The Dog Days

Well it has indeed been a strange year and the "dog days" of summer are hear.  I'm never sure this time of year if I'm happy that cooler days have arrived or sad to know that summer is drawing to a close.  It has been a hot one, but still beautiful here in Upstate.  The sad news this year is that all the large fine craft shows have been canceled.  The good news is that my galleries in Upstate are all open again, and I have work available on my Etsy page.  I have also been keeping my Instagram and Facebook pages up to date with new work, so tune into those if you want to see things that are newly made and available!  (They are more up to date than this blog:)

This pendant has a hand-fabricated setting for a gorgeous fluorite on top of aquamarine.  The beach is from my last trip to the Caribbean.  I love these colors!  I was fortunate enough to take a wonderful trip this summer out west camping and backpacking with my son.  Despite Covid it is still a great time to get outside and see beautiful places, social distancing of course!

Indonesian opalized wood earrings with Wildhorse Picture Jasper necklace.  The landscape is from my trip  this summer to New Mexico.  Stay well everyone!!

Spring 2020

Lace agate necklace with druzy, modern handcrafted links and 14k gold detail.

Hello friends.  I hope everyone is staying well and healthy during the challenging times of this spring and the coronavirus lockdown!  These are strange and anxious times and I know many of you are struggling.  Hang in there everyone!  Sunny skies are ahead and better times will be here soon.  In the meantime,  I wanted to update everyone on where to find my jewelry.  At present, all my regular shops and galleries are closed, but I am still creating jewelry and I have lots of work available!  As always, my Instagram and Facebook pages are updated regularly with new work.  If you find something you are interested in, please don't hesitate to email me at dtstenson@verizon.net.  Also, I will be gradually adding listings to my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/danastenson.  Check it out over the next few days and weeks as I add items!  Stay well everyone and much love.

Variscite Garden sterling necklace.  Currently available on Etsy.

Winter Shows

Hello friends!  It has been an absolutely gorgeous Autumn here in Upstate.  I hope everyone is well and enjoying it.  Winter is fast approaching, but I have a couple exciting events to invite you to.  My work is currently featured in "Creative Thread", a group exhibit at Edgewood Gallery in Syracuse which is on view until November 15.  http://edgewoodartandframe.com/exhibits/

Dendritic agate rings!

On November 22 & 23 I will be in Buffalo at Wild Things Gallery for a trunk show.  I plan to have lots of new work with me for the show and look forward to meeting Peter Fowler who will be there with his paintings as well!

Last but not least is one of my favorite shows of the year, Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival at Nottingham High School in Syracuse, December 7 & 8.  

In addition to these shows my work continues to be available year round at Gallery 54 in Skaneateles,  NY, Artizanns in Naples, NY, and Wild Things in Buffalo, NY.  Follow my Instagram for regular updates and new work.  https://www.instagram.com/danastenson/

Blue topaz ring, and mixed metal sterling and 14k gold band rings.

Have a wonderful Autumn everyone!

xoxo,

Dana

New Work and My 2019 Show Schedule

Greetings and Happy Spring!  I wanted to post an updated show list for this year, as I have been finalizing my schedule.  The links to each show are at the right of this page, however I have realized that on a cellphone the links at the right side of the blog don't show up, so I thought I'd list my shows in a post just in case someone is looking for them!

• St. David's Celebration of the Arts, St. David's Episcopal, Dewitt, NY thru May 12
• Allentown Art Festival, Buffalo, NY June 8 & 9
• Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts, Buffalo, NY August 24 & 25
• Clothesline Festival, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY September 7 & 8
• Gallery Opening at Edgewood Gallery, Syracuse, NY October (Dates TBA)
• Trunk show at Wildthings Gallery in Buffalo, NY November (Dates TBA)
• Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival, Syracuse, NY December 7 & 8

In addition to these shows, my work is available year-round at:

• Gallery 54, Skaneateles NY
• Wildthings Gallery, Buffalo, NY
• Artizanns Gallery, Naples, NY

Please follow me on Instagram @danastenson as well for photos of recent available work!

"Beyond Here There Will Be Dragons", one of my pieces currently at St. Davids Celebration of the Arts.  This pieces is inspired by a quote found on antique maps referring to unknown and dangerous territories.  The stone is a blue topaz along with an antique button and photograph.

"The Secret Garden", also currently on display at the St. David's Celebration of the Arts. This piece is entirely hand-fabricated.  The stone is ocean jasper with small faceted  tourmalines.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful spring and I look forward to seeing many of you this summer at my shows:)

Viva Mexico!!

I hope everyone is off to a wonderful start in 2019.  I just returned from a trip to Mexico City.  I'm happy to report that despite several warnings, my friend and I found the city to be quite safe, welcoming, and full of wonderful history and culture!  We were able to visit many sites related to my favorite artist, Frida Kahlo: her family home, Casa Azul, the home she shared with Diego Rivera, as well as the home of her friend Leon Trotsky.  In addition we saw the awe-inspiring Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan and several historic Mexican political sights and Basilicas.  

This week I am finally beginning to build up some inventory for my 2019 shows, which will be listed on this blog as I confirm them!  The collage below is of work from 2018, which has sold.   The second photo shows three new pieces, all still available in the studio.  These days the best place to follow my new work is on Instagram, where I try to post new pieces weekly.  

Happy 2019 and I hope to see some of you soon!!

A collage of sold pieces from 2018!

Chalcedony, agate and moonstone, and labradorite pieces, just finished in studio.

The Temple of the Moon, part of the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City.

Autumn and Winter Shows

Greetings all,
I have some Autumn and Winter events to share with you!  First of all, I will have work through January at Edgewood Gallery in Syracuse.  My current show there, "Touch of Light" is with painter John Fitzsimmons and glass artist Carmel Nicoletti.  The two pieces below are in that show, and still available.

On November 16 & 17 you can find me with my work at Wildthings Artisan Gallery in Buffalo for a trunk show.  I will have several new pieces to debut there are hope some of you can make it!  My final show for the year will be Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival in Syracuse.  The link is at the right.  This is one of my favorite shows of the year.  It benefits the Syracuse Peace Council and has wonderful art, food, and music.  Have a wonderful Autumn everyone!!

Color Studies

This weekend I will be once again heading to Buffalo for the Allentown Arts Festival. You can find me all weekend on Allen St.. This is my first festival of the season, and I have lots of new work to debut!

Lately I've been experimenting with series of colors, and have found myself drawn to some gorgeous green stones. The stone in the pendant on the right is called Prudent Man Plume Agate. I have no idea where it got such an odd name, but I love the color and formations in it.  It reminds me of a forest floor full of mosses and ferns.

I hope some of you can make it this weekend to the show.  This one is a big show with hundreds of vendors, but its worth the effort.  There are many many talented artists, in addition to some great entertainment and food.

Frida and the Longest Winter

Well I think I have set a new record for how far behind I can get in my blog!  I haven't dropped off the planet, but it has been one long and tough winter.  We lost my beloved father on December 23, 2017.  Since then it has been a struggle to stay on top of my work while taking the time to cherish memories of my dad, tie up his estate, and simultaneously try to squeeze in studio time.

On a more positive note, spring is finally around the corner and I am starting to finalize my show schedule for this year.  I recently returned to working on my jewelry series inspired by the great painter Frida Kahlo and her passionate life.  The series began with a custom necklace for a wonderful customer and has continued with additional custom pieces.  Stay tuned as I update my show list, with links on the right side of the page.  Happy spring!

Custom "Frida" necklace with Bisbee, AZ turquoise

Custom "Frida" necklace with shattuckite

The latest "Frida" cuffs with turquoise from Kingman, AZ.

Undersea necklace with chrysocolla, emeralds, and 14k gold.

My beloved dad, Gerald G. Blythe.  August 11, 1942 - December 23, 2017

Tales from the Toolbox

There is much news from my corner of the world...and I need to update everyone!  First of all, I have added a couple events this month.  This coming weekend the Delavan Center where I have my studio is having an open house.  Thirty-six artists will have their studios open to the public.  I have lots of new work that I've been saving for the show, so I hope some of you will stop by and join me for a glass of wine and to browse!

Two weekends from now you can find me in Buffalo, NY.   Wildthings Artisan Gallery invited me to do a trunk show and I will be there with a new collection of jewelry in tow November 17 & 18.

However, the most exciting news from this month is the release of "Tales from the Toolbox", a beautiful publication of art jewelry edited by Mark Fenn of England, published by Schiffer publishing, and released this past weekend.  About a year and a half ago I was invited to submit work for this publication.  Three of my projects are included in the book.  The release date was October 28, so I am happily awaiting my copy of the book in the mail.  I am very appreciative of Mark for including me in this beautiful collection!  Below is the book cover.  It is currently available on Amazon or directly from Schiffer publishing, if you want a copy all to yourself:)

Book cover: cover piece is a brooch by artist Dauvit Alexander.

"Courage":  antique Joan of Arc medal, stealing silver, onyx, black spinel, bobcat claw.  This piece is one of mine featured in "Tales from the Toolbox".

Heading to Rochester

Tomorrow I will be packing up my jewelry and heading to Rochester for the Clothesline Festival this Saturday and Sunday. I've done this show for several years now, and very much appreciate my customers who return every year to support my work! This has been one of the busiest summers ever, and my lack of blog posts is a reflection of that. So... rather than a lengthy post, I thought I would just share some photos of recent work that is available right now, and coming with me to Rochester.  I hope to see you there!!

Poppy jasper, sunstone, 14k gold & silver necklace, azurite necklace, and jasper necklace with cast branch.

Earrings, druzy, and Indonesian opal

Silver and 18k gold rings, ruby and chrysoprase.

"Moody blues" necklace: gem silica and sapphire, handmade chain.

"Sky blue sky", plume agate over turquoise earrings.

Poppies

This summer has been super busy and I've fallen behind in my blog!  The truth is that I am behind on many things.....the result of a combination of family commitments and just basic over-commitment!  Anyhow, next week you can find me at the Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival, downtown in Columbus Circle.  This year my booth will be in the central section of the festival.  

Ocean jasper "Crown of Poppies".

This necklace was inspired by my time living in Arizona in the 90's.  I fell in love with the landscape of the high desert. The ocean jasper cabochon makes me think of the orange poppy flowers that bloom there every spring.  For a time I was riding my bicycle as my primary transportation, and living in a camper that we parked near a vast rock formation called the Granite Dells (photo below). Everyday I would ride 5 miles to school and go by a field that bloomed full of orange poppies once a year.  I don't have a photo of that field, but I do have this photo of my son at the Dells from our trip in 2016.  It's outside of Prescott, AZ.  Go there if you ever have the chance!

Bumblebee jasper and citrine pendant.

Sunshine, at Long Last

Hello friends!  I am on my way to Buffalo, NY this weekend for the Allentown Arts Festival.  Last year was my fist year in Buffalo and it was a great time so I've been looking forward to returning. The weather forecast for the weekend is (finally) looking really awesome. Central New York has had one of our rainiest springs on record, and I am feeling super blessed that the sun is finally coming out for this show:)  I will have a big collection of new work with me and I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.  My booth will be in the same location as last year, booth A-97. Hope to see you there!!

"Blooms" necklace with pink sapphire, tourmaline, and peridot

Yellow jasper, imperial jasper, chrysoprase, and Kingman turquoise earrings

Rhyolite "Desert Poppy" sterling necklace

Heading to Philadelphia!!

Bracelet, necklace, and ring in sterling silver with labradorite.

I am hard at work preparing for the Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Show in Philadelphia two weekends from now.  Right in the center of Philadelphia, this show is one of my favorites, and it is full of excellent and highly skilled artisans.  I am happy to be among them!  I have been stockpiling new work for the past few months in preparation for this summer's show season and I am looking forward to seeing some returning customers and meeting some new ones as well.  If you're in the area, definitely come by the show in Rittenhouse Square, you won't be disappointed:)

Fusion

Phases of the Moon cuff with rose quartz and a forest cuff, hand pierced and fused.

Over the past two years I have continued to work primarily in Argentium silver. I love the process of fusing this alloy. The two cuffs above were both hand pierced (sawn) in two layers and then the layers were fused using my torch. Argentium silver is sterling silver that is alloyed with germanium instead of copper. It has a higher fine silver content than traditional sterling silver. The majority of metals used in jewelry are alloyed (combined with other metals) to create greater strength, hardness, and durability. Pure silver and pure gold are not hard enough on their own to be made into durable jewelry, so for centuries metals have been alloyed. Silver alloyed with germanium has two primary advantages: the reduction of fire scale (stain produced by heating) and greater capacity to fuse. Argentium silver has a greater temperature range between its fusing point and it's melting point, thus making it conducive to fusion. I love the fusion process because it is gorgeous and magical! When two pieces of metal are heated to the point of fusion, they become luminescent and shiny. There is a fine point at which the metals begin to glow and appear almost liquid. This point lasts for just a few seconds as fusion occurs. When it is done carefully, and not overheated, the fusion of metal perfectly joins two pieces, without either changing form. The process is delicate though, because if heated a fraction of a second too long the metal will begin to melt and the pieces will lose form and reticulate, creating misshapen pieces and uneven surfaces.  Fusion is magic:)

Spinning band rings in sterling and 14k gold

"Pinned"

I thought I'd share a couple new pieces from my "pinned" collection.  The top pendant is an orthoceras fossil cabochon, tab-set is silver.  The earrings are Montana agate.   This pair has a wonderful translucent landscape quality.   The "pins" in these pieces are made by balling silver wire at both ends using a torch.  I love the industrial effect this technique gives to the pieces.  The pins are still moveable, but the balls hold them in place.

I'm working hard to produce a new body of work for my upcoming summer shows!  I will be updating the show list on the right of the page as I firm up plans.  Here's hoping for a wonderful summer.  I can't wait!!

A Sign of Spring

Sterling bumble bee with rose quartz

I've been thinking lately about the arts, and the immense benefit of having a vital art community.   Today I spent the afternoon in my studio.  My studio is in a building full of multiple artist's studios. Among them are painters, jewelers, photographers, clothing designers, architects, etc.. I've talked with my fellow artists lately and many of us have the same experience of our studios as being a refuge from the chaos of the outer world, a place for creativity, energy, and reflection.  When the world around us is in a state of conflict, creating provides a means to channel the frustrations we carry around and in turn create something that we give back to the world, whether it is work that reflects the conflict around us, or work that reminds us of more peaceful times.

There's no denying that our country is in a divided state, and these are challenging times for many. Rumors abound that our current administration may drastically reduce funding for arts programs, including the NEA. I haven't ventured to tackle political themes here in my blog, but it is my sincere hope that moving forward our country does not forget the vital importance of a thriving art community.  It is in creating, music, song, dance, performance, and the visual arts, that we come together, build relationships, and reflect. The arts can provide a venue for people to join and share experience.  The arts can be a starting point for community dialogue.  The arts are a nonviolent means to explore conflict, to release struggles that otherwise may never find an outlet.   The arts remind us of beauty and joy at times when we may only see anger and frustration around us. These are my thoughts today, and as always, thanks for reading!

The Spirit of Color

Next week I will be hopping on a plane and flying to the Virgin Islands for a few days.....what better way to say goodbye to 2016?!  Before I go, I wanted to announce an opening at Edgewood Gallery in Syracuse in January 2017.  I will be part of the group show "The Spirit of Color" with artists Nicora Gangi and Miya Hirano.  The opening will be January 13 from 6-8 and the show will run for 6 weeks.  I've been working on unusual pieces for the show, going on creative tangents with some unique stones. The pendant below is titled "Forest Floor" and the stone is morrisonite jasper.  It reminds me of the layers of moss and decay in a damp forest.

The second necklace is aqua nueva agate with a hand-crafted bar link chain.  This stone is a such a stunner!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday and New Year.  In 2017 I am very much looking forward to returning to my locket series, so stay tuned for new work, and I hope to see you at Edgewood on the 13th!

Happy Holidays

I hope everyone is off to a great start this Holiday season.  I want to extend a thank you to everyone who came by the trunk show at Wildthings last week.  It was a great event and I was happy to have met many nice folks.  Wildthings will be carrying a small selection of my work on an ongoing basis, so if you didn't make it to the trunk show, stop by and have a look.




My final show of the year is one of my favorites, the Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival put on by the Peace Council in Syracuse.  The Peace Council does important work to raise awareness of worldwide issues related to peace, justice, and the environment.  I appreciate the opportunity to participate and support their efforts.

Last but not least, I wanted to announce a bit of good new which I recently received.  My work is going to be published for a second time!!  I was invited to submit work last spring for publication in a collection of narrative jewelry titled "Tales from the Toolbox", edited by Mark Fenn in England.  I was recently notified that my work will be included!  The book is in the editing process and I will share as soon as I know more details about the release date.

Trunk Show in Buffalo

Hello friends.  I hope everyone is enjoying the leaves this Autumn.  I am ramping up my production in preparation for two events during the Holiday season.  The first is a Trunk show at Wildthings in Buffalo, NY at 224 Lexington Ave on Friday November 18.  The trunk show will be going on all day from 11-7 and will feature my a collection of my newest work, plus wine and snacks.  I hope some of you can make it!  The second Holiday event I will be participating in is the annual Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival the first weekend in December in Syracuse.  For more information follow the link at the right!

Earrings with natural druzy and red poppy jasper

Great blue heron sterling necklace with moonstone and 14k gold detail.