Kate Furman translates her impression of the architecture of Florence Italy into a collection of brooches she calls “Lines Of A City” using wood scraps, gemstones and metal. Read more about the emerging artist’s process here and be sure to view the entire 32 piece “Lines Of A City” collection.
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These pieces represent the merging of drawn, fabricated, and implied lines creating a three-dimensional drawing. The pieces also explore the ornamentation and inherent qualities of wood. Burning lines, drilling holes, and adding elements are ways I change the wood. My additions are reactions to what the wood or the initial burnt drawing presents to me in shape, pattern, line, or texture. Kate Furman
Inspired by the history of ornament, Marianne Anderson puts a modern twist on our fascination with adornment in this collection of not-so-traditional jewelry. She skillfully transforms oxidised silver, 18kt gold, garnets and pearls into fragmented patterns and motifs that make a bold statement. Swirls, curls and pearls. How did she know my weakness?
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My interest is rooted in how we learn and draw from the past and return frequently to designs, motifs and patterns of historic and symbolic significance. By purposefully engaging with the past, my aim is to highlight the importance of ornament in a modern context.
For quite some time I’ve wanted to write about Tod Pardon and the influence his father, jewelry artist Earl Pardon, had on him as an artist. I discovered the younger Pardon’s jewelry in late 2006 when this blog was in its infancy and made several attempts to write a post, but none satisfied me. Recently I was surprised when I realized what was really holding me back and it had little to do with Tod’s glorious, celebratory, exciting and beautifully executed work.
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Todd Pardon, brooch
When I write a post the images fuel my writing. I study the artist’s pictures, referring to them over and over as I write - in this case I studied both Tod’s and Earl’s jewelry. In the late 1980′s Tod became a full time studio assistant for his father, until Earl’s death in 1991. While it is clear that Tod learned a great deal from the man known as the “grandfather of craft jewelers” it is also clear that a passion for African art, music and humor have colored Tod’s artistic journey.
Todd Pardon, brooch
In Tod Pardon’s extensive body of work you see skills and talent that were nurtured by the older, renowned jewelry artist and you see that Tod embraced what he learned from his father, but perhaps most importantly you quickly realize that he rose above what he was taught, finding the space where his own voice could be heard. Pardon uses sterling silver, 14-22k gold, pearls, inlays of wood, bone, unfired enamel, plastic and a variety of other materials to bring his figurative brooches to life. And they are full of life – patterns that dance, colors that shout, shapes that sing.
Todd Pardon, brooch
Looking back, I can see that I was still grieving my own father’s death when I discovered the Pardons’ work and my feelings about his influence on me is the sensitive nerve that I touched each time I tried to write this post. Earl Pardon’s influence on his son is evident, but the overall effect of that influence is subtle, quiet, secondary. It is the best kind of impact a parent can make on a child. It is the kind of influence my father had on me.
Earl Pardon, brooch
In addition to his website, Todd Pardon’s jewelry can be found on crafthaus and at the Patina Gallery. Take your time – he has a large body of work – each piece surprises and no piece disappoints.
“Within the humorous setting of strange brightly colored figurative pieces the duality of the human condition and its inherent anxiety are portrayed. Without humor the anxiety we face cannot really be interpreted; without darkness, we can’t see light.”
I’m still feeling a little giddy from yesterday’s global festivities- here are a few links to savor while I find my way down from Cloud 9 and back to earth.
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What happens when you combine a degree in geology with a lifelong love of art? A stunning collection of beachstone jewels wrapped in gold and silver by Maine jeweler Sam Shaw.
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[private_archives]The work ranges from fairly traditional settings to redefining the way we think of using stones…
Ring/Pendant – can be worn both ways – I love this!
Balance Brooches
Rock In A Box
Stand Up Stones
The urge to pick up beautiful, rounded pebbles is almost universal. Many people walk away from the beach with a hard round memory in their pocket.
