Copper Wire Jewelers Issue 5

Open publication - Free publishing - More artisan

TheAngstyArtist Anniversary 2

When I started on this journey two years ago I had certain dreams, some vague and some clear. I had a clear goal that I wanted to progress in wire skill and in defining my own style, and a vague hope that it might lead to a new and different life.

The only door that has opened itself for me in these two years, over and over, is that of teaching. I have long considered whether it was wise to reject teaching opportunities, because 'who knows'? it might lead to that vague different life I was wanting.

When I am truly honest with myself, I know that I am very hungry to develop my own skill and my own talents rather than the talents of others. I am hungry to stay focused on my own gifts and I find teaching to be only a distraction from that. I've made peace with leaving that door shut for now.

As the second year of wire was progressing I have felt depressed by the 'vague' dream which never came true. I have been troubled with how I am to continue to work wire into a full life. I mean, that these last two years have been like working two jobs, and if my life is not going to change, how do I go on like this? I'm only human and my home needs a good cleaning and I am beginning to want other human needs met besides just art. Like loafing and play and fresh air.

The one thing about my life that often makes me feel trapped and stuck is also the very thing that frees me to stay focused on my own talents and artistic vision. Having a full time job frees me from financial considerations in what I design. I don't have to design to sell, nor design to teach.


I had considered even quitting. Not because I am discouraged with wire, but that maybe things are 'just not meant to be' and I need to accept my life as it is and just make this a hobby I do occasionally and retreat from the blog and online participation.

I really don't have any answers for myself as to what I will do this next year or how I will live a more balanced life. I do know that I need to live a more balanced life if I am to carry on some how. Right now, I have more questions than answers in my life and I have begun to tolerate the 'not knowing' of things.

I will tell you that some very good things have recently happened to help me stay focused on my clear goal of improving my own wire talent. The Universe/God has offered a clear sign that 'quitting' was not the intended message for me:)

I can't share those good things with you right now, but I might be able to later.
 
Here is a very inspiring short talk on the fear of failure that I found on the International Guild of Wire Jewelry artists forum.   http://forums.wirejewelryintl.org/post?id=5248429
 
If the link doesn't work let me know, I'm not positive if non-members can view it.
 

Pearl Floral Brooch

  This was one of my unfinished projects. I started it way back in January, when I had done something similar with kyanite for a bridal necklace.

  I had originally planned to use two tones of metal and larger flowers, but I got discouraged when I couldn't seem to make it flow well.

  I simplified the color pallete and changed to smaller petals and it finally worked out ok.

  I should have provided a handshot here, because this brooch is very small, it's only 2" across.

The Witch Queen

    The Witch Queen, of copper, garnet, and silver.

  Like a good song, hopefully there is room for each viewer to make their own interpretation regarding the theme and content of the sculpture. So I will say nothing more about it.

  In my mind, I've come to call this sort of work 'Chaotic Weaving', because it doesn't follow any traditional rules or expectations.
  Saying 'chaotic' doesn't mean sloppy. I consider myself to be only a beginner in this strange work and this weave has a lot of sloppy. My hope and goal in time is that my weaving will even out and be truly masterful one day...I hope....in time.....

It measures about 3.5" across and 2" high.

PS: I still cannot respond to comments, I can write a blog post and edit it, but Blogger will not recognize my log in for commenting. Thank you for all your comments and support!

Spiral Necklace

  I know I have been neglecting the blog, especially when my mother emails to inquire why I have not updated lately:)
  There are a number of unfinished wire projects strewn about the work area. I would show you, but I'm embarrassed by the sheer volume of incomplete designs I have accumulated since the beginning of the year.
  I did finish something this afternoon just so I could write a blog post. This spiral necklace was inspired by a necklace Lynne Merchant was wearing the day I visited. Only hers was in silver and she had a different configuration of spiral clusters. I thought the clusters of spirals were extremely voluptuous and sensuous and I wanted one for myself.
  The necklace looks great on and feels beautiful laying against the neck.

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  This week I have been working on a wire sculpture along the lines of The Tangle and The Vine Pot. I expect to finish in the next week or two. I have not worked a design that requires 40+ hours of time since late last year.

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  Mid June is the second anniversary of this blog. I have a few things I'll want to say about that in the coming weeks.

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  Thank you to all who left comments last week. Blogger was acting up and it was impossible to respond, but I appreciate you.

Lynne Merchant

  Last week I discovered that Lynne Merchant has a gallery about 2.5 hours away from my home. I wasted no time and scheduled my Saturday for a trip down to San Diego. Could there possibly be a better wire gallery or store or museum anywhere?

  I had a wonderful day viewing her work and got to touch it! And meet her!!  I also purchased a wire pin made by her:) Now aren't you jealous?  :))

  If you are going to be in the San Diego area and you love wire, don't pass up a chance to visit her gallery!

  If you don't know who Lynne Merchant is, she is the woman who taught most of the wire teachers out there today. Like Sharilyn Miller, Conne Fox, Janice Berkabile, Tracy Stanley...countless more....

  You can find Lynne on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lynne-Merchant/211928952152042

  On Sunday I made a simple necklace very much influenced by my trip.

Wire Inspirations

  How many of you receive 'The Jewelry Making Daily" email? This morning's email began with a promising title  "Wireworker​s: Did you know you're a metalsmith​?".

  The article was a particularly good one for the daily email but it wasn't about wire working at all. It was an encouragement to wire workers to move into metalsmithing and supposedly expand their techniques. Which, to my mind, was sending a subtle message that wire holds you down and to truly advance you need to move into working with sheet or solder.

  One tiresome factor (for me) in all the daily newsletters from the jewelry industry is a push to teach you the next new thing. They glorify the idea that it's good to seek after every jewelry making technique that comes your way. That we should always be open and expanding ourselves into new mediums.

  My local bead store ladies often give me puzzled looks that I don't take a class in polymer clay or the latest free class offered on pouring resin. It isn't that I don't value other forms of jewelry. I admire and delight in many other styles of work and other people's creative techniques and strengths. Some polymer clay artists just break my heart with the beauty of their works and I'm tempted to go tearing off in a new direction and spend my time and energy learning silver clay instead of wire.

  The point of my post today is not to discourage anyone from trying new techniques or enjoying new classes if that is their hearts desire. The point of my post is to offer a counterbalance against the constant need for new. I want to remind you what can happen if you stick with something.

    Here is a list of great wire artists who have stuck with wire for 20-30 years. Look at what they can do:

http://www.dieladielka.sk/sortiment/diela/29-ladislav-jurovaty/strana-0/


http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com/html/gallery.html


Lynne Merchant has finally updated her website and it contains every article/interview written about her for free
http://lynnemerchant.com/





http://www.barbarapatrick.com/html/frames.html


 http://mobilia-gallery.com/artists/afisch/




Here is a link to the Jewelry Making Daily email today



http://www.jewelrymakingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2011/05/11/learn-new-jewelry-making-techniques-from-wirework-to-metalsmithing.aspx http://www.nwbasketweavers.org/portfolio/Marilyn/index.html