Asleep...awake, and the Westcott Art Trail

These carved bone faces are so sweet! I had fun making these. The photographs were taken by John Dowling. a local professional photographer. He did a very nice job photographing some of my jewelry recently. The bracelet below was also a fun piece to create. Sometimes I spend time just looking at all the stones I have, and the color relationships of different stones will start to talk to me. The stones in this bracelet were all in my drawer for a long time, and each on their own seemed unremarkable, but together they come alive: dryhead agate, carved bone, crazy lace agate, rutilated quartz, and jasper. On a different topic, this weekend is the Westcott Art Trail. http://www.westcottarttrail.org/. Throughout the University neighborhood, over 80 artists from a wide range of mediums will be exhibiting. This is a really fine show, and I am always amazed at the quality of art created right here is my own neighborhood. My friend Lauren Ritchie has been one of the primary forces behind this show, along with the Westcott Community Center. Maps of the show can be downloaded at their website. The forecast is also looking really fine. Don't miss it!

The Jewel in the Lotus

In Tibetan Buddhism, the mantra "Om mani padme hum" is the mantra of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The mantra can be translated many different ways, however, the jewel refers to wisdom, and the lotus refers to the heart. I like to translate it simply as to "honor the wisdom of the heart" and therefore open the heart to compassion towards all beings. Though I would never claim to be a practising buddhist, I do find much wisdom in Buddhist teachings and return to them throughout my life. This project was made in honor of the Jewel in the Lotus: Copper, sterling, amethyst, and garnet. On the inside of the box is an etching of a mandala, also mirrored on the outside of the box. The lotus pendant is kept in the box. Namaste.

St. David's Celebration of the Arts is going on from now through Saturday, at St. David's Episcopal church in Dewitt, NY. This show features fine art from local artists and the sponsors do a really fine job of selecting for the show. The opening was last night. This moon moth is one of two pieces I have in the show. Handcrafted in sterling silver with blue opal and chrysoprase, this is my version of a species of moth found in Madagascar, Argema Mittrei, the "moon moth". Check it out if you can!

Raven

Recently, I've become fond of combining copper and silver in my work. It took a long time for the look of mixed metal to grow on me, but I've found that oxidized copper has a depth and richness that gives an earthy character to some pieces. This necklace is made with etched copper, a sterling cast branch, and an antique raven illustration in resin.

Lobster and Crab are friends

AKA "I'm so ready for it to be more than 15 degrees!! We did make a beach reservation for this summer, which will be very awesome! These guys are cast in sterling silver with garnet and blue topaz. Sweet!

Georgia Helen Griffith, a Locket

This locket was created as a portrait of my great-grandmother. I never met her, but she was an impressive woman. Educated and independent, she traveled to Jamaica in the 1890's as a Quaker missionary. The reverse of the pendant is an antique map of the Caribbean.
Materials: sterling, copper, antique compass, garnet, sapphires; cast, etched, and fabricated. This is one of the pieces featured at Point of Contact Gallery.

December Events

Hello and Happy Holidays. Stop by Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival this weekend at Nottingham High School. Today is the last day. 11-5.

Also, next Friday evening is the one night only opening for my graduate seminar. Everyone is invited. The show will have new pieces of mine, plus the work of 5 other very talented MFA students: sculptors, fiber artists, and metalsmiths. Hope to see you there!