Month: September 2012

Respect the polymer…

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Polymer collage

So – Art Bliss – I know it was over a week ago, but I am still digesting some of what I learned. I took 2 classes with Christine Damm, a polymer and jewelry artist from Vermont. I had a phenomenal time, in fact I was only signed up for Saturday’s class but at the day’s end added Sunday’s class becouse I wanted to soak up more knowledge and inspiration.

I have been on a quest in recent years to respect the polymer. Its a clay. I love clay. It can be used sculpturally and texturally – as I use “real” clay. (Can you see my bias there?) Best yet – you can embed things in it and cure it in the oven. Cannot do that with stoneware…I see polymer work by other artists that I like, and others that I dont like. I have no desire ever to do cane work or color blends. The exacting nature of those techniques, the fiddli-ness, the precision, makes my creative muse curl up inthe corner and refuse to play. I worked in polymer a bit in the late 80’s/ealry 90’s. Teaching jewelry making at a Fine Arts camp – polymer was cost effective, user friendly and versatile. I was creating Art History pieces as brooches, all inlay – no painting. Imagine “The Scream” in polymer – that phase didnt last long.   So here I am: a sculptor, a jewelry artist, working in mixed media – and I was trying to add polymer to the mix. 

I am happy to report that I now like AND respect the polymer. Layering colors appealed to the painter in me. And a painter can create layers of subtlety that make me think: patina, age, weathered surfaces.I can now achieve intricate colors, detailed definition, shimmer, and a bit of mystery in the polymer. I am so taken with it: I went shopping immediately after returning from ArtBliss:

Heat set oils

RTV and blanks

And I made a new bunch or molds – I can use these for earthenware/stoneware as well – But I have some polymer ideas percolating!

Molds!

Oh – my work from class, you ask? ( Let me go snap a pix in natural light…)

Polymer from class

Top: ring and cuff bracelet. Bottom – experiment with copper bezel, Boudicca earrings. 

I have three bangles as well – LOVE them. Wear them all the time, and plan to make many more! So please stay tuned for more polymer pieces popping up soon. 

 

 

 

Art Bliss weekend. The third time & charms!

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This past weekend was the third annual Art Bliss art and mixed media retreat, just outside DC in Northern Va. I have made it to all three – I wouldnt miss it for the world! Planned and organized by the dynamic duo of Cindy Wimmer and Jeanette Blix – this is my favorite event of its type. Its hosted on a smaller scale, resulting in a more friendly, personable atmosphere than you get at the Beadfest/convention type events. Friendships are made and renewed every year. A very supportive sharing group that I am honored to call friends. 

Art Bliss

The welcoming mascot? Can a mannequin be a mascot? 

We have a winner!

Multi faceted and extremely energetic Dawn Gallup with her door prize win. 

Book signings!

Friday night’s Meet & Greet event was complete with book signings. Erin Siegel, co-author of  “Bohemian Inspired Jewelry” chatting at her table. 

Bead Soup book signing!

Lori Anderson, the creative genius behind “Bead Soup” with Sandi Volpe. 

Kerry Bogert and me...

Uber talented Kerry Bogert of Kab’s Creative Concepts – with me… and her new book “Rustic Wrappings”. 

Kerry's beads and cabs!

Kerry’s work  – colorful and fun. 

The party has started...

Reunion time! ( Me with Sandi Volpe and Jen Judd!)

Sally Russick and I are Birthday Twins. (But she IS younger…)

ArtBliss swag bags!

Sway Bags! The Art Bliss lunch tote and the collaged art of Dawn Gallup adorning our charm swap bag!

The 3rd annual charm swap!

The charm swap! Every year, just for fun, a few of us create and swap hand crafted charms. This year’s theme was “Fall into Bliss”. Its a very cohesive offering, great minds and all that…with copper, polymer, clay and beady beauties. 

The weekend is chock full of goodness and creativity,energy and laughter;  the coffee is on at all times, it is an absolute blast. I can only speak for myself – but I am refreshed and restored when I spend time with my fellow jewelry designers and artists. So often we are alone in our studios, and while I am thankful for the connectedness that the Interwebs provides – nothing beats the real thing. I hope art retreats NEVER go out of fashion!

Oh! Classes – yes! I took two and they were great! Let me get those pictures for you, come back tomorrow!

Up next – POLYMER!

Impressions of September…

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Its hard to believe this weekend is the Equinox, and Fall will officially be here. September has passed in a blur of events and shows. Let me share a few images with you…

Beach feet

Bethany TIme

Rehoboth classic

The Bethany Beach Boardwalk Festival, September 8th, was a day of extremes. We had perfect weather, simply idyllic the day before, and the day after. I awoke to thunder, we set up under a dry yet cloudy sky. The morning brought torrential rains, the afternoon strong gusts. But the setting is lovely, sales were good – considering. And it was still a good day! And nothing beats a bonus beach day for a trip to Rehoboth. Nicola’s anyone? 

 

Next I was headed to southern Maryland to Artsfest at Annmarie Garden and a few long awaited reunions…

Bay Bridge. Blue Sky

Art camping

Art camping at its finest. 

Into the woods

What a backdrop!

Hoffman reunion

The Hoffman sisters – it is thrilling and so satisfying to see my students grown up. What gorgeous women these two have become!

Robison reunion

And another artist/teacher reunion: 2 teachers and one student – ten years has it been? Like no time has passed, and yet so great to catch up!

 

I do have more to post from Artsfest – a few fabulous ceramic artists I met, but that will wait til next week. I am headed to ArtBLiss tomorrow for a weekend of R&R! And inspiration, and camaraderie, and fun, and polymer, and beads, and wine, and laughter…..

 

Lingering Summer, approaching Autumn

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me at Beadfest

For so many years this was my back to school part of the year. Now its the back to the studio time – after teaching Ceramics camps over the summer – time to design and create new work for the upcoming Fall season. 

The month of August was all about Beadfest Philadelphia! Glazing, firing, preparing, and finally exhibiting at my first bead show. It was a fantastic time and a success! That’s me pictured at my Beadfest table. But it may be partly to blame for the complete lack of a Summer newsletter…

 

So while it still feels like summer, I have Fall on my mind. Fall festivals and events, fun and frolic. This update is going to be brief – out of necessity as I head to the beach tonight for a show this weekend…

 

Bethany Beach Boardwalk Festival – THIS SATURDAY  (September 8th) in town on Garfield Parkway and the Boardwalk. I will be on the boardwalk between Parkwood and Hollywood Sts.  The show runs from 10-5, and I find this to be my favorite time of year at the beach . There is also a Silent Auction to benefit area schools. Their site: http://web.bethany-fenwick.org/events

 

Artsfest at Annmarie Garden – Next weekend! (Sept. 15 -16th) Imagine it – dappled sunlight through a canopy of trees, music drifting in on the wind… artists galore… Its a lovely setting and a great show! Their link: http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/artsfest-2010

 

The following weekend I have some “me” time planned. ArtBliss is an art retreat held outside DC, in Dulles VA. In its third year, it hosts art, mainly jewelry themed, workshops by nationally acclaimed instructors. I look forward to being inspired, experimenting in polymer ( a new/old medium for me) and catching up with friends! ( Find out more at: www.artblissworkshops.com)

 

Mermaid tile and pendant

 

The final Fall show of the trilogy: Art on the Avenue – Saturday October 6th in DelRay/Alexandria VA. This to me – is a “Welcome Autumn” show as there are pumpkins, kids building wacky floppy scarecrows… you name it. Great music, tasty food – and the festival is huge! Definitely time to do Holiday shopping! Their list of artists: http://www.artontheavenue.org

 

On a different note I have a series of workshops that I am offering this Fall at The Art Studio. It is located in Wilmington DE, and houses “my” ceramic studio. My classes will be a mix of jewelry and ceramics, projects and techniques – suitable for all experience levels.  I will send a more detailed list next week, as time allows. You can check them out if you are interested: http://www2.nccde.org/artstudio/default.aspx

 

Until then – sorry I have to run! Fall is my favorite time of year! I am looking forward to sweaters & jeans, crisp breezes, creating new work, and all that Autumn brings! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

For details, links and more pictures – as well as up to date work in progress, please stop by my blog on my website: www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog. As always – if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter – simply email me. Thanks!