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.
One of our member's, Erin House, has some new earrings that we would like to share with you. Erin has incorporated roller printing in some of her other larger pieces in the past, now she is carrying that over into her production lines. The process Erin uses to create the "embossed" look on the metal involves etching a 14 to 16 gauge piece of half hard brass using ferric chloride (chemical salt solution) and rolling that through a rolling mill sandwiched with a piece of sterling or copper. The pressure of the rolling mill imparts the design onto the metal. Keep a look out for a tutorial on this process soon! Also, if you like these earrings, you can get them at Ironside Gallery in Arcata, or Erin House Designs etsy page.
I included pictures of our booth and our fancy new banner that Erin Austin and her husband Geoff did the graphics for. Also, a picture of our free standing wall that Erin Austin and I (Erin House)made and finished with some great fabric Erin had lying around. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Humboldt Arts Festival! It was a blast!
