, allowing the wearer to adorn even delicate fabrics. The clothing becomes part of the art, providing an ever-changing backdrop for the jewelry. This hip designer showcases her work with high drama at its best. Eye-popping photographs highlight the uncomplicated shapes while giving us something to think about regarding body adornment.

Metal, enamel pin-less brooch

Inspired by fossils, plants and aquatic life forms, the award winning jewelry artist believes that “the right piece of jewellery can put a positive spin on your entire day.”

hannah livingston’s jewelry lets personal narrative blossom

Susan Lomuto — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:01:57 +0000

I’m partial to vessels and for decades I have had a keen interest in containers as art (remember my first blog?). When I look at jewelry, or learn a technique meant for jewelry, my mind does an instant translation and I see beyond the jewelry in front of me – I see the possibilities for a vessel. Hannah Livingston’s jewelry was a delightful find – no translation necessary.

Lion Leg Box Necklace {top, open; bottom, secret compartment}

Hidden Box Bangle

Livingston brings a childhood fascination with concealment to her work as she explores the notion of sentimentality, questioning why people attach meaning to inanimate objects. The oxidized silver and gold boxes, adorned with ornate details inspired by antique furniture, contain a single sheet of parchment for the wearer to begin their personal narrative. Larger boxes also have a hidden compartment to hold your secret. The collection includes Secret Box Earrings and a Casket Ring.

Antiquarian Boxes

Cabinet Trinket Box with hidden compartment

Edward Lapel Pin

“In the same way that photographs become visual maps of family history, I endeavour to create a generation spanning experience, whereby the pieces act as vessels for emotion and attachment, and signifiers of relationships, time and place. The pieces act both as a curiosity and trinket, allowing the wearer to create their own story and attach their own meaning. Each piece gently waiting for its history to begin.” Hannah Livingston

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victoria altepeter’s nebulae: a star is born

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:37:08 +0000

The massive, dense clouds of gas and dust in space that make up a nebula is the place where stars are born. Using silver, shibuichi, bronze, copper, nickel, red brass and stalactite slices, metalsmith Victoria Altepeter interprets this special place in our universe with her new series Nebulae.

Altepeter, currently the resident artist at Arrowmont (read about her experience here), creates sculpture for the wall and jewelry inspired by the universe and it’s vastness. As I looked at each piece I realized that I wasn’t sure which ones were the larger wallpieces and which were brooches – I love when that happens. I didn’t add descriptions on purpose today. Can you tell which of these are for the wall and which are adornments for the body?

The combination of polymer clay and metal is becoming popular as a mixed media option. Polymer clay artist Judy Belcher tapped Altepeter to create a collaborative piece for the invitational exhibition Exploring Connections – part of the upcoming Synergy2 conference in Baltimore later this month – I can’t wait to see this in person at the conference.

Victoria Altepeter lives in that special place in the universe – the place where stars are born. Hot stuff!

Find more photos like this on crafthaus

anna atterling’s pralines and bonbons

Susan Lomuto — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:27:59 +0000

Who knew pralines and bon bons could look this delicious in metal? Anna Atterling did. I didn’t find much on the web in English about the Swedish artist except that she makes jewelry and loves it. That’s enough for me. The images of her silver sheet pralines are wonderful (click each to see a larger view) and a fine example of how good photography can enhance an artist’s work. Atterling’s portfolio is here.

salima thakkar: exploration as inspiration

Susan Lomuto — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:50:36 +0000

Some artists put their ideas down on paper in a sketch or words as a way to capture the idea for possible use at a later date. When Salima Thakkar has an idea she skips that step entirely, choosing instead get to work immediately by exploring, experimenting and exploiting materials. The Belgian jewelry artist finds inspiration in the process of trial and error.

Modular Bracelet, patinated silver tubing, 18kt yellow gold

Bracelets and necklaces in Thakkar’s Modular collection are meant to suggest animal scales. When worn on the body the small, angular chunks of silver tubing that connect in repeating patterns wrap around a wrist or neck like a second skin.

Ring, black rodium plated silver, diamonds

Ring, patinated silver with inlay of 18kt yellow gold, green tourmaline

I’m also intrigued by the distinctive style of the rings in her Grid collection and the way she sets the precious stones. Thakkar, who holds degrees from both The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp and The Royal College of Art, London, has a portfolio that includes ten different collections – take a look here.

Modular Bracelet, patinated silver tubing, 18kt yellow gold

Ring, ebony wood, 18kt yellow gold, from the Sweets & Treats collection

karen searle: inspired by the feminine impulse to nurture

Susan Lomuto — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:35:11 +0000

Fiber artist and author Karen Searle’s wire sculptures create lines, movements and shadows that “suggest the energy of a human presence.” Searle knits and crochets a variety of materials including wire, flax paper and linen, addressing the concept of women’s work.

How My Mother Dressed Me, detail, copper wire, hand knitting, dresses 6″ high

Flax Vessel, knitted and crocheted Japanese flax paper, linen; 36″x16″

Body Bag III, tote bag, knit linen, flax fiber and rope, 18″ high

She has even knitted together pieces of birch bark as a metaphor for women’s work and women’s lives – all of which the artist suggests involve mending and piecing together, scavenging and adorning.

Essence: Long Dress, life-sized wire sculpture and shadow

Bark Quilt, birch bark, rayon thread, glass beads 36″ x 60″

“My imagery is inspired by womens’ lives and womens’ bodies, and by the feminine impulse to nurture.” Karen Searle

Searle, who has an MFA from Minneapolis College of Art & Design, teaches and exhibits across the country and abroad and is the author of Knitting Art: 150 Innovative Works from 18 Contemporary Artists.

pflipsen olivova studio: sculpture meets jewelry

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:42:27 +0000

Husband and wife team Katia Olivova and Steve Pflipsen have only been collaborating in art and life for a few years, but their work is already strong and boldly executed. Olivova, born and raised in the Czech Republic, comes from a family of successful glass artists. After studying at the secondary school of glass making in Kamenicky Senov, she apprenticed for both her mother, jewelry artist Marie Olivova and her father, renowned Czech glass artist Ladislav Oliva.

Red Coral Necklace, metal, coral

Olivova’s technique of using solder to fill the negative spaces between the wires on hand-wrought wire frames allows her to create her pieces directly on glass, stone, bone and a variety of other materials. I particularly like the sculptural quality of the necklaces in the collection – and the droplet sculptures are stunning (see picture below – for more sculpture images go to the sculpture section of their website). Be sure to check out their Etsy shop.

River Drop, wall sculpture, glass, metal

Opal Glass Bloom

Marble and Pearl Neckalce

Pflipsen, who grew up in Minnesota, holds a BFA in glass from the University of Wisconsin. In 2003 he met his future wife when he spent six months in the Czech Republic studying Bohemian glass techniques. Today he blows the glass for their sculptures and jewelry.

Garnet Front Hook Necklace

Moonstone Spiral Necklace

Pearl Rosette Pin

Pflipsen and Olivova have an Etsy shop

inni pärnänen: the possibility of materials

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:59:46 +0000

For jewelry designer Inni Pärnänen, the thrill lies in the possibility of a material or a technique. The Finnish artist explores parchment paper, cow horn, wax, fine silver, copper and paint, allowing the materials to define the work with surprising results.

Brooches, parchment, silver

More! brooch, copper, paint

Polymorphous, necklace, etched silver, steel wire

The soft shapes, crisp geometric lines, quiet shades of neutral, bold splashes of rippling color, subtle textures, shadows and light Pårnänen achieves with these materials are beautiful and beg to be touched. I wonder what will capture her curiosity next?

Necklace, cow’s horn, silver, steel wire

Ordinary Beauty, ring, burned/dyed paper, cotton thread, wax

lisa and scott cylinder: accidental beauty

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:21:06 +0000

Lisa and Scott Cylinder, partners in life and art, see beauty in unexpected places. The artists share a love of and a commitment to confident exploration with materials: found, manufactured or hand made. Each Timeflyer bird brooch below starts with a face made from the reverse side of a vintage enameled pocket watch face – turn the piece over and the back of the brooch reveals the watch face.

{click on the images to see them large}

“Our jewelry occupies an odd space somewhere between logic and intuition. Sometimes an idea dictates which path we follow and, at other times, materials lead us.” Lisa and Scott Cylinder on Velvet Da Vinci

Wood Stork Brooch

The couple crafts their Musical Instruments collection by choosing a part from a carefully deconstructed instrument and then reconfiguring the part by adding metal, resins and wood to give it a new life as jewelry. They call the results to their approach ‘accidental beauty.’

Bing Clarinet Key Brooch

See more at Velvet Da Vinci and read their entire artist statement here (scroll down to the bottom of the page)

sara fox: playful and elegant

Susan Lomuto — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:38:41 +0000

Growing up around a passel of boys Sara Fox was more comfortable holding a hammer than a hairbrush. The softer, playful side of this tomboy-turned-metalsmith emerged when she discovered felting, offering a way to incorporate a need for color and texture into her work. The simple shapes and bursts of color sprouting from Fox’s jewelry keep it fresh, surprising, joyful.

My metalwork is the architecture for my felted shapes. I begin with flat sheets and wire of sterling silver and then build the 2-dimensional pieces into 3-dimensional forms. When I felt I get back to the basics – the wool fibers themselves. Using wet and dry felting techniques I start with loose wool and sculpt my shapes, which I then combine with their silver complements. In the end, each piece is a reminder that we can be elegant and playful at the same time. Sara Fox

Fox talks about her work in a short video on the press page of her website.

More images at Covet Gallery.

myung urso: curator to curated

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:35:00 +0000

An MFA in fiber arts and an MA in museum and gallery management helped Myung Urso build a successful career as a curator, art director and gallery owner. Curating fine craft sparked an intense interest in contemporary jewelry and in 2006, after moving to Rochester, NY, Urso realized her dream of becoming a jewelry artist.

Pearl Garden, brooch
loofah, freshwater pearl, oriental ink, acrylic paint, sterling silver, thread, lacquer

Sky and Mountain, cotton, oriental ink, sterling silver

Tempo, silk, oriental ink, acrylic paint, sterling silver, thread, lacquer

The South Korea native stitches together the best of her history, education and life experience, carefully pairing materials like cotton and sterling silver or loofah and pearls. Urso’s jewelry has been exhibited in prestigious shows around the country, including the Philadelphia Museum Craft Show and SOFA NY.

Trace, silk, oriental ink, acrylic paint, sterling silver, thread, lacquer

Tide, cotton, oriental ink, acrylic paint, sterling silver, thread, lacquer

Sprout, paper, oriental ink, sterling silver, thread, lacquer

Calligraphy and sewing serve as my fundamental techniques, which I have practiced throughout my lifetime. I also found that my elderly mother’s traditional way for the preparation of food, such as the shaping of rice cake and arranging vegetables for winter storage, combined with my previous work experience as a reporter and curator for art and craft have shaped my own interpretation of contemporary jewelry. Myung Urso