March 25th, 2006
Well, we’ve been on the road for four hours and I’ve made several observations. First, we completely stand out in small towns. Second, small Wal-Marts are cool. Third, when you get up at 5 am, you want lunch at 10:30. Our first bathroom break was at a Wal-Mart “classic” in Mountain View. I love entering a store where you can see all four walls. The next stop was Sikeston, home of the original Lambert’s. There I discovered how much we stood out as “townies.” I was not sporting my embroidered sweatshirt, tapered jeans and tennis shoes. Also, my classic ponytail was no match for the stylish ‘dos of puffy bangs and three inch black roots with bleached ends. Steve, in his dapper brown turtleneck, was no match for the sea of camo and trucker hats that surrounded us. Guess we’ll just have to remain misfits. Next stop, Paducah.
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March 24th, 2006
I’ve never been a fan of gummi candies, but this is just too cute! fun…bydesign Looks like something I’d buy for my nieces. I wonder if it would just make me crave candy?
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March 24th, 2006
One of my favorite websites is boingboing which is full of all sorts of weird stuff. Today, one of the links takes you to instructables where you get step-by-step instructions on how to make your own magnetic refrigerator LED lights. They are so cool! Suzanne, this looks like something you and I would do when we’re bored. Anyone have an old refrigerator we can play with?
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March 23rd, 2006
As promised, I’m posting my artist statement. Thanks to Suzanne for tweaking it and making me sound legit:
Textile and furniture designs of the 1950s and 60s are prevalent themes in my work. The use of geometric patterns is recurring, but the circle is my personal favorite. In my mind, circles signify completion and perfection, two characteristics I strive to achieve in my designs. Influences of notable designers such as George Nelson, Vernor Panton and Frank Lloyd Wright can also be found in all of my pieces as I interpret the elements of line, color, spatial relationships, and negative versus positive.
Initially creating in sterling silver for its forgiving properties, in recent years I have added the challenges of working in 14k and 22k gold, vitreous enamels and nickel. Within these metals, I explore techniques of granulation, cloisonne, and married metal. No pieces are cast, but created by hand from raw materials, ensuring that each piece carries with it a unique fingerprint and human quality unachievable by mass production techniques.
Vitreous enamels, granulation and married metal techniques allow me to add color and texture to my pieces on an individual basis. With the married metal work, nickel surfaces gain their patina from torch firing which allows for the formation of distinctive colors. The result is an organic appearance, similar to leather or rust.
I create my own original cloisonne patterns individually and use unleaded enamels for color. I particularly like the stark contrast achieved using bright colors against a dark background, which is reminiscent of the mod prints of the1960s. The addition of 14k and 22k gold in my work adds richness not achieved by sterling silver alone. By combining the two metals, I can create a warm and cool palette in one piece.
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March 23rd, 2006
I was just watching the Today show when they did a segment on what has to be the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. Apparently, some new designer has decided to glue rhinestones and crystals on LIVE ROACHES, attach the bug to a chain leash and call them Roach Brooches. Ugh! They sell for $40-80, probably to the kind of people who wouldn’t pay $50 for one of my pieces. Then again, my jewelry won’t carry diseases or crawl all over you. Ooh! It just gives me the willies thinking about it. This is one fashion trend I will not embrace.
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March 23rd, 2006
It’s frightening the amount of crap I hang onto thinking I’ll wear it, use it or need it sometime in the future. Case in point is my wardrobe. I still think of the time I got rid of a long knit skirt (it was the 80s) I hadn’t worn for several years only to desperately need it the next season. I’ve since adopted the philosophy of purging my closet every season and getting rid of things I haven’t worn in two years, don’t like or don’t fit properly. Today I have a trunk full of clothes, two bags of shoes and three handbags that are all going to a local resale shop. The good news is that I can recoup some of my money. This past fall/winter season netted over $600. That helps me pay for any new stuff I want and the money usually comes in time for me to buy for the next season.
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March 23rd, 2006
My brain if officially mush today. Last night Steve and I tackled the mind-numbing task of writing an artist statement. I’m applying for a show in St. Louis and the deadline is April 1. I got all my slides done and thought I’d work on the application. Well, I had forgotten that the application included a one-page artist statement. Crap! I wasn’t in the mood to be reflective and deep about my work, but fortunately Steve is great at this stuff. After and hour we had something put together and I emailed it to Suzanne who’s going to look it over today. If it’s any good, I’ll let you know. Hopefully, I’ll get into the show, but with only 140 spots, it’s going to be very competitive. I’ll know by the first of May.
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March 22nd, 2006
I called Ann at From Our Hands, the gallery in Des Moines who will be carrying my jewerly. She’s going to host a Red Bee Designs trunk show on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 which will coincide with the East Village Wine Walk. Nothing like alcohol, money and jewelry to make for a successful show! Ann will be buying a small amount of jewerly before the show to introduce Des Moines to my stuff. If anyone reading this blog is in the area, stop by and say hello! This is my first gallery outside of Missouri to carry Red Bee Designs!
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March 22nd, 2006
Last Wednesday I started back on the Weight Watchers program by registering online. I’ve had a good week and have really stuck with the program. So this morning I was all ready for some good news when I weighed. Alas, only .4 lbs lost! Yes, I know it’s a loss and not a gain, but I was hoping for something more encouraging. Still, I’m not going to fall off the wagon. My challenge next week will be eating on the road and not being able to track online. I’ll just have to be careful. I also won’t have time for my regularly scheduled exercise, but will try to cram something in while I’m there. I’m sure I’ll need a mental break from the studio occassionally.
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March 22nd, 2006
Ok, not technically a song title, but what a great name for a band from the 80s. Today I’m enjoying my new Puma sneakers I’m calling my “Arrowmont Shoes.” I like to commemorate important events with new footwear. I had found a pair in Des Moines, but didn’t get back to Von Maur to purchase them. While out and about last night I stopped by Dillard’s to run through the 75% off racks again. I didn’t find anything exciting, but I did get these groovy new sneaks. They are khaki and tan, but the coolest thing about them is the oversized puma in khaki patent running down either side. So retro! Yes, mom and Suzanne, I know quitting my job would be easier if I didn’t spend money on so many shoes. And yes, I do have other sneakers so don’t waste your time posting the obvious. I still love them and I’ve worn them already so they’re mine now. I just got the feeling that last line sounded like something a kid would say. Oh well, I guess I am somewhat immature.
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