Textile Intrigue - Yu-Ping Lin Jewelry

Laser cut jewelry by Yu-Ping Lin
blends aspects of traditional Chinese

 paper cutting with Japanese origami techniques.

Her Kaleido Collection
  builds repetitive, symmetrical patterns
of kaleidoscopic colors and shapes.
She uses felt, silk and other textiles to
create these elaborate bracelets, pendants and brooches.

 

 

 

 Her Kyoto and Origami Bloom Collections
 feature her own hand-painted fabrics
set into sterling silver.
She explains that each piece is decorated with red thread
 because red is a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture.
 

Prepare to be surprised at the range of work
she has created.
There are dozens more designs to see
at Yu-Ping Lin's website.

 

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Retrospective of Enid Kaplan

 If you have the opportunity

to travel in Canada
be sure to visit Montreal to see a
fascinating retrospective exhibition
on the life and work

of Enid Kaplan (1954‐2002) at the

Musée des Maîtres et Artisans du Québec.

One of the first to apply heat to
 reactive metals like niobium,

Enid Kaplan used form and color in unusual ways.

 It's also interesting to note that many of her 
brooches and pendants 

had a talismanic purpose as she was deeply

 connected to the spiritual side of life.

 

 

 

Not only did she create imaginative earrings
she also found delightful ways to display them.
 

 



Be sure to take a look at Enid Kaplan's website

to see a wide range of her work.

 

Enid Kaplan: Retrospective is

currently on view until January 13, 2013.

 

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Layers of Dimension & Texture - Betsy Baker Jewelry

Betsy Baker interprets in polymer clay

 various smooth and textured surfaces of

natural materials like marble, rock, sand, linen

and paper, using numerous mixed-media

surface techniques. Once that portion of her work

is done it's then combined with a focal point of

hand-forged fine and sterling silver.

Her meticulous attention to surface effects allows

for a wide range of patterns and textures, as well as

investigations of color, dimension and geometric forms.

These forms blend harmoniously

withthose tiny focal points. Each embellishment is

protectively placed into a recessed opening

 reminiscent of a window or portal to

another enchanting dimension.

 

There is a lot to admire and to enjoy in her jewelry. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One's attention is continuously drawn to 

multiple levels of distinctive

dimensional and textural effects. 

It's not easy to select a favorite.

 

Be sure to visit Betsy Baker's website
to see all of her work.

 

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Surface Effects on Mixed Metals - Sharrey Doré Jewelry

Hand-fabricated pieces made in sterling silver

 and 14K gold, work by Sharrey Doré delightfully

 combines various elements, textures,

and pattern effects in the creation of

contemporary jewelry.

This artist is a metalsmith with innovative ideas
each beautifully expressed by
a compelling design with a strong
 architectural or Asian influence.

Using techniques such as reticulation, fusing
and embossing, she purposely sets out to explore
and develop her own processes in
surface texturing and patterning on metal.

The results are lovely one-of-a-kind
 miniature sculptures.

 

I especially love her pieces featuring
gold granulation over silver.
It enhances that striking contrast
between the gold and silver.

 

 

 

 Be sure to visit Sharrey Doré's website

to see more of this beautiful mixed-metal work.

 

 

 

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Sweet on You - Natalie Smith Jewelry

Roses are red, violets are blue,

 sugar is sweet and so is the jewelry

created by Natalie Smith.

With an equal emphasis on fun

and creativity this mixed-media artist

works with sugar and textiles, wire

and other sundry items

to create jewelry that may not be edible

but is creative and unusual.

There's a lot more to see at
Natalie Smith's blog.

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Mixed Media Delights - Gretchen Schields Jewelry

It's been a while since I've traveled to

Southern California to visit and it's been

even longer since the last time I've had

an opportunity to see the Art-A-Fair and

the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. 

Located within walking distance of each other

each is a great way to get some sun

and enjoy local artists.

Fond memories live in my heart

due to these annual events. For instance,

the first glass-blowing demonstration I ever saw

was at the Sawdust one summer (about

umpteen years ago), and the first time I watched

someone soldering jewelry was also at

that venue a few years later.

This summer, one of my favorite

mixed-media jewelry artists, Gretchen Shields,

is at the Art-A-Fair displaying her

 current work and demonstrating

 her range of techniques.

Working in various styles, this artist

mixes gemstones with found objects and textiles.

With an eye for sophisticated designs and color

combinations she creates pieces that mix

tribal beads and antiquities with

Japanese obi and Chinese treasures.

 The final result is bold, dramatic, and unique.

Many will prefer her beaded jewelry comprised

of elaborate multi-strands of different-colored

pearls that are very eye catching,

but my personal preferences revolve around her

textile creations, namely her Silk Road collection.

Elaborately constructed each is a work of art.

Rich fabrics, vibrant colors, lavish layers - it's all

there. Each eclectic combination is a feast for the eyes.

The finishing touch for each piece is her signature

hand-knotted macrame loop and button closure.

Each piece creates both visual and emotional impact.

If you are in the area and haven't already been to

this event get yourself there as soon as possible.

Art-A-Fair will run until August 28.

More of her work can be seen at

Gretchen's website.

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