Not Enough Hours in the Day

Hello!  It's been forever (it seems) since I've posted.  As with so many of us, life is so busy!  I have been working closely with a wonderful little co-op gallery in Lake Worth, Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery, run by Joyce Brown, a talented sculptor and supporter of all things art.  Joyce is a real voice for the arts community in Lake Worth and has a spectacular back story involving peddling to the Amish, promoting hippy folk concerts and proudly declaring her Communist affilitations.  I love her.  The gallery is a funky, ecclectic mix of everything from gigantic metal sculpture to fused glass earrings.  The member artists (28 and counting) all work together to keep the doors open and host events twice a month.  It's a big challange to keep the gallery up and running, considering todays economy and wholesale evisceration of most communities arts budgets.  Anyway, I help the gallery by running their Facebook page and blog, both of which I expect you all to immediately follow and "like".  Go ahead, I'll wait till you get back....

Thanks!  Now, on top of working with the gallery (where I also show my work), I also manage several other blogs, websites and Facebook pages for both my jewelry business and my "real job" with the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.  Again, please follow, like, etc.  As much as I enjoy working with social media and web design, I am at capacity with all the groups I support, and find I need to somehow figure out how to juggle it all AND find time for my own work.  Welcome to the digital age.

So, what have I been up to?  Well, last Sunday we hosted the fifth annual WILD THINGS Art Show in support of RSCF's conservation programs.  This event is held every year in Loxahatchee, right around the corner from RSCF, at a private studio owned by Gisela Pferdekamper.  Gisela is a wonderful artist--famous for her "fat horse" sculptures and paintings.  Every year she allows us to hold the show in her studio, a converted barn.  The space is amazing and we have a great time.  All the art is wildlife inspired and this year we had some of the best artists in the region.  I have to give a "shout out" to a couple of artists that joined us for the first time this year.  First, Anthony Burks.  Anthony is a spectacular painter/mixed media artist and his work is just breath-taking!  We are so lucky to have him in the show!  He created the bongo painting you see here specifically for the event, and it sold (of course).  Check out his online portfolio and prepare to drool....

Next, check out Melinda Moore's art photography.  GORGEOUS work, almost dream like.  Her bird photos are just stunning.  Again, a great addition to our show.  We look forward to seeing both Melinda and Anthony again next year.

Finally, I have to thank Georgette Pressler of Devious Body Art for her amazing work during the show.  She painted Andy Fields into a living cornucopia of wildlife!  Parrots flock across his face and shoulders, while bongo graze on his chest and abs....Can you say SUPER-COOL-AMAZING?  Whate a great night...

So, I've been busy!  AND, I've been making a whole new line of necklaces using vintage photos and tin types.  More on that later...this post is long enough!!  See you later...

I've Gone to the Dogs...

The cooperative gallery I work with, Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in Lake Worth, FL, is hosting an event next Friday (the 20th) called Dog DaZe. We're supporting Elite Greyhound Adoptions and the gallery will be filled with guests, their dogs, and art inspired by our furry friends. I created this necklace especially for the event, and will be donating 100% of the sale to Elite. It features a vintage, sterling silver dog-head whistle that is just gorgeous. It's fully functional, and removable. This piece is called "And We Danced" and comes with an original short story I wrote inspired by the whistle. The necklace also features a gorgeous lampwork glass pendant bead, a vintage optic lens, and a silver framed moth wing behind acrylic. I hope it sells, and that we can raise some funds for Elite, a wonderful organization that finds homes for retired racing greyhounds. If you're in the neighborhood, please stop by! Also, if the necklace does not sell on the 20th I will be listing it in my Etsy shop, so check back!!

I'm all Etchy...

Been experimenting with etching and LOVE IT! Made two new locket pendants over the past couple of days, plus a ring, plus some earrings...basically etching anything and everything copper and brass. Here are a couple images of the lockets--one features a great collage image of a finch, the other a picture taken of my Mother when she was a girl. One of my favorite photos. More images to come--what do you think???

Just for Fun - Etsy can really rock sometimes. I love having a shop there, and am constantly inspired and surprised by the artists I discover. This "Mom and Dad" artist duo was featured on Etsy's home page and I really love the work! I'm not a huge "doll" or "figure" collector, but these creations are just weired enough to make me want one! Take a look at Cart Before the Horse!