A private class

Recently, I was asked to give a private class on some copper work for a lady who was recovering from a stroke. I've noticed in my summer class, it seems to be therapeutic to engage in fine motor and gross motor activities for folks who have suffered some type of motor skill affliction. I never looked at my jewelry work that way, but if I can give pleasure to someone else that is a joy for me.

Been awhile

It's been awhile since I've blogged. You can tell I am from an older generation where all this new fangled stuff is not on my agenda. Recently, I have been doing a few shows at Hub City Farmer's Market and SLAM Art Market in Greenville and some work at the West Main Artist Co-op in Spartanburg.

Yesterday I took an enameling class st the Beaded Frog but it was too crowded in the work area to make any pieces effectively-oh,well...

Next weekend I will try my hand at non-toxic metal etching in Tryon.

Lately, I have been making copper folded leaves and crazy wire/stone designs. I feel like I am on the brink of insanity with wire going haywired-literally!

It's all about the flower...

Lately, I have been working with copper to make free from copper flowers with natural stones, pearls and crystals. It really is fun and I never know exactly how the shape will come out. Some of them have been dipped in a patina to give a vintage look. What do you think?

Elbow Calamity

Since my dislocated elbow calamity 3 weeks ago, I have been trying to work on different cold connection techniques to strengthen my arm. It is amazing how much we take our limbs for granted. I've been grateful that my pain has lessened even though I have to take things a little slower.

I am looking forward to work on marketing my work and try to do some more art shows.

The West Main Artist Co-op in Spartanburg will have an Open House on Saturday June 25th from 10am-4pm with light refreshments. It is located on 578 West Main St. near the Coca Cola plant downtown. Come by and take a look at all the art work by 46 artists from the local community.

Metal Collage

My latest pendant is a collaboration of different cold connection techniques. In this piece I incorporated rivets, hammering,layers, folding, and patinas to give some interesting effects. It is my tribute to modern collages that I used to do in high school or college on paper.

Surving and enjoying my first Juried Art Show

It was alot of fun this past Saturday in Saluda, NC. It was nice to see husbands take interest in buying a piece of jewelry for their wives. Also,I was grateful to my husband who helped me set up and take down my tent.
Since I was by myself, I could not visit all the art booths, but from I understand there was a nice variety of mediums. It was nice to be affirmed in what I am creating from other folks.

Birth of Spartanburg Art Forms

New galleries, new excitement, new co-op, new Cultural Center, music scene offerings, an Indie book shop are all being energized by a crop of people striving for some level of excellence and creative energy in our community. It has been along time coming but in the size of Spartanburg renewed prospects are coming. There is a new enthusiasm about the arts and more groups are working together. Hope this fever is catching and it will flow into our schools and get young people excited, that they can try and do.

A resurgence and pride is coming back in working with one's hands. This is how our country started. Blacksmithing, making clothes,soaps,homemade breads,etc. were normal chores in the good ole days. It is sad that kids today can't even sew on a button, but with exposure to the arts, more and more people will appreciate the love and detail that goes into a piece of art. The creative process can not be measured by a test like S.A.T.. So more opportunities need to be out there for our children and teens and especially those who are the most vulnerable and can not afford expensive programs.

Oh! My! I did not mean to give a speech! But I feel this important to promote the arts and develop other parts of our brain!