A New Dragonfly

This might be my favorite one yet! It is entirely hand-fabricated with lapis in the center. This one can be a pin or a pendant. These are so fun to make because each one is different.

Today is the annual Gem and Mineral Show in Syracuse. I went this morning and stocked up on stones. Sooooo fun! Lots of goregeous things to pick from. My two favorite vendors were there, an Indian couple, and a man from Russia - both really nice. You just can't beat picking stones in person. Stay tuned...

Opening at Gallery 54!!

The Fingerlakes town of Skaneateles where our Gallery is located has a First Fridays art event every month. It's a gorgeous little town right on the lake and a very fun evening, particularly on a clear summer day. This month I was one of our featured artists along with fabric artist Sharon Bottle Souva. Sharon is well-known for her art quilts and is represented by several galleries in the country.

This piece is called "Sunset in the Forest". It is hand-pierced sterling silver with a tab-set carnelian agate framed in the silver.

This one is an owyhee picture jasper with two fold-formed sterling leaves. I love unusual stones, and this one is a recent find. It reminds me of canyon landscapes out west.

Here is a shot at the front of our shop with Sharon's pieces and mine - a great combination!

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!