ArtThings + Such

The Best YouTube Video I have seen.. maybe ever.

2012-01-11T04:08:00.001-05:00

How to beat the limitations of 3D printing. So simple it'll blow your mind.

2011-08-18T00:42:00.000-04:00

Michael Hansmeyer has developed an innovative way to beat the limitations of 3D printing.

His detailed files (many based on algorithms that repeatedly subdivide an abstracted traditional doric column, adding decorative elements) far exceed the detail (triangle count) allowed (or processable) by current technologies. Instead of cutting back on the details, he's split his files into thousands of horizontal slices, 1mm thick each.

And stacked them!

COSTUME COSTUME II

2011-08-14T23:38:00.000-04:00

So excited and honored to have been chosen to be a part of COSTUME COSTUME II at Sienna Gallery! This is the second round of COSTUME COSTUME, a project organized Erin Gardner, founded of The Opulent Project, and juried by Arthur Hash (who's work is amazing, if you're not familiar!)

If you are in the area (Lenox, Mass), the work will be on display until the end of this month. If you're not, be sure to check out the online gallery to see some really great work!

Here are the pieces I created for the exhibition:

Some New Work!

2011-08-14T23:28:00.002-04:00

It's bee so long since I've posted! Here's a little peek at what I've been up to!

Heartsy Feature!

2011-06-03T03:32:00.000-04:00

For those of you who are not yet familiar with the website Heartsy, you should be!

Functioning much like groupon or similar sites, the intent is to offer daily discount promotions for handmade items from Etsy shops.

Although I'm on the fence about discounting work, I do think its a potential way to build a client base and get some much needed traffic to my etsy shop, so I'm going to give it a go!

Tomorrow, I'll be featured, offering 56% off my entire Etsy shop, www.katiepoterala.etsy.com !! This deal is a VIP deal, for members only.

Here's a sneak peek at my best selling item:

Even if you're not into selling on Heartsy, it's more than worth a membership! Everyone likes a good deal, and the daily deal email is a great way to find fantastic new sellers (and discounts on awesome stuff!)

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T15:29:00.000-04:00

What do these two things have in common?

Princess Beatrice (right), at the Royal Wedding.

That's some mega head-bling.

Michael Eden: 3D Awesomeness

2011-04-20T18:49:00.004-04:00

I just discovered the work of Michael Eden, a fantastic ceramic artist who is using additive 3D processes (namely the Zcorp) to create these great forms that reference traditional Wedgewood ceramic forms, yet cannot be created using traditional ceramic methods. He is layering the prints with an unfired ceramic material, as well.

Images courtesy http://www.edenceramics.co.uk/

For a series of videos on the artist's process, click here.

Luggage (I wish I could afford!)

2011-04-20T18:44:00.000-04:00

Check out this and more fantastic luggage handcrafted by Williams British Handmade!

Alf Ward: Medal of Honor in the Arts

2011-04-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

Image Courtesy Winthrop University College of Visual and Performing Arts

As an undergraduate at Winthrop University, I got the chance to study briefly under Alfred Ward, an amazingly talented metalsmith and painter, and one of the most interesting and inspiring individuals I have ever met. Not only is his work fantastic, but he is full of fascinating stories and thoughtful insight about making and the art world in general.

Alf was just awarded a Medal of Honor in the Arts for his many contributions not only to Winthrop, but to the community and the larger arts discipline. Find a great YouTube Video here that the Winthrop art department made in his honor.

For more information about the award and past recipients, go here.

Information Overload Series: 2) Andy Cooperman's "Tips and Tricks"

2011-03-15T02:19:00.000-04:00

Thank you, ADC!

Michelle Startzman and myself were more than thrilled to be offered the opportunity to attend Andy Cooperman's "Tips and Tricks" workshop in Tucson, hosted by the Arizona Designer Craftsmen.

Two words: COPIOUS NOTES.

I learned a ton of amazing new tricks that are going to make for much more efficient and smart metalsmithing, and got to see (and touch!) some of Andy's really wonderful pieces.

We learned a ton - from flex shaft basics to "ninja soldering," and even alloying shibuichi and fusing bronze.
I'll have to say the most exciting part of the workshop was Andy himself - specifically his attitude toward making and metalworking in general. I love his risk taking approach, and can definitely benefit from a little more of that in my own practice. This was definitely one of the best workshops I have had a chance to attend - one not to miss!

Best feature: the mind-blowing simple tricks!

To check out a quick video from the workshop, on Shibuichi, click here!

Information Overload Series: 1) Yuma 2011

2011-03-15T02:02:00.000-04:00

So long since my last post!

Whew... time to take a breather. So much has been going on lately! In an attempt to get caught up, I am going to swiftly dump a few images and some brief thoughts about some of the exciting stuff that has been going on 'round here lately!

First off, Yuma 2011!

This year was only my second, but it was just as awesome as the first! Of course it was tons of fun, as always, but what I found especially exciting were (in cascading order):

1. Michael Dale Bernard's lecture and (amazing) DIY video and demo about powdercoating. Find the online version of the video about powdercoating here.

2. Victoria May's lecture and work on display (some really great fiber things - her "Designed for General Use" series was especially intriguing).

3. Student show and silent auction - This year seemed to have a much better display of auction items, and there was a lot of interesting student work! Unfortunately I got outbid on many of the things I fell in love with (most notably a MDB brooch) but did manage to snag an awesome re-purposed skateboard charm by Tara Locklear!

Necklace by Kat Cole

Mine, now!

4. And finally... did anyone SEE those trophys?! Looks like the bar is getting raised! Maybe next year, ASU. We just need to brush up on the S/F/S rules a little bit! :)

This Just In!

2011-02-02T18:06:00.000-05:00

... well, not JUST in, but new to the online shop! :)

Check out my Etsy shop for these as well as many other exciting new pieces!
Just in time for valentine's Day!

My New Favorite Diamond Ring!

2011-01-30T17:02:00.000-05:00

Isn't this ring by Selda Okutan simply stunning!? I love the simplicity! She's got several versions, some which include a stone actually set inside.

Here are a few more examples of her work. Check out her website for more!

Oh! Poo.

2011-01-30T16:44:00.000-05:00

Claire Baloge

Alam Necklace

France, 2009

I came across this piece from the "I Care A Lot" online exhibition. What first intrigued me about the piece was an unexpected material combination (camel dung, gold leaf, and silk). After further consideration, however, I find it to be quite successful as a literal visual reference to the state of the middle east and western relations therein.

The use of such seemingly non-similar or unrelated materials offers both the grotesque and the decorative, the repulsive and the desirable, and ironically, two natural objects of geographic, economic, and political significance bound together and coexisting in a way that makes sense to a specific culture:

"I was far away from the oil society

but could feel the importance of it,

seeing sometimes a 4x4 air conditioned

cars crossing the dunes heading to newly

discovered oil. In the villages they passed

the people were suffering hunger. Two

different worlds temporally crossing. And

yet not meeting." -- Claire Baloge

Pimp my Pin

2011-01-19T16:32:00.003-05:00

Because I don't wear brooches, but I just had to buy one of Becky McDonah's amazing jack-o-lope pins ( that I've been dying to have since I first saw them) at the last ASU Metals Club jewelry sale:

Now I have an awesome jack-o-lope necklace!

(And yes, of course I asked her first!)

New Bling!

2011-01-12T20:24:00.001-05:00

As promised (however slightly later than promised!), here are a few photos of some most recent work...........

Charmed

2011-01-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

Charmed on Facebook is the first of what is likely to be a new trend in marketing through the social network. And, it just so happens that she (Ingrid Anne) is selling jewelry.

Alongside an established website, the facebook page features an interactive (although slightly glitchy) feature that allows a user to "customize" a necklace by choosing between a variety of chain and charm styles. The price automatically updates as you make your selections and totals below.

Although the choices are not the most appealing - I am really intrigued by the concept. Offering the user/viewer/customer the ability to feel like they are making choices in the final product has been a proven as a positive marketing trick. Secondly, there is no hovering salesperson and no feeling of commitment for the user. And... lastly and perhaps most intriguing to me is - its on Facebook - the most trafficked and accessible place on the planet.

Charmed might just be the beginning of a whole new way of marketing and selling products online. Smart - yes. Will I be doing it - probably never. Although... I do see some potential for smaller sellers/businesses/craftspeople here.

My only fear is that Facebook becomes the new (or some might argue "even bigger") target for junk mail and marketing.

I'm interested in what everyone else thinks!

15 Hour Review

2010-11-07T01:10:00.002-05:00

I passed!!! Yayyyyyyyyyyy!

The past few months have been crazy, between tons of exhibitions, teaching, making, and getting ready for my 15 hour review! Yesterday was the big day, and I PASSED! What does that mean? I am officially a MFA "candidate" and have been accepted to continue with my work here at ASU and can now select a committee and start toward my thesis.

Now it's time to take a HUGE sigh of relief and get back to the grind.... much less stressed. This should bring my attention back around to my blog too, which has fallen to the bottom of my priorities lately. Updated things soon to come!

Current Exhibition: Small Metals, Big Ideas

2010-11-07T01:11:00.001-04:00

The Night Gallery at Tempe Marketplace is currently hosting a curated exhibition featuring the work from metalsmiths affiliated with Arizona State University. Work shown is Graduate level, Faculty, and Graduate Alumni.

The Opening Reception was Nov. 4 and 5, 6-9pm.
The exhibit will be up from Nov. 4-28, 2010.

Artists include: Becky McDonah, Tedd McDonah, Victoria Altepeter, Jonathan Brown, Nissa Kubly, John Tzelepis, Lynette Andreasen, Katie Poterala, Erik Bogner, Amanda Frazier, Leon Nash, Michelle Startzman, and Sam Troxell.

Spike.

2010-10-18T14:32:00.002-04:00

Somehow I never got around to posting these... which by the way, provoked two separate little groups of people to pretend sword fight at the recent Intercollegiate Metals Exhibition. yeah, didn't see that one coming!?

You look Fabulous

2010-10-09T21:01:00.000-04:00

Here are a few shots from the "You Look Fabulous" wearable sculpture exhibition's opening night and runway show. The show is currently on exhibit at the Night Gallery at Tempe Marketplace in Tempe, Arizona, and will be until Oct. 31.

My Piece!

State Press Feature

2010-09-23T15:37:00.002-04:00

I did an interview for The State Press Magazine about my Etsy shop. To read it, follow this link.

Anna Davern

2010-09-23T15:31:00.001-04:00

Just came across the Australian artist Anna Davern the other day. Admittedly, I know nothing about the politics down under, but this kind of makes me wish I did. I really like these brooches anyway :)

Check out her website via the link above for more really great metalwork!

Mid-day Bling!

2010-09-23T15:26:00.001-04:00

Mathieu Mercier's Diamond (painting)

Toys

2010-09-15T20:19:00.001-04:00

I love toys. And fun things. And funny things. So, these are Awesome!

Yum Yum London's Heroes and Villains collection (Coming soon.. hopefully!)

Jeremy Deller poster

2010-09-15T20:17:00.001-04:00

ADC Craftsmanship 2010

2010-09-11T21:10:00.000-04:00

The Arizona Designer Craftsmen "Craftsmanship 2010" Exhibition received a great turnout this year! Here are some image from the opening:

And, a special shout out to Amanda Scheutzow, an ASU undergraduate student who won first place for her metal piece, "Release"!!

MJSA Scholarship

2010-09-04T17:01:00.001-04:00

MJSA, the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America offer a number of competitive scholarships every year for the students pursuing degrees in metals related fields. I just found out that this year, I am one of them! I am so excited... absolutely thrilled!!! It's going to help so much!

MJSA awarded $7,200.00 total this year, split between four students from across the country. It's awesome that the foundation is able to consistently offer so many substantial awards, as there aren't many out there for us metalsmiths.

Congrats to the other winners:
Julia Heineccius, Davina Romansky, and Alexander Walker

& many, many thanks to MJSA and the Rhode Island Foundation!

Click HERE for more information on the MJSA awards.

Upcoming

2010-08-27T04:41:00.000-04:00

Check out an upcoming exhibition that will be happening at the Harry Wood Gallery here at ASU from September7 to the 17th!

Reception is the 7th, from 6 to 9 p.m.

I am very excited to have three pieces in the show alongside so many other wonderful works in a variety of mediums!

2010-08-26T01:49:00.000-04:00

2010-08-25T09:55:00.000-04:00

2010-08-20T04:27:00.000-04:00

2010-08-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

More New Work

2010-08-19T22:56:00.002-04:00

New Work!

2010-08-19T22:08:00.000-04:00

Necklace: Zcorp 3D Print, seed beads, oxidized copper, faceted stones

Something Cool Happening Back Home

2010-08-13T13:09:00.002-04:00

New in ETSY!

2010-08-03T12:10:00.001-04:00

Check out these new items as well as many others in my etsy shop!

Spotlight: Mary Huang

2010-08-02T22:26:00.009-04:00

While at Siggraph this year, I had the opportunity to meet a ton of amazing artists, students, and professionals whose expertise spanned from fine art, to graphic design, to animation, to computer engineering and programming. Among these were artist and computer junkie Mary Huang, a Design and Media Arts graduate from UCLA who is currently studying in Copenhagen. Her interests span from fashion design to code, to computational graphics and interactive experiences. She's also got a healthy craving for robots.

I first saw Huang's work when she stopped by the Wearables booth I was helping out at in the Studio at Siggraph (featuring human-body-centered technologies using LEDs that utilize biofeedback, expanded sensory modalities, facilitate communication, etc.). I was immediately attracted to her fashion pieces that utilized LEDs. While there are a ton of fashion pieces and accessories out there these days that use LEDs, not all of them are tasteful, and most approach their use as an additive or decorative detail, not as an integral part of the object. Huang's work is different. She utilizes LEDs in a manner that contributes to the object as a whole, and provides the wearer or user with a sense that they can harness light as opposed to simply bling out with some LEDs. The lights are not overpowering, and are well diffused, hidden beneath the layers of fabric that they illuminate.

In addition to Huang's fashion pieces, she's got a lot of other interesting work. Here are just a few images from some of her other endeavors:

Comprised of mini windmills, "Dandelion" captures energy naturally from bodily movement, wind, and other environmental influences.

A revamped toaster that forces us to rethink the mundane ritual and user interface of morning toast. The toaster "plays a selection of music depending on the bread you put in to “toast”. 125 songs covered 5 genres: Reggae, Country, Rock, Electro and Latin within 5 categories of moods: party, melancholy, obscure, chill out and feel good. Choosing a rye bread with a wheat bread might give you a party Bob Marley track, or two white breads give you a melancholy Dolly Parton. In any case, the music is a surprising interaction from a seemingly ordinary kitchen object."

"Messenger Dog" is a prototype that emerged out of a collaboration. The device acts as an "informal messaging system for disaster areas", meaning it records data from victims which is carried back to a centralized location and extracted to be played for a community of loved ones, allowing them an opportunity to know a missing family member is safe before any formal communication has been made.

.... and of course, everyone loves a robot that vends its own miniature robots!

For more exciting projects, check out Mary's website or her blog!

2010-08-02T21:05:00.001-04:00

While at arrowmont a few weeks back, there were a number of really awesome pieces in the new faculty show. One artist in particular caught my attention: Leisa Rich.

Rich uses a combination of textiles and sewing techniques in her hanging wall pieces that are at times narrative. What struck me was her incorporation of flashy, "trashy" fabrics: glossy, glittery, and vibrant colors in vinyl scream low-brow and remind us of fashion disasters from the past, however the artist has managed to tame these materials by using them in a tasteful way and undermine them with very deliberate, delicate,sensitive contour stitching. Upon close examination, there are a variety of details to be delighted by, noteably the way she has created textures within the vinyl by stitching patterns over layers of fabric. The subject matter of her works appear at first playful, yet the imagery appears to allude to deeper issues. Her combination of a material with such "cheap" connotation and the intimacy of the act of stitching and her attention to detail intrigues me. I commend Rich for her desire to embrace these materials and for her ability to bring something new and interesting out of a what so many of us would shy away from. The piece I felt was the strongest in her works at Arrowmont was entitled "A Bird in the Bush is Worth Two in the Hand", and can be seen below (Please excuse the terrible image, the work is much better in person!):

Rich is also working on 3D sculptures that appear generative and are quite interesting, as well as more vinyl 2D wall pieces that are viewer interactive. Here are just a few more shots of some of her work:

Check out Rich's website for more great work and her Etsy for some affordable wearable pieces.

Details

2010-07-24T01:47:00.005-04:00

Its all in the details! Here are a few from things I've been working on lately. You'll have to wait for the final pics, though! :)

prickly pears

2010-07-22T01:01:00.000-04:00

This is sweet. And I live in the Desert now, so I had to post it!

Prickly Pair Chairs by Valentina Gelz Wohlers,

an awesome furniture designer I just happened upon.

I think I want one. :)

Unforgettable Quote List

2010-07-20T05:41:00.003-04:00

As an artist, one hears (and reads, and overhears when not intended to) many comments and critiques. It's important to accept all of these, however it is of utmost important to remember specifically the ridiculous and the hilarious ones! Someone mentioned once that I should keep these quotes in a list for shits and giggles. Great idea! So, after reading a recent exhibition review, I was inspired to start...............

"Tiger Wood's wife needed one of those! Screw the golf club!"
"You could kill someone with that thing"
"I'm betting right-wingers won't approve of that particular recycling decision."
"Is that a weapon?"
"What happens if you eat it?"
"It's like a little shield"

Well, that's it for "unforgettable"... seems I've already exhausted such memories. I'm definitely seeing the benefit of cataloging these before they're gone as quickly as they're spoken! More as they occur......

Fossil Creek, AZ

2010-07-18T16:28:00.000-04:00

I finally found some water - CLEAN water! And a pretty sweet swimming hole!

True Bling

2010-07-18T16:21:00.000-04:00

Check out this necklace by Lauren Vanessa Tickle, part of a series of work that is an inquiry into consumer values. I love the simplicity and the careful selection of decorative graphic detail.

C'mon - Why wear bling when you can wear cash?

Crazy Cake

2010-07-18T15:54:00.003-04:00

I found this from Ladygloom on Flickr. It's pretty sweet.

Made as part of an anti- 'Chinese eating sharkfin soup at weddings' campaign.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

2010-07-05T18:18:00.000-04:00

Everyone: Lynnette needs your votes!

"Pool", a marketplace opening up in Mesa, AZ, is hosting a competition for potential merchants that could be a part of a cool new space! Lynette's entering with a brand new Art Jewelry Gallery: Curio Gallery.

Here's the scoop: "Curio Gallery will feature handmade innovative studio art jewelry made by both local and national artists. Artists represented work in a range of media and materials. Exhibitions will be changing, with different work featured each month."

There's nothing like this in the Phoenix area, so it would be awesome! All this needs is your vote(s)! So get over there to the Pool site and vote for #11! You've got to do it by July 11th, so get on it! And... tell all your friends who have an e-mail address to do it, too!

Happy 4th!!

2010-07-05T18:08:00.000-04:00

Wait, aren't we supposed to be good with fire?

That's better!

Arrowmont!

2010-07-05T17:59:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago I went to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts to assist Becky McDonah with her workshop: Righteous Reliquaries for Ordinary Objects. The workshop was tons of fun and the class was a great group! Everyone got some exciting things accomplished!

This was my first experience at Arrowmont, and now I'm afraid I'm addicted. The environment was unlike anywhere I've ever been. It was really a unique experience to be surrounded by so many eager artists. I met tons of awesome people, and found that everyone was extremely friendly! The excitement really encourages productivity, and the close proximity of the studios and housing creates tons of opportunity for building new connections among the various areas, students, volunteers, and faculty...........And, I can't forget to mention that it's nestled in the gorgeous smoky mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This alone sold me! The week was really intense, between studio time, lectures, and being force-fed awesome home cooked meals. It FLEW by! This just means I'll definitely have to find a way back!

Here are some of the students working:

And Becky giving a demo:

And lastly, a couple of studio pictures, because I'm jealous of all this space!!

These guys multiply like rabbits!

2010-06-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

...I feel like a stone setting factory. Here is a sneak peek at what I've been up to...

Stay tuned! Many more + Actual pieces coming soon!

Happy (Late) Mother's Day!

2010-05-16T19:35:00.001-04:00

Made from an old shard of really old (who knows exactly how old...) pottery found at a beach (can't remember which one...) that washes up periodically as the last remnant of a little island taken out by a hurricane. I found this and remembered mom liked to look for the shards... so I had to make something with it!

The Real Thing!

2010-05-04T15:05:00.004-04:00

For those of you who saw my Blender Bling post and images, here are the actual mutant rings (in Zcorp + resin material)....

And, a bracelet:

Blender BLING!

2010-04-25T20:11:00.001-04:00

Since I can't afford Flamingo, the rendering software I'm used to, I decided I would tackle Blender, an open source modeling and rendering package. After several days of somewhat helpful online tutorials, lots of random playing, a growing desire to hurl my laptop against the wall, and a few drinks to calm my nerves, I finally figured some things out! (That is, after I abandoned creating background surfaces alltogether... and stopped looking at the amazing things other people have done with this program.)

Something tells me it shouldn't have been this difficult... and it shouldn't have crashed this special new laptop I bought for specifically for CAD design so many times. Oh well, summer's coming, and I'm telling myself I'll get better at Blender then.......

So after all this frustration, I felt it necessary to share some of the results (which in NO way are relevant to what these pieces will actually look like!):

Latest Piece!

2010-04-10T13:09:00.005-04:00

So, the "Brand Loyalty" themed handcuffs made me work with leather, an entirely new thing for me. Although not directly related in theme, here's a peek at what else developed alongside/after it.... more to come!

Front View

Details of Clasp

Back View

New Handcuffs!

2010-03-09T02:58:00.003-05:00

These things took forever. So glad they're finally done!!

2010-03-09T02:54:00.000-05:00

Pins, pins, and more pins!

These were my Yuma pins:

....and these guys are going to SNAG with me.

Originally conceived for a 4x4 squared show here at ASU, I figured why not scale it down a little more and make them my SNAG pins... or sort of "pins" ( more accurately: potential pin-becoming-objects). Basically, the owner gets a template to "build your own bling", along with some starter bling accessories. Fun idea, and fun to make, now I wonder if anyone will actually partake....

Who needed another reason to be scared to eat at McDonalds?

2010-02-02T20:30:00.007-05:00

Nothing says "Welcome to Tucson!" like a (freakishly) realistic T-Rex as you're exiting the McDonald's drive thru.

There was no way I wasn't going to get a picture of this guy:

Other things of note in Tucson (can you tell this was the first time I'd ever been here?):

And of course, I acted like any tourist, and had to get the 'cactus in front of the snow' picture:

More Workshops!

2010-02-02T19:48:00.008-05:00

Image courtesy www.kariminnick.com

This past weekend, I got the opportunity to go to Tucson for "The Glass Onion" workshop with Kari Minnick, glass artist. She has a wonderful gestural style and works with a great deal of calligraphic text, combining representational imagery with geometric blocks of color. Her objects typically have complex compositions created from multiple layers of glass fused together.

She showed us a variety of different application methods when working with different kinds of frit and when fusing glass.
Here are some of her sample tiles:

...........and then we made some of our own:

After the initial tiles were fired, we were able to cut them apart and layer them with glass of other colors, styles, and patterns. We used clear glass to fill the gaps, and ended up making 5"x8" compositions that were 5 layers deep. Here are a couple of examples of them once complete:

Mine:
Now we've got a little knowledge, and were able to find someone with experience using an enameling kiln. Now its time to experiment and see what we can do in our studio!

Workshop!

2010-02-02T18:47:00.008-05:00

This year I've had a couple of really great workshop opportunities. I wanted to share them!

The first was visiting artist Julia Harrison from Seattle, Washington. She came for a woodworking and finishing workshop and lecture. Her work is awesome, and she showed us some great ways of coloring, finishing, and shaping wood. She also had a lot of great info. on working with a variety of different woods. Here's a couple images of her work:Image Courtesy http://beckanderson.blogspot.com

Image Courtesy http://julia-harrison.blogspot.com

During the workshop, we experimented with carving from small blanks first, then moved on to large blocks ... and carved a spoon completely by hand! Here are some pictures:

Julia demonstrating carving techniques.

Our spoons!
Thanks for the pictures, Lynette!

And............ here's mine:

Better Late than Never!

2010-01-20T20:09:00.006-05:00

Here are some pictures from my patterned metals class, taken last semester (with Tedd McDonah), here at ASU.

Images courtesy Tedd McDonah

Pattern Welded Steel - 146 layers, only 73 showing: Random Hammered Pattern
About 16" long. Maybe it will be a knife one day...

Images courtesy Tedd McDonah

"Stone" Cocktail Rings
Mokume Gane: billet of Copper, Brass, andNickel.
Hollowconstructed with Sterling setting and shank; Worn together in a cluster or separately.

The most compelling question of 2009? That's easy! (Drumroll please...) Team Edward or Team Jacob?

2009-11-26T01:41:00.009-05:00

Yeah, I went there. LITERALLY. But, lucky for me, I wasn't the only one...

Team metals, plus some of team woods and team fibers, including an anonymous someone who must have been abducted to be there in the first place. Notice Sam... the lone boy (other than Colin, a boyfriend, who had no other choice). There why? Oh yeah, for the girls. Of course!

My choice? I can't lie, it's tough. I think I'll have to stick with "team there's no way in hell I could ever make that choice - why bother trying"... or maybe "team bella's an idiot, I'll be your cougar, Jake"... but hey, at least that means I'm no longer "team denial" (right Lynette?!).
I think waiting in line to get into a movie theater on opening night (when you already have a ticket) for almost 6 straight hours counts as going public! Wow... I guess I've really crossed over the line. Sanity anyone?

And...Speaking of 6 hours... check it out:

Lynette (the midnight release coordinator and pro at these type of events), seen here passing out her thick stack of twilight trivia (complete with answer guide and one per each book) to the deserving teens and pre-teens surrounding us in line. Oh yeah, we were prepared.

And, pictured here are two twelvish girls. The one on the left... a champion twilight trivia star... she does competitions. Oh yeah.
(Answers complete with squealing, shreiking, and somewhat heated debate)

YES. This IS what you think it is.

And... of course... no true group of fans comes without representing the winning team. In this case, both teams.

Lynette for the Vamps & Ellie for the Wolves.

The only letdown? NO VAMPIRES! Not even ONE sparkley person. No fangs. No fur.
I mean, what's the point in going to the midnight release if you can't even gawk at people who spent hours getting dressed to show up in character? Bummer.

So, In conclusion:
Yep. We were THAT cool. :)

A week's work!

2009-10-15T18:31:00.013-04:00

So here are the final products of the last week of working! I really wanted to enter Heidi Lowe's Multiples exhibition , and I've had this piece of wood lying around for two years now that I haven't found a use for yet. So... I decided to crank out a series of cocktail rings (and avoid other projects I probably should have been working on!)

They turned out to be an interesting hybrid of many other things I've done before, but still quite different as well. It was actually pretty refreshing to work on something a little more formal and less conceptual for a while! Here are some shots:

Ring 5

Ring 4

Ring 3

Ring 2

Ring 1

....and this is a wall piece I did for the ASU Metals raffle coming up.

New things!

2009-10-06T19:32:00.011-04:00

Here's some of what I've been up to lately:

First piece of the semester, "Carolina Sunday"
Copper, wood
(wall hanging)

detail of etching

"Ties that bind: Godfearing and the binding of the text"

detail

"Just Cause" necklace
etched sterling

My rings!

2009-08-26T00:46:00.003-04:00

I almost forgot... last year I made a "non-traditional" set, too...part of my thesis work at Winthrop....
Here:

Non-Traditional Wedding Bands

2009-08-17T01:16:00.020-04:00

Boring engagement rings...boring wedding bands... everywhere I look, everywhere around me, every time I log onto facebook...every day. As a metalsmith, it kind of depresses me.

I love the idea of non-traditional wedding bands...for obvious reasons. From alternative materials, to the conceptual, and even considering more critical & humorous approaches, the non traditional wedding band is very much alive, even though it's seen entirely too often in the "real world".

So, I wanted to share some of my favorites:

Sakurako Shimizu's "I Do" wedding bands feature the actual sound
waves of each person saying these words. Laser cut.

Image courtesy her blog.

Kiley Granberg's "Wedding Rings"

Image courtesy her website.

Ted Noten's "Wedding Pills" are alternative wedding bands inscribed
with the name of the loved one and date of marriage. Designed to be taken with "a glass of vodka", these propose the question: to look for them or not? The pills may also provoke
"the first marriage crisis".

Image found here.

BUY:AMT is responsible for a series of "acrylic diamond rings" that
are available in a variety of colors.

According to this blog, the rings are being used as alternative wedding bands despite their potential to be quite short term objects.

On a more practical, permanent note, the same diamond ring,
as well as this thicker version, can also be found in solid gold or silver:

Images courtesy:
http://www.byamt.com/#/WEAR/
http://www.byamt.com/BuyAmt.html

Simple. Graphic. I like. Found on this blog. Design by Ash Hilton.

Found here.

China make's lots of cool looking cheap ceramic wedding bands, too.
Found here.

Road Trip to Arizona/ASU !!!

2009-08-13T23:55:00.014-04:00

Wow. It's been a while since I blogged...

So a lot has happened in the past several weeks!! I traveled 2,000 miles across the country behind my parents and their travel trailer all the way from Greenville, South Carolina to Tempe, Arizona, where I'm starting graduate school this Fall. Kodi (my puppy) and I moved into an awesome house not far from campus, and I've just gotten moved into the new studio, as well!

We made a few nice stops along the long trip and saw some absolutely amazing scenery. We even visited a couple of places that we first visited when I was ten... it had been in twelve years!

Here are some initial highlights to enjoy from the trip! I'll get around to adding some more later!

To see both entire albums, friend me on Facebook!

YES... Clampetts' style!

The Mississippi...

And it's mighty rest area law enforcement staff. They take this job seriously, as indicated by the quotation marks. (We got in trouble for parking improperly...)

A very cliche sign in New Mexico.

Dad and Kodi... no surprise that a few minutes later Kodi decided to pull a hot log out and ask to play fetch. Way to go, dad.

Ouch!

Kodi hears the cow... but cannot find the cow. After running around like crazy... he's just listening.

My (almost) pet lizard! Short-horned.

You don't see storms like this at home!

We stayed at the same campground we did 12 years ago... right at the base of this (kind of) little mountain. This is about half way up the mountain... at about 5,000 ft.

Made it!

first palm trees..

Welcome back to civilization.

Me and mom.

Christmas tree, anyone?

What is that?? At 9,500 ft... ICE!! in Arizona??

Yep.

Paint + Dry Erase = Every Idea Realised

2009-07-07T20:49:00.012-04:00

I just came across IdeaPaint, an awesome new product that covers like paint, but turns any surface into a dry erase board.

It began in "2002 when a group of college buddies were brainstorming on a business project. The more ideas they had, the less room they had to write them. Frustrated, the conversation turned away from the assignment to the problem at hand. Too bad we just can't paint the walls and write all over them(www.ideapaint.com)."

I want an entire studio, no, house painted with this stuff. How convenient would it be to be able to write/sketch/brainstorm everything the second you think of it... forget writing it down later or interrupting ideas to go find a sketchbook...

Images courtesy www.ideapaint.com.

Sweet Reuse: Contemporary Container Architecture

2009-07-07T20:35:00.007-04:00

Images Courtesy:
http://www.jetsongreen.com/2009/06/maison-idekit-shipping-container-homes.html

I've often thought how cool it would be to make homes/buildings out of containers. Check it out:

The residential Quebec home pictured above consists of seven recycled shipping containers. Architect Bernard Morin and his wife, Joyce Labelle, was built as the very first of many to come from their new company: Maison Idekit. The goal: to "help homeowners turn containers into architecturally unique, and inexpensive, homes."

"IDEKIT's first home is 3,000 square feet with four-bedrooms. It cost about $175,000 to build", not much different than homes already on the market of similar stature.... but a little greener.

Sweet Idea + Sweet Design.

Joseph Carnevale's NC "Public Art Project"

2009-06-15T21:20:00.005-04:00

Image courtesy:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0612092monster1.html

Apparently the guy responsible for this piece of "public [street] art" is Joseph Carnevale, a history student at NC State. The monster was created back in May, but Carnevale wasn't arrested until early this month. Looks like he'll have to cover the damage costs of 3 of these barrels because he "destroyed" them by bolting them together & slicing them up (300 & something $$$).

The best part? Why he does it.
Found here on his blog: http://nopromiseofsafety.com/about/

"No Promise Of Safety is not solely a photography driven endeavor. Nor is it restricted to the exploration of hidden or forgotten places... the real point of this site is to show people that the boundaries they perceive are meant to be pushed, rules are for breaking, and life is only worth living when lived dangerously."

Open Source 3D CAD/CAM Fabrication

2009-06-12T16:23:00.007-04:00

A while back I ran across a prototype homemade CAM machine.... Here's an updated version:

The CandyFab 6000 (beta)Image courtesy http://www.candyfab.org/

The brainchild of "Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories", the CandyFab 6000 is a desktop-size modeller with a build volume of more than 10 liters. It prints in, you guessed it, sugar. Heat is used as a binder. The Wiki site, http://wiki.candyfab.org/, states the following purpose "The CandyFab Project aims to reduce the costs associated with three-dimensional solid freeform fabrication, and to promote the use of fabrication technologies for culinary, educational, and artistic purposes. "

For those of you who are unaware of the cost of RP equipment and material: This is, by comparison, ridiculously inexpensive and innovative in it's goal to provide a venue of open source knowledge & production methods.

Image courtesy http://www.candyfab.org/

In addition to printing in sugar, the printer has been found capable of printing durable thermoplastic objects (initial trials with large pellets) that are both waterproof and dishwasher safe. It's possible to print in polypropylene as well. Downfall to both: smell.

Image courtesy http://www.candyfab.org

So what's the big deal?
Lets face it: While it is "just sugar", the resolution is not great, and the output is pretty crude... all of this is to be expected of such a new & independent (beta) solution. Personally, I'm just glad to see someone tackling the accessibility & affordability problems that exist in the world of RP.

I applaud Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories & can't wait to see the future of this endeavor, as well as other printers that are sure to follow!

I wonder what the food industry will make of this?

Sweet idea. :)

I like: Melissa + Campana Brothers

2009-06-07T11:21:00.005-04:00

Images courtesy:

http://www.core77.com/store/corallo/
http://www.epauletshop.com/

Maybe I'm late seeing these, but I just found them. Campana Corello jellies. The designer duo has managed to create an exciting new jelly shoe that has all the charm of the ones I wore as a kid, but is much more sophisticated (and comfortable, I assume). Took it to a whole new level. Fun. The slight variation from left to right is nice. Design based off the 2004 award winning Corallo chair. Another interesting note, they're made of 30% recycled PVC and some of the proceeds go to World Vision & support lifting kids out of poverty.

Now, if I could only afford them...

Doug Bucci is the man.

2009-06-04T13:34:00.006-04:00

Yeah, I'm a little late, but SNAG 2009 is still fresh on the mind. I'll be brief.

This year's conference was only my third, however, it was definitely the best so far. Thanks, Doug. Some of the things that made this one great:

Excellent Speakers.
(lots of) Awesome exhibitions.

More Organized volunteering arrangements.

Presence - despite economic conditions, the turnout didn't dwindle.

Excellent Speakers.

Fashion Show- this should definitely be an annual event.

Morale... people just seemed happier ??? Did I mention:

Excellent Speakers?

Unfortunately us Winthrop kids arrived too late for the PDS and pin swap. Shame.

There are only a few things that would have made it better for me, some of which the conference itself is not directly responsible for...

I hated the fact that so many people, yet again this year, stampede out just before the member meeting. It's a shame that not more people are interested in sticking around for it/putting their two cents worth in/voting on things/(at least) listening to what is going on. It also disappointed me to see even fewer students among the sorry little crowd (at least it appeared to be an especially skimpy turnout compared to Savannah - correct me if I am wrong). There's got to be something SNAG/members/individuals/someone can do to encourage more student (and professional) involvement. Some important things were brought up... and voted on.

I'm also pissed that I didn't get to see every piece in every one of the exhibitions. My fault, of course, that I didn't stay an extra day. There's only so much you can get around to on the tour. Of what was seen: excellent. Lots of work by lots of awesome people with awesome skills.

Education Dialogue: disappointment.

I loved the fact that the panel was encouraged to debate. Loved it. Good idea. However, in my opinion (and many others, assuming from a massive exiting of the seminar mid-way through) this year was a let down. For the first half hour I found myself and those around me doodling and wondering where the argument was to begin with . Both sides were in agreement (excellent, intelligent speakers might I add), yet couldn't see that they were simply locked up over an issue of "what to call" the same thing. It eventually moved on from this... but seemed to go on forever.... seeming too focused on philosophy and less focused on details: what works and what can be improved. Not much dialogue, too much debate. No "in the middle".
The topics seemed somewhat narrow as well, although some good ones, they didn't seem to keep students interest (a shame since a bunch actually showed up for this one - perhaps because of the past ones?) I by no means preach "everything for the kids", but at least give us something. In conclusion, I found myself longing for the past couple of dialogues, especially the small circles of educators and students (Memphis?), where I was much more involved, felt like my opinion mattered, felt like the educators were genuinely out to make the best experience for their students, and felt like progress was being made. But maybe I'm reading into personal bias.....

And the most exciting part?

Neri Oxman - Ecology by Craft. Hands down.

Image from http://materialecology.blogspot.com/.

A wonderful speaker, MIT grad Neri Oxman did an awesome job "dumbing it down" for us. Her work (using CAD/CAM technologies) focuses on a collaborative effort between nature, design, and concept. It transcends the fields of design, architecture, medicine, engineering, art, and who knows what all else. Using fairly simple mathematical computations (input of algorithms), she is able to create objects that (in some cases) grow themselves. She exerts different forces against other forms to maximize and minimize necessary material use. She starts with microscopic analysis of structures in nature, and her work begins to mimick the (arguably) simplistic and economical design found therein. She's creating objects/medical apparatus/structures that are simply smarter. Awesome. Standing ovation: necessary.

Only bad thing? All the other Winthrop Kids slept in. BUMMER. They'll know better next year.

More on her:
http://www.materialecology.com/
http://materialecology.blogspot.com/

So, just some of the lingering thoughts about this year's SNAG. Overall, another wonderful experience. I'll be there next year.