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!

Autumn in Upstate

 

We're heading into holiday season, and everything is busy as always. Autumn has been really beautiful here though. Neon tree colors, and lots of crisp sunny days. I went to D.C. recently with the SU Metalsmithing students. We visited an awesome contemporary jewelry gallery called Jewelerswerk. It's in Georgetown. Check it out!

Otherwise I've been up to my ears in projects for my grad class and custom orders. One of my projects is inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, when they celebrate and remember lost loved ones. This cuff was inspired by that tradition, and also honors Frida Kahlo's last painting, "Viva la Vida" (Long Live Life).

Happy Autumn!