Synergy Requires Sleep

I've been out at Valhalla with my UA sisters almost every day this week for the "Synergy" show. I've found it exhausting, and rather emotional for some reason; plus, it's been slow. On the up-side, we're learning how it works to show together. Our work compliments each other, and we're getting a positive response.

I managed to finish a collection of necklaces before the show, and added a few pairs of earrings (a trial thing) that I completed on the day it poured...I even finished my second and elusive "mantle" clock that I've been working on for almost a year. I'll post photos of those another time. Here are a few pics from the show...

Computer Hell

Every time I turn on my computer these days, it makes a VERY LOUD humming noise. And it's been turning itself off at random moments too. So, if I fail to blog as regularly as I've been doing, please know that I am in computer hell.

(Also, I'll be out at Valhalla all week, or at least most of it, for the Underground Artists show.)

Elusivity, Part ii

I'm not sure, but I may have done it again...
where I'm trying to improve on something I've done, but I actually make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Or not.

Maybe tomorrow morning I'll have a better idea of how I like these new necklaces. (I'd post photos, but my camera is up on a mountain somewhere, with my husband.)

Anyway, I was adding beads to the papier mache necklace pieces. This gives them a bit more visual "weight". I don't consider beading my strong point, but...I HAD FUN. I was going at it with my design training: shape, color, balance... Also, I squinted at them alot (really), and it got easier. I actually enjoyed myself enough to work through dinner time; not something I do often...

So, that is enough. If I like them, even better. And if others like them, and want to buy them, well, that'll be the best.

Artisans of the Karen Hill Tribe

I'm not really procrastinating; I'm waiting. (There's a difference.) I'm waiting for a package from Artbeads.com, so I can finish up the necklaces. All of the these new necklaces will have toggle clasps made by the people of the Karen Hill Tribe in northern Thailand. So in the meantime, I googled them, and learned a bit about them. You can find out more here. I looked at the photos of the people making the actual beads; it's amazing to see that real people are crafting these tiny silver items...whole families working together on each item. I decided to go with these clasps because it felt good to use something handcrafted to compliment the recycled nature of the necklaces. It's nice to know it's helping to support these families as well. I'll try to post some photos when they're finished.

Sun! Sand! Art!

Just a quick reminder about the Underground Artists show this coming week. We'll be at the (variously named) Viking Gallery, new Twin Cabins Gallery, small building in front of the Grand Hall at Valhalla on the lovely shores of Lake Tahoe. One or all of us will be there each day from 10 am to 4 pm. The show runs from August 27th to September 3rd. Visit the UA blog for more details...
Hope to see you down there!

Elusivity

I have this bad habit of trying hard to improve upon something, and in the process, taking a step backwards. Sometimes the piece looks more "polished", but somehow it's missing something; those elements that make a piece "work" can get "polished" right out! Other times, the design didn't work for me, for some reason, and so I'll go off in a different direction. Then somebody will point out how much they liked the first ones I did. Or it's me, I'll realize that I like the original piece more. It's really a challenge for me to explore an idea, while retaining that sense of wonder that got it made in the first place.

Anyway, here are some of the new batch of necklaces I'm working on. They're not finished, just in process. And the same thing is happening; I am finding that there's something about that FIRST batch that I liked better! Although I really do like these. I couldn't sleep last night, and got up at midnight to play around with the little pieces and colors. It was actually alot of fun...hmm...maybe these DO work. But I still like the plain ones too.

Less is More

I thought I'd take a break from my busy schedule of screwing up every piece I touch today...to bring you one word:

Lizland

Okay, a few more words:
I had a very...um...interesting weekend, the highlight of which was meeting this amazing artist and very nice person...it turns out I went to nursery school in New York City with her son (who I don't remember), and lived one block away from them. Anyway, I got to talk to her for a long time, and I didn't realize she was THE Liz featured in an American Style article in the October 2005 issue... until I got home. I had read the article, been amazed, and wanted to visit her studio, but never made the call. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet her in person. I'm hoping to visit her Open Studio this fall.