Karola Torkos

Gold Dot White Enamel Earrings

London, England

Torkos received her MA in gldsmithing, silversmithing, metalwork and jewelry from the Royal College of Art in London. Her current exploration questions changeable and variable jewelry. “Giving the wearer the possibility to change the look of a jewellery piece is in some way handing over the last step in the design process.” Says Torkos.Torkos finished her two years with a collection of flexible and adjustable jewelry, which generated a lot of attention and is a theme that has since taken off. “It’s pieces that are interchangeable: that you can interact with, that the wearer can change what it does, how it looks, the colour and the function.” You can purchase these earrings online among others at http://www.heidilowejewelry.com/artistdetail.php?artistID=1031&titleID=638&artistName=Karola%20Torkos

Tia Kramer

Originally from Iowa, currently residing in Seattle, Tia Kramer discovered her interest in papermaking while in a textile course as an undergrad. At first, she focused on larger, more sculptural objects, before a peer mentioned that she would love to wear her work. She attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and considers herself a paper and silver jewelry artist. She incorporates nature and issues of sustainability in her work. Her pieces are cold connected, allowing the structures to shift and move separately of each other, in her own words, “dancing on the ears, neck and wrists of the wearer.”

Tia’s work can be purchased online at http://www.heidilowejewelry.com/ 

High Expectations for the 2011 Season

Heidi Lowe received the Delaware Division of the Arts 2011 Individual Artist Fellowship.  She received the grant in the established craft artist category.   Needless to say Heidi Lowe has her nose to the grindstone.  She has already put some of the funds to good use.  Buying new tools she has been lusting over for years and materials such as silver and gold.   The grant will play a major role in launching the new designs for the 2011 season.  She is following a few threads of creative thought to create new bodies of work.  The new work includes an updated Rehoboth Beach scene ring, and new wedding designs.  She is also working on a new Impressions grouping of jewelry, rings highlighting the impressions of gemstones.  To keep up with the happenings, visit her at Heidi Lowe Gallery or on her blog, HeidiLoweJewelry.tumbler.com.

One of my must see spots in San Fran is Velvet da Vinci Gallery.  I ooohed and aaahed over all the jewelry.  Then Mike took Carleigh and I on an exciting tour of the up stairs.  What a great space- photo booth, shipping station and storage- dream come true.  Thanks Mike for the tour and hospitality.

Allyson Bone Jewelry

Allyson Bone earned her MFA from SUNY New Paltz. She began as a psychology major as an undergrad but as soon as she had taken her first metalsmithing course, she was hooked on making. She fuses clean, minimal forms with intense detail. Her silver jewelry is oxidized to conceal the decoration and enhance the graphic nature of her designs. “I create objects with a sense of history and authority that still seem modern.” You can purchase this ring and more of Bone’s work at http://www.heidilowejewelry.com/artistworks.php?artistID=1007&artistName=Allyson%20%20Bone

Sarah Loertscher

Sarah Loertscher, structure earrings with gold platelets, materials: sterling silver, 18k yellow gold

Elegance at it’s finest!  These earrings are one of multiple pairs by Sarah Loertscher that are part of the current show Earrings Galore which will be on display at the HLG until August 8th. 

Sarah Loertscher received her BFA from Ball State University with an emphasis in metalsmithing.  Her work is influenced by her interest in minerals and growth patterns of crystalline structures.  She is currently residing in Seattle, Washington as a part of the ever-growing, young and up-and-coming crowd of Seattle metalsmiths.

Link to online store:  http://www.heidilowejewelry.com/artistdetail.php?artistID=1018&titleID=292&artistName=Sarah%20Loertscher

http://www.artbizcoach.com/about.html

Taking a workshop on promoting your artbiz!

Great Workshop- check out her book I’ld rather be in the studio and start working on your web, facebook, twitter, linkedin presence.

Chi ha paura…? Translation: Who’s afraid of…contemporary jewelry?

12 years ago, Dutch jewelry and product designer, Gijs Bakker, began a dialogue with designers about jewelry and its place in the modern world. Moving past the conventional concept of simple decoration and an investment in gold or stones, the goal was to redefine the value of jewelry by the fineness of the idea, not the materials. This exhibit presents the conversation that has followed with over 50 artists from New Zealand, Asia and across Europe. They have translated concepts, such as “Sense of Wonder” in a golden computer key, “What’s Luxury?” in a chain of gold nuggets and “Rituals” in a porcelain wishbone necklace, to name a few. With over 80 thought-provoking pieces on display, each designed to ask what jewelry is in the new millennium, the resulting thought waves will ripple through the design world and add valuable ideas to our everyday lives.

It has been a Jewelry Weekend in San Fran!  Another great show happening at the San Fran Museum of Craft and Design.  

Cartier In San Francisco

Drooled on the cases.  Beautiful settings not to mention the stones.  Fell in love with the work between 1900 and 1920.  Watch out for the show stopper as you walk in the door. Its a tiara with rose cut diamonds and floating settings that make every girl want to be a princess.  

I say lets bring luxury back!