Exhibition - Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads

Every so often something truly

groundbreaking occurs.

The Polymer Collection at the

Racine Art Museum will make its

debut this weekend.

To celebrate the establishment of

this permanent collection

 RAM is showing a group exhibition

of polymer artists who are considered

 the groundbreaking,

early adopters of this specific material.

The purpose of this exhibit is to highlight

 the history and development of polymer

 art and craft over the last 30 years.

Terra Nova: Polymer Art at the Crossroads

reflects on the history of all things polymer.

Featuring a comprehensive collection of

over 200 objects made of polymer,

it includes jewelry, sculptural objects,

 and furniture.

This exhibition features exemplary pieces from

34 artists. From this large group a smaller group of

 "8 Boundary Breakers" are being showcased.

These artists are recognized for their

extraordinary contributions to the field.

The "Boundary Breakers" are Bonnie Bishoff and

J.M. Syron, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Kathleen Dustin,

Steven Ford and David Forlano, Tory Hughes,

Cynthia Toops, Pier Voulkos, and Elise Winters.

Each will be represented by new work as

well as historical pieces showing their

experimentation with polymer.

Other participating artists include: Jamey Allen,

Kathleen Amt, Rachel Carren, Dan Cormier,

 Debra DeWolff,  Gwen Gibson, Linda Goff, Michael Grove,

Ruth Anne Grove, Lindly Haunani, Carl Hornberger,

 Donna Kato, Ronnie Kirsch, Judy Kuskin, Maggie Maggio,

Wendy Wallin Malinow, Sandra McCaw, Linda Pedersen,

Nan Roche, Sarah Shriver, Carol Simmons,

Barbara Sperling, Melanie West, and Amy Zinman.

 Additionally, this exhibition will be memorialized

by an accompanying

illustrated hardcover 140-page book,

 "Terra Nova:  Polymer at the Crossroads"

published by RAM.

It includes portfolio sections highlighting

each of the exhibition's "Boundary Breakers"

with images of their work, a brief artist statement

 and a concise exhibition history. 

The exhibition will run

October 21, 2011 through February 5, 2012.

For more information see the

Racine Art Museum website.

All photos via Polymer Art Archive

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Kathleen Dustin Jewelry - Inspiration Celebrated in Polymer Clay

Ever since we first saw her work several years ago, we have found inspiration in the polymer clay jewelry art of Kathleen Dustin. We find ourselves repeating the words, over and over again, "Wow. This is polymer clay. How does she do that. How does she create that."





This one is called "Leaf Bracelet."



Most noted for her exquisite evening bags, her work has been celebrated for its emotional images of women, for the translucent depth of surface that she creates, and for her painstaking use of both vibrant and natural colors.



Her art-to-wear jewelry is equally as striking.



This one is called "Pinchpot Necklace." Looking at her work we feel inspired. Inspired by her ideas. Inspired by her techniques. Inspired by her choices of color and form and texture.




Her own thoughts are inspiring also:


"People often ask me, ‘Where do your ideas come from?’ I feel that part of my job as an artist is to pay attention, ....The imagery of my work comes from taking a deep look at my life, responding to it, and expressing it so that it strikes a cord in someone else too, encouraging them to pay attention."



This is "Tornado Bracelet" from her archived collection.
When viewing Kathleen's work we find ourselves having a strong emotional reaction that takes us to new places in our minds and ignites our creativity.






ok, so we just had to sneak in a photo of one of Kathleen's exquisite evening bags...... maybe it’s not jewelry, per se. But as true "art to wear" it still qualifies as jewelry for us....we would wear it as a piece of jewelry, no doubt about it. (It's called Corn Catchfly Purse.)


As Kathleen states on her website, ". . . these purses are functional, you are supposed to touch them, caress them and examine them. Your life is enhanced because it´s wonderful to carry beautiful things around with you and use them. And that is what I want my creations to do."



We leave her website thinking about inspiration and the role it plays in keeping us motivated to achieve our goals.

We're sure you've had a similar experience where you find yourself deeply influenced by an artist's work.

It is this energy of inspiration that can be used as fuel to keep us moving in the right direction.


So, what inspires you to keep pursuing your art jewelry dreams?


Where do you find inspiration?

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