an update

Sorry for such a long absence -

I will be presenting Navigating the Web 2.0 at the SNAG Professional Development Seminar on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in Savannah, GA. Go here for more info.

I can't make any promises about when I'll be able to post here again - I've been so busy lately. But I do update my other blog regularly, so head over there to check out my work and inspirations.

-megan

lulu smith

I was happy to discover that Lulu Smith now has an Etsy shop. I love that artists who are well established on the craft show and gallery circuits are migrating to Etsy. You can also purchase additional items on her website.

masako onodera

While at SNAG, I was happy to run into Masako Onodera, and even happier to learn that she has a website with images of her beautiful work. I love Masako's choice of materials like plastic grapes and balloons. Sorry for the image overload, but I couldn't pick just a few. You can view even more images of Masako's work here.

Masako is also the recipient of a SNAG Educationl Endowment for the second year in a row. Congrats, Masako!

snag recap: felieke van der leest

As far as lectures go, Felieke van der Leest's was the stand-out of the conference. I'm a huge fan of Felieke's work, and her lecture did not disappoint. It was candid and funny and just an all around good time, with insight into Felieke's home and process.



I was also happy to hear her speak about her work for NeefNicht Design, a company she runs with her cousin. It was great to see the same playfulness translate from her jewelry and objects to larger architectural lighting projects.

snag recap

I'm back from Memphis and I've got lots of great SNAG finds that I'll be sharing with you over the next week or so, including more Felieke van der Leest, Masako Onondero, and Quirk Gallery.

Note: I've gotten several emails and comments over the last month from some people who have great blogs. If you're one of those people, I apologize for not yet adding you to my links list. I promise, I haven't forgotten, and I hope to do some blog updating soon.

snag

I'm off to Memphis for the annual SNAG conference. I'll be back next week with coverage of some of the exhibitions, lectures, and other conference goings ons.

adrienne wiegmann

I was happy to find that my former student and recent Towson graduate Adrienne Wiegmann has posted her most recent work on her flickr site. Adrienne's work deals with jewelry's ability to combat negative emotions. Be sure to check out her website as well.

nathan dube

I've been meaning to post about the work of fellow Kent State alum Nathan Dube for a while now, especially since he's updated his website with new work. Nathan makes high-end, humorous toys for adults based on childhood pranks. You can view more of Nathan's work on his website and flickr site. And, if you're in Texas this summer, be sure to stop by the UTSA Satellite Space at the Blue Star Art Space in San Antonio to see Nathan's work in person.

julie lake

Simple, welded stainless steel earrings by Julie Lake. You can purchase them via her etsy shop. You can also see more of Julie's work at her flickr site, and some great progress and studio shots on her blog.

katie parker

I purposely named the blog jewelry. metals. objects. so that when I post about non-jewelry/metalwork, no one can complain. Katie Parker is another artist I encountered while at Art Star. Katie is a ceramic artist, but I'm really taken with her wallpaper installations using cut paper and ceramics. You can view more of Katie's work on her blog, and shop for pieces here.

aliyah gold

Sorry for such a long absence. It's amazing how a few days off from the blog can turn into a month. I'll try not to stay away so long in the future.

I was at the Art Star Craft Bazaar in Philly this weekend, and was happy to visit the booth of the AYM Collective. This talented, Philly-based group of ladies is made up of Aliyah Gold, Yoko Tazaki, and Monika Kroll. Sadly, their website isn't up yet, but Aliyah Gold does have her own site (plus a super cool name). You can view more of Aliyah's work here.

And here is the link for the AYM Collective. Let's hope the website is up and running soon!

harriete estel berman

Artist Harriete Estel Berman is known for her use of found/recycled materials, and now she's working on a new project. Harriete is trying to collect used #2 pencils for a piece about standardized testing, and she's accepting donations. Here are the details:

Seeking #2 pencils:
Any and all used pencils, including
broken, chewed, stubby, or erasers worn to a nub.

I need over 30,000 pencils to assemble a new
sculpture about education and test taking.

‑‑Clean out your junk drawer of leftover pencils;
--Rub out memories of erasers too small for mistakes in life;
--Protest the tyranny of standardized tests.

Ask local schools, students, or teachers to help.
Share or send this email to anyone and everyone else who might like to participate and contribute pencils.

Send pencils to artist:
Harriete Estel Berman
www.harriete-estel-berman.info
657 42nd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403-5059


If you include your name, address and email, I’ll send you a card of the finished piece. If you would like to write a comment about your experience with standardized tests, send a statement with your pencil contribution.


SMALL PRINT:
· The testing industry is calculated to be a $400 million to $700 million industry.
· In 2001, the New York Times reported that the U.S .Department of Education set aside $400 million to help states develop and administer the tests that the No Child Left Behind Act mandated for children in grades 3 through 8. Among the likely benefactors of the extra funds were the four companies that dominate the testing market .
· Do you know that Educational Testing Service (ETS), best known for its administration of the SAT college-entrance exam, won a three-year, $50 million contract in October 2001 to develop and score California's high-school

(via Midge's Mind)

You can also see more of Harriete's work on her website.

imogene + 2modern design blog

Annie from imogene just sent an email announcing that she will be the new Sunday guest blogger at 2modern's design blog. So be sure to tune in every Sunday for some great jewelry posts!

kristin beeler

I was excited yesterday to stumble across the flickr site of Kristin Beeler. Not only does the site showcase Kristin's work, it also has her student work. A great insight into what the next generation is working on. Click here for Kristin's work, and here for student work.



Note: I will be posting here with less frequency over the coming months, as I'm looking at a full summer show schedule, and some exciting exhibition opportunities for 2008. I will be posting from time to time, so check back in. And, you can always see what's keeping me occupied by checking out my other blog.

alastair mackie

I love the obsessive quality of this work by Alastair Mackie. (via Spray Glue)



Other fave finds from around the web this week:

Katja Prins at 18kt.

Dennis Lin at OhJoy!

Props to Kirsten Rook at Midge's Mind.

donna d'aquino

While posting about Taboo Studio yesterday, I realized I have yet to post about the work of Donna D'Aquino. I've admired Donna's work for a while now (especially her steel wire and plasti-dip pieces) so I wanted to share a few more images here. You can see more of Donna's work on her website.

taboo studio

Taboo Studio is a San Diego gallery featuring art jewelry and metalwork. Their website includes an artist list and numerous images. You can also find an archive of past exhibitions and articles about some of the artists they represent.

Happy browsing!

Above: Jay Song
Below: Kathleen Browne, Donna D'Aquino, and Teresa Faris

snag

Just in case you haven't seen it, SNAG (the Society of North American Goldsmiths) has re-done their website. Its got all sorts of information, and a new members only section, which will soon have discussion boards (a welcome addition). Be sure to check it out (and register for the conference in Memphis - the deadline is fast approaching!)

And speaking of SNAG, keep your eyes open for an opinion piece about blogging in the Fall issue of Metalsmith!

katy bergman cassell

Katy Bergman Cassell is an enamelist and fellow Kent State alum. Katy's work ranges from single tiles inspired by landscapes to large installations inspired by Islamic tile patterns. You can view more of Katy's work on her website.

susan skoczen

I'm back from my visit to Ohio, where I ran into Kent State alum Susan Skoczen. Susan's work was recently featured in an Artist Showcase at Velvet DaVinci. You can view more of Susan's work on her website.

corey ackelmire

I'm off to Ohio tomorrow morning to check out the MFA thesis exhibition of Corey Ackelmire. Corey's a grad school classmate of mine who makes pieces exploring use, function, and material culture. You can check out more of Corey's work on her website and flickr site.

Congrats, Corey!