Friday, May 6, 2011

Member Interview: Lia Liette Sharp



Tell us a bit about yourself
A) I'm really just a big kid.  B) I like contradictions/juxtapositions  C) Once upon a time my aspiration was fashion design.  I got scared and didn't pursue it.  Three years later I finally took my first art class and realized I could actually draw a little, but still didn't have a lot of confidence.  Six years after that I took my first Jewelry class.  I feel like jewelry design/fabrication is the perfect nexus of fashion and art. 
 
Describe your work in one sentence
I like making characters by combining traditional methods/materials with whatever oddness strikes my fancy


What pieces are you most proud of?
I'm currently most proud of what I'm calling 'the Tisha Necklace' because, for the first time, I got my 14 year old son to work on jewelry with me. My favorite pieces tend to change with every new wave of work. I'm really happy with the "Grass is Always Greener" skully (pictured above).




What are you favorite materials to work with?
If I had to name specific things it would be copper, enamel, laminate, and Shrinky Dink Paper- but really my favorite is the unexpected outside object that is different every time.  One time it will be an eye from a doll, the next it's 3M orthodontic supplies.


What direction do you see your work going in?
I feel like I'm still 'finding myself' through my art.  Framing is here to stay, but the way it manifests will continue to morph.  My life is currently is mostly pleasant upheaval, and I myself am uncertain how this will affect my art.


Who or what is your biggest artistic influence?
The accouterments of childhood (toys, plastic hair barrettes, etc.) and retro aesthetics. 


What is the best advice you've ever been given?
Work Smarter Not Harder!


If you could add one tool to your collection what would it be?
Sandblaster or vacuum former




What do you listen to in the studio?
I have two in studio playlists.  One is composed of Ratatat, Mimosa, Bonobo, Orbital, and Daft Punk.  The other is anything I find fun to sing to, from Nina Simone to Electric Six.



What is your most prized possession?
My collection of odd bits of this and that.


Do you collect anything? If so, do you display your collections?
See last Question. The display part happens when they find their place in my work.


How do you spend most of your free time?
I ride my bike, listen to music, and I watch cartoons with my shiny new boyfriend.


What do you wish you were doing with your free time?
I sorta gave up on my monthly coloring books.  I'd like to get back to that at some point.




Where can we see your work?
Hunter Plaid in Arcata, CA; Essence Of Humboldt in Arcata, CA; and Origin Design Lab in Eureka, CA. 


I'll also be at the Humboldt Arts Festival with the NCMAG on May 14th and 15th in Arcata, CA.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Member Interview: Erin House


Sun Worship


1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Erin House. I am 31 years old. I have a BA in Studio Art from Humboldt
State University and my emphasis was in Jewelry and Small Metals. I live on the Pacific
Northwest Coast in Loleta, CA. I make jewelry out of my home studio and I try to live
simply and enjoy myself.

2. Describe your work in one sentence.
I strive to create sophisticated and elegant designs while exploring archetypal themes that
can speak to a wide audience.

3. What pieces are you most proud of?

I am not sure which one I am proud of, but my favorite pieces are “Tzab’ek Rattle Ring”
and “Sundial Ring”

4. What are you favorite materials to work with?
I love to work with Silver!

5. What direction do you see your work going in?
I could see myself creating objects or small sculpture. It’s hard to say. I am open to
anything the universe throws at me.



Sundial Ring

6. Who or what is your biggest artistic influence?
I am influenced by architecture and nature and pretty much whatever I think is visually
appealing.

7. If you could have your work critiqued by another artist who would it be and why?
Bob Ebendorf. I love his work and he is very respected in the jewelry world.

8. What is the best advice you've ever been given?
To change my major from Botany to Studio Art. I am so happy I did!

9. If you could add one tool to your collection what would it be?
I would love to have a Hydraulic Press.

10.  What do you listen to in the studio?
I like talk radio, like This American Life. I know it sounds boring, but, that’s what I like.

Tzab’ek Rattle Ring

11.  What is your most prized possession?
I have a ring my Grandfather gave to my Grandmother a long time ago and I love it!

12. Do you collect anything? If so, do you display your collections?
I collect antique mirrors, and yes, they are hanging on my walls.

13. How do you spend most of your free time?
I like to be outside when the weather is nice. I take my dogs to the beach and on walks.

14. What do you wish you were doing with your free time?
Making cool stuff.

15. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I would end all the wars and feed all the people. Maybe that’s two, but that’s what I
would do!

16. Where can we see your work!
I have jewelry in Origin located in Old Town Eureka, which is having an “I Heart Indie
Fashion” event on May 6th from 6pm to 9pm. People can come in and meet some of the
makers/designers and have drinks and fun! origindesignlab.com
I also have an Etsy page.  ErinHouseDesigns.etsy.com
And a blog. housepartystudio.blogspot.com

*Interview Re-posted from metalmusing.blogspot.com