Taming the Tangle

Why did these earrings take more than a year to make?

Yesterday I finished a pair of custom earrings that have taken me more than a year to complete. This is ridiculous, and I'm lucky that I have a very patient, artist-supportive patron. So, I'm opting to celebrate rather than feel guilty.

In that 1-year time span I have moved my home and studio, worked through artist blocks with The Artist's Way program, taken classes, done more than a dozen art fairs around the country, moved my mom into a nursing home, filled orders, finished other custom pieces, and done lots of fun stuff too... yet none of those things specifically points to just why it took me a year. So, I'm going to explain it a little bit just for fun.

Here's where the conversation started:

Client: I'd like a pair of clip earrings in your anemone series, like the Gradient Anemone Ring you created.

Me: Okay! I've never done anything like that, but I'm sure I can figure it out. It might take me a while.

Gradient Anemone Ring, photo by Larry Sanders, ©2012 Kathy Frey

That's not an exact, verbatim transcript of our conversation, but it's pretty close. I know from my very own experiences, that I should write out for myself the steps I think the project will require, estimate the number of hours as a range, and then estimate the cost also as a range, and then get a deposit to start the project. These steps are ideal because they make everything more concrete. They are essential for any project, whether doing website updates or creating custom jewelry.

The other thing that's just one of my personal FEAR creators, is that the client sent images of some other jewelry of similar designs but totally different mediums. This starts a fear reaction for me because I've been accused of copying other artists' work even though I rarely look around at a lot of other work... I've found it's the kiss of death for me and opens up the pits of despair because I feel like everything has been done and my vision is not unique. This fear reaction is not something I realized until taking The Artist's Way class... I don't have the perfect solution for fighting it yet, but I do know just to push on and keep working rather than be paralyzed.

So, right off the bat, I'm afraid and have a vague project that on the surface seems easy enough yet has no deadline. I did do some work up front because the client wanted a coating on the wire to help preserve the gradient patina. I'm shocked that even a year later I'm still learning pointers. I did opt for a light lacquer, and I want to explore other lacquer options and even the possibility of wax for certain pieces, yet I know from many experiments over the years that I need to maintain the structural integrity of the pieces and prevent webbing between the wire wraps.

The other technical challenge was to master soldering clips. I practiced by making other simpler designs for this same client so she could test them out and let me know which clip styles she prefers. I learned a lot about soldering spring mechanisms... they cannot have heat! So that led to exploring cool gels to use during the soldering process (which I much prefer to disassembling the mechanism... so hard to reassemble!).

I also made the mistake of not sketching concepts of my own. I kept mulling over how other artists had tackled clip earrings and realized that I didn't have the know-how to do what they did. This is okay! I'm self taught and always try to come up with interesting design solutions on my own... I'm a trained designer after all. My problem was mulling this over rather than putting pencil to paper. Anytime I make something concrete, I make much more progress. When I actually did sketches, my confidence returned, yet I knew more experiments were ahead of me.

Sketches, no matter how rough or basic, get you out of your head and into reality. This shows a couple of my concepts.

I knew I had to figure out how to group the branches together with something more substantial than wire (which was what I did for the ring and other pieces in this series) because I needed to solder it to a clip.

Based on my sketch (the bottom one... way more aesthetically pleasing), I was able to do a simple paper mock-up. This helped me to figure out other supplies and tools I would need: specifically a doming set and silver discs (the paper mock up helped me to figure out the size).

I still wasn't sure if I would be able to make the cone from sheet metal, so in the meantime of buying supplies/tools to experiment with, I made an Artist Date with Suzanne Himmler of Riverwoman Design who was willing to teach me metal clay... I wanted this as a backup medium for forming the cones. I even made a sample of the shape I wanted in bronze clay... way too heavy for earrings but good for me to play around with (and a more accurate model than paper). I knew I could make them in silver clay if needed.

Bronze clay cones, essentially a 3D sketch... and a fun artist date.

Another fear thing gets triggered for me... for some reason I have a hard time playing in the studio and trying new things that may or may not work, so my doming set sat in the box for months! How embarrassing is that? I really do want to play with it too... it's such fun to make metal dimensional. I seem to put pressure on myself that I need to be able to sell everything I make... this is not conducive to trying new things and entering new territory... so I'm working on that. A lot of times it means playing in copper and other less expensive metals than silver, so that's where I will head next.

This photo served as proof that I finally had the earrings underway. It was also a good reality check... I could finally supply a cost estimate based on time (I did not charge for learning and tools along the way since those are things that will benefit me).

Making the branches themselves was the easiest part because this is comfortable territory for me, yet I had not made tiny branches in a couple of years... they take forever! For custom work, I time myself so I know exactly what to charge. At this point (about a year in) I finally contacted the client with a snapshot of the progress and an estimate to make sure she wanted me to continue with the earrings and take them to completion. I had been in contact several times, but not very often... it's hard to believe it took me so long to get an estimate and explain the concept approach.

The good news is that the project was a go! So I wrapped, applied patina, and then the real procrastination (ha!) began when I had to face working with metal and soldering... still what I perceive to be a weak point in my skill set. Some day I want to splurge and take an intensive either at Revere Academy or an art camp such as Penland.

Applying the gradient is stressful, especially on small pieces, yet it's still one of my favorite processes since I never know exactly how it will come out.

And by the time I was moving on the project, it was also time for me to head on the road for a month of shows. I tend to have bursts of motivation before a big deadline yet run out of time to finish all the projects... hence my desire to cut down on travels but how will I motivate myself without those deadlines? A conundrum I'm willing to tackle.

For the final push, this week I told myself I couldn't work on inventory for upcoming shows until I had 2 custom orders done, this being one of them. I have a lot of new designs that I'm itching to explore (some of them involving doming), so I decided to just force myself. Once I'm in the studio and creating, fear falls away. One piece had to go in the scrap bin, but that's just part of learning... it's no biggie. And I gave myself a goal for finishing... the weather has turned absolutely gorgeous here, so I told myself in the morning that if I finished the earrings I could go play a round of disc golf later in the afternoon. Yesterday I went out and played a great round because I had the guilt off my shoulders.

And today I mailed these earrings to the client. Now I just have to eagerly anticipate her feedback... hopefully it's love! They are so much better in person....

I secretly want a pair for myself... I already have an idea how to adapt this to hooks.

This whole process was a great learning experience for myself. I now have some strategies for tackling fear, and I know to make things more concrete as soon as possible to see if they are even possible.

A little synchronicity to share

After my last post about my Anemone series and touching on the artistic struggle, which has received some great comments here and on my Facebook fan page, I had a bit of synchronicity about the artistic struggle while watching a movie that's been on my Netflix cue forever (I'm trying to tackle some of those that have been bogging the list down). Have you seen Kiki's Delivery Service?

It's a cute, quirky animated film. I don't want to oversell it because it's not one of my favorites, yet it's sticking with me. Kiki is a young witch who is striking out on her own at 13, the age when all witches spend a year on their own in training. The lessons are those that life tends to teach, and they are all rather charming. At one point Kiki crosses paths with an artist who talks to her about following your own path. You can be many things in your life (and she lists all the things that she has been) and it's always best to come back to your true center and find what makes you happy in this world.

So great to have this message reinterated to me in many different ways over the past week... from clients to fellow artists to a cute animated film. That's the best synchronicity, when the universe sends the same message in many different forms to make sure you are listening and got it.

It also got me thinking about all the different jobs I've done in my life: tie dye tshirts, MC Hammer pants, copy girl, candy maker, mother's helper, reading to the blind, babysitter, airport "shuttle" (a hilarious time with a small Toyota Corolla and my right leg in a cast... aah, college), writer, newspaper editor, proofreader, poster designer, Student Affairs assistant, university publications designer, magazine designer, bead shop employee, freelance graphic designer... and the list goes on and has led me to this place that continues to evolve as I find a way for it to work for me.

Return of the anemone

Since last fall with the chaos of life, I've been working hard to get "unblocked." I'm working a lot and making pieces... not feeling totally stalled out, yet there are piles of sketches that I haven't even addressed. Sometimes it's easier for me to tackle production rather than enter that squirmy realm of making something new... pulling the ideas out, engineering them, letting them take shape. Then there's the reality of setting aside that kind of exploratory time in the studio, but play is important and some of my best pieces over the years have come from these moments.

And then there's the photography and possibly fear of showing something new... and the sometimes sadness when everyone else doesn't love what you did. Or maybe they love what you did but no one bought it... making it a tough business decision to keep pursuing it.

Anemone Brooch, photo by Larry Sanders, © 2012 Kathy Frey. This brooch is in my private collection because the engineering on it isn't quite perfect. And it's also weird. I've tweaked the pin stem so it works better, yet never remade a brooch for sale because everyone thought it was so strange... which is exactly why I love it so. I would love to see some out in the world, though! So this is one to put on the "revisit" list.

Or maybe you sold a couple of pieces from a collection but never continued flushing the ideas out fully to make them more marketable.

Black Gold Anemone Necklace, photo by Larry Sanders, ©2012 Kathy Frey. This photo is one of my favorites. I loved exploring the gold against the oxidized pieces. This necklace is now in a private collection... hopefully being worn!

 

Black Gold Double Anemone Strand necklace, photo by Larry Sanders, © 2012 Kathy Frey. This necklace is one of my favorites for how it lays. It has an interesting drape that is slightly off center. The branching pieces are really special on this one, and I love the sprinkling of 14k gold. I still show this piece... it is still available if you are interested. I'm wondering if I need to revisit the clasp to make it more secure... some people are afraid of the little tiny hook... I just like how it blends in with the design.

Who knows, it's nebulous to think about yet most artists know how it feels. One year not so very long ago, I got really hyped up about my anemone series... pushing my pod forms to be asymmetrical, weirder... playing with the ideas of "growth" and "emerging."

This mis-matched pair of anemone earrings just sold at the end of 2011. They are one of my favorite pairs of earrings ever! Many comments put me off of making mis-matched earrings, but I really do want to explore more... they are so fun, playful, and intriguing to me.

Due to the way the pieces are made, each one is totally one of a kind, which also raised my price point. When I showed them, sometimes the negative comments hurt, especially when I loved them so.Yet mostly the feedback was positive... not sure why the negatives sunk in so much.

Anemone Ring, photo by Larry Sanders, © 2012 Kathy Frey. This ring never sold because many people were daunted by the idea of wearing something so tall, yet the attention it has received got my work in numerous magazines and books... and most importantly it was fun to make! Sometimes you just have to let your inner workings as an artist show... not everything has to be about sales.

Now that I'm looking back over this series, I'm so happy to see all the good things that did come out of it. Publicity, sales, and design... that's why it's time to revisit it as well as some of those other ideas I've shelved.

Gold Anemone Double Strand Necklace, photo by Linda Savitz, © 2012 Kathy Frey. This was one of my efforts to combine the weird with the glamorous. It's my "from the sea" piece where I've mixed in Tahitian pearls and natural keishi pearls around the chain. I chose pearls that were naturally weird and organic, much like the shapes I wrapped to mix in. There are also raw diamonds in the mix for sparkle and a sandy texture... I liked making that connection with the pearl/ocean theme. This piece is also available and currently on show at Rare Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Many people comment on it trying to find a recognizable form (like a shoe, the most common comment)... I'm hoping it will reach out and speak to the right person who likes the organic oceanic feel.

Last year I got a custom order for a pair of anemone clip earrings... it's taken me almost a year to face them. And now I'm jazzed again and want to make more pieces in this series! Artistically I felt like it was a strong direction for me because it's so hard to wrap and construct the asymmetrical pieces... I like that challenge for myself. And with the earrings I'm working on engineering different ways to join the branches together that doesn't feel so cumbersome. I will have to charge what I have to charge... which is something all artists have to reckon with. Yet I'm lucky to have a supportive fan base.

Proof that a new piece in the anemone series is underway! Thanks to my special client for pushing me back in this direction.

Heading upstairs for the evening meal

Had a beautiful sight coming up the stairs from the kitchen... my iPhone doesn't want to capture the glorious sunset, yet I think this view is lovely all the same with Mark Orr's crow silhouetted.

Out of sight means peace of mind

Did I tell you I moved from Fairy Cottage to Hobbit House? It happened in a bit of a flurry after moving my mom into a care facility and before Thanksgiving, so needless to say it was a hectic time in my life and that's why you didn't hear from me much (hopefully you follow Kathy Frey: sculptural wire jewelry on Facebook so you could keep your finger on the pulse). I am so in love with Hobbit House, and as it comes together I will share more with you because there are some incredible things here. And I'm right in town, so I'll share that with you too. For now here's a sneak peek of me looking out of my third floor studio window (before my house got painted... I do love the rustic Grizzly Adams look) on one of our gloriously sunny winter days.

As you might guess, my studio is an interesting shape since it's the crow's nest. There's definitely a good amount of room for storage where the peaked roof meets the floor, yet that's way too much visual clutter for me to have in my studio.

You can see how it's the perfect place for suitcases, summer clothes, random display pieces, sewing machine, Halloween costumes, and some other embarrasing stashes of things that I haven't dealt with (I am working on it, though). I had a concept for hanging drapes and luckily had a friend drop by during my planning phases so we could work out logistics together. The space in general is still being organized/tweaked/rearranged as it gets used, but check out this improvement:

Love this fabric score from Ben Franklin's discount area... there was just enough with about 7" to spare to cover this 13' section, oh lucky day. For the curtain rod, I simply coupled together sections of copper pipe and suspended it all from brass cup hooks. I sewed the fabric in section so that I can still easily access the storage area.

The space has evolved more since this photo from last week (there are way fewer piles in the middle of the floor), so I'll have to update to get your feedback on the progression.

The books are back in stock!

This year I'm tackling a new system of organization, which is somewhat similar to one of last year's resolutions. I loved my paper tracking system of to-dos and such, yet there's an appealing aspect to going digital. More about that in a later post (especially since they might co-exist).... that's just a little lead in to explain why I was out of stock of "Elegant Wire Jewelry" for so long. Simply, I kept forgetting to order them!

I had jotted that reminder down onto a scrap of paper during a show when I sold the last copy. That paper then got mixed in with receipts, business cards and other post-show scrapple. It did not get thrown away, yet I've never had a place to put all those notes or transfer what's written on them. Then, maybe a week before my next show, I would think -- oh no! I need more books! -- yet there wouldn't be time to have them shipped and I would then shove the thought to procrastination land.

This photo is actual proof that my books are back in stock! You can order them from me in my Etsy shop where I will send you a signed hardback copy. If you would rather have a paperback (unsigned) copy, you can purchase those elsewhere online since I don't carry those at the moment.

Hopefully I will have books with me at my next round of shows... can't say for certain since I'll actually be flying (gasp!) so will have to gauge it based on weight, so order now while I'm in town and ready to ship to you! Winter is my favorite crafty time of year... it's a great time to hibernate inside.

If you already have my book, it would be GREAT if you would review it online (either at Amazon or Barnes and Noble), it really makes a difference to people who don't know me or my work. And, if you aren't happy with the book, drop me a line and let me know why. I've started to get requests for a more advanced book but haven't quite wrapped my head around what types of projects would call out to people and how I could present them in a way that appeals to you. All feedback is appreciated.

Food for thought on MLK via WTF

Hello, patient readers... I'll get caught up on all the goings on over the past couple of months (maybe... if it seems pertinent...). For now I'll just hide behind the "I've been busy" excuse, which means on days like today when I'm finishing a big order and have to just hunker down and get it done, I plug in and listen to something. Some days I enjoy an audio book (if you want to know the geeky side of me, I will reveal that I'm listening to George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series... I've read them previously, but it's been so long that I wanted a refresher before jumping into the newest "A Dance with Dragons." The audio books are more performance, and a great way to re-experience the books).

Other times I listen to podcasts when I want a change or have tasks that take an hour here, an hour there... they keep me going for shorter-term attention spans. I have a list of about 16 favorite podcasts that I keep track of on Stitcher, although my all time favorite one is WTF with Marc Maron, which I discovered maybe 6 months ago. Marc is a comedian, and his podcast is based around his interviews with fellow comedians yet we also get to know about him through his periodic monologues. The show is always thought provoking, and it has enlightened me in many ways, and re-opened my love for comedy. I really got hooked on the show when he spoke with Lisa Lampanelli ("The Queen of Mean"), whose comedy I always had a hard time with because I don't generally find mean-spirited humor funny. What a difference to get a glimpse behind the performance image, though... she seems so nice, sincere, and open. I have since heard her tell a story on the Risk podcast (a new fave that I was just introduced to), which was hilarious, poignant and touching.

When a podcast or program can help me to be more open minded and truly re-evaluate my own perceptions, while also entertaining me, then I'm in. I've also become obsessed in my dream world with the idea of imitating WTF slightly by starting a podcast of conversations with art fair artists, since, like comedians, we are also performers in a way... sharing our perspectives and experiences in a visual manner. We have our pack mentality, we understand road life, we celebrate highs and lows, and we have jealousies and rivalries with those who "make it." It could be nice to put some words to that and get to know the people as just people, where it's not so daunting to approach an artist as a person and start a discussion.

Today was a slightly different WTF than what I had experienced before. Comedian Todd Glass, who apparently had been on the show before, asked to be invited back specifically so he could come out of the closet publicly while simultaneously having an interesting discussion. The conversation was riveting, and I learned so many things and gained a level of understanding that never sunk into my head during PC training at Smith College. It has been ingrained in me over the years to be sensitive to what people want to be called, referred to, etc. etc. Which still boils down to naming and classifying, which, yes, has its purposes at times as an easy handle. Yet what Todd wanted to get across was that rather than focusing on that minutiae (albeit important) to "prove" your open-mindedness was rather to prove it with actions of another sort. On a small level, we can improve our vocabulary... rather than call something "gay" or "retarded," think about what you really mean and then say that.

On a larger scale, if you are around someone who refers to something as "gay" (I mean the slang usage here), rather than singling them out and putting them on the defensive about their usage, maybe make a passing remark such as "I'm not sure why our sexuality entered into this. Why do you really not want to go to the party?" or whatever it is that was being slandered. Todd felt frustrated at times during the interview, like he wasn't making his points clear, and now I understand with trying to paraphrase. By all means, listen to the WTF podcast rather than just rely on my feeble attempt to explain the monumental shift this made for me in my head.

One of my favorite stories was how to deal with a heterosexual guy who says he just can't imagine sleeping with a guy or the idea of two guys having sex. Todd brings up the notion of imagining the guy's sister or Mom having sex, which of course is followed by more extreme cringing, and then driving the point home that in general none of us thinks about the details of other people having sex. It's not something we have to think about or even talk about unless we want to (and, in general, that's the role that porn plays)... there are so many other things to discuss about relationships other than the details of sex (which are also okay to discuss if desired... Sex with Emily is another favorite podcast that I follow to get different sex perspectives since it can often be taboo to discuss in detail with friends). I just like how he made that point in a way just about anyone can understand.

My whole purpose in writing this post was to rejoice in the fact that on today, Marting Luther King, Jr. Day, it was truly refreshing to feel like my mind was opened to another's perspective. To see that I can broaden my horizons and make changes within myself that might help to move us as a culture forward. Especially on a topic that I don't understand why so many people get so up in arms about it... as adults, we deserve to give and receive love with whomever and however we want.

Crazy plant inspirations

Last month I was in Hawaii for a week. I could've just photographed plants the whole time... they are like an alien life form! It was amazing to see how green everything was, and how weird most plants were. And the scale... many plants had leaves that would make great umbrellas. But time was short and there were other things to see (and, sadly, I'm a horrible photographer! all of these photos are by my boyfriend Sky... none of mine came out clearly... I'm telling you, I just see the world differently than a camera does).

To prove my point, this is my blurry fern. I'll only share one of the many photos I took. Ferns are always intriguing, and each leaf on this one was taller than I am so the fronds were extra creepy and caterpillar-looking.

It's been a while since I've designed jewelry with things sticking out of it... this lily and several other plants make me want to tackle some new ideas!

The above two images are the same plant. Sky and are were both taken by this plant, probably because it was growing in fields of lava, so the color and shapes were especially dramatic and intense against the stark black. It was great to see it in so many different forms of its being... I loved all aspects of it from soft blooms to crusty husks. So many contrasts of shape, color and texture.

These green tubes are a different kind of spiky... I like 'em, especially clustered up like that. Great texture.

This is a humble coconut, yet check out where it's growing! Surrounded by sea water and lava... not sure how it's surviving but I love it's will to live as well as the general theme of "emerging" and "bloom where you are planted."

All of the palms on the island were incredible with their ability to grab our attention with unusual fanning and pleating techniques, but this "albino palm" (as we called it) grabbed our attention for being so darned white while surrounded by such lush color. Dare to be different!

Hawaiian memories

Today a client sent me an email asking how my vacation was... it's funny to think "what vacation?" when it was less than a month ago! My boyfriend Sky just shared the photos with me, so here are a few to share with you. We went to Hawaii on the Hilo side, essentially to crash a couple's wedding since they don't have a strong memory of inviting us... but fun was had by all nevertheless! It was a short trip, so we stayed on the Hilo side and enjoyed the natural wonders looking for isolated adventures whenever possible.

This photo is the "backyard" of the place we stayed in. Super gorgeous!! The snorkeling was incredible although both Sky and I got a little freaked out in the water for various reasons.

My adventure of choice one day was to go see waterfalls. We sought out several along with large busloads of other people, so we snapped some pics and moved on our way since the crowds weren't our thing.

This banyan tree was at one of the waterall areas, so even though hundreds of other people were photographing it, we had to as well because look at it! It's gigantic and weird! Definitely unlike other arborean species I've seen.

Sky's adventure of choice was lava and the volcano... we went to several spots. This is a lava field that swallowed tons of houses. Isn't it impressive how much life emerges from such a weird substance?

The gigantic lava bulges made us nervous... actually we were not allowed to walk on the lava in this area. Some of the cracks were really deep and usually filled with ferns and other plants... a bizarre contrast to all the hot blackness.

We also embarked on a jungle hike that led us to natural lava steam rooms (actually it hid the lava steam rooms). This space is hotter than a suana! And look at the orchid growing through a bench that someone installed. We only found this crazy space because a pair of underwear were hanging on a bush which caused us to look around. The hike would've been more enjoyable if we had known there were no snakes on the island, which we only learned afterward so we were super paranoid the whole time.

A lava adventure day would not be complete without a black sand beach... really cool to see. The surf was a little rugged for us to swim so we got soaked just standing next to it.

This beautiful jungle path is what we walked on when hiking to a volcano. The whole island felt like we were driving through jungles like this. It was amazing to see larger-than-life-sized plants that I've owned as sad little houseplants before... now I understand the moist climate they enjoy.

We made some new friends (also wedding attendees), and this was their "backyard" for the week. I was brave enough to snorkel here while holding hands with my friend Karen... we saw a cool purple eel and tons of rockin' fish but not the sea turtles we were hoping for.

Thanks for looking back with me! I'll share some crazy plant images in another post... really hoping they will inspire some new work explorations!

Spiky seedpod sculpture: my new fave!

A couple weeks ago at the Historic Shaw Art Fair, I had the luck to be next to ceramic sculpture artist Andy Rogers. We have been neighbors before, but it had been a few years. As synchronicity would have it, I had just been thinking about his work the week before when hanging out in Hannibal. Somehow a group of us were trying to remember various ceramic artists who create cool spiky seedpod sculptures... Andy was the one that popped into my mind (although not his name, so it was extra exciting to be next to him to stop my mind wheel from spinning).

One of the fun special treats about being an artist is that if you like a fellow artist's work, you can always suggest the idea of a trade. It's especially great if you both are already familiar with each other's work and are mutually excited by each other's work. We have all made the mistake of doing a one-sided trade, and all I can say is only do a trade if you would also be willing to buy the work outright... this goes for if the work is for your own collection or for a gift.

 

So when Andy mentioned the idea of a possible trade, I jumped at the idea. His wife loves interesting art jewelry, and I love adding to my art collection (and it had been more than a year since I'd done so, way overdue in my book). On day one of the show, I walked through his booth just to see what types of pieces caught my eye and to make sure price points seemed compatible. He did the same at my booth and then we waited till the end of day Sunday to finalize our decisions. He came to me first and picked out a necklace and earrings... some of my favorite pod/leaf pieces that are oxidized with white pearls. It felt right to trade pods for pods.

 

Oxidized Half Wrap Pod Earrings with interior pearl, photo by Larry Sanders, ©2011 Kathy Frey

 

Oxidized Leaf Pendant with Pearl Drop, photo by Grant Boyle, ©2011 Kathy Frey

 

I didn't even walk back into his booth... I asked him if he still had one piece that we had discussed and if he would be willing to trade it since it was his newest exploration. I couldn't get this piece out of my mind once I saw it, and I wasn't being too exact about price point since it was a trade I was happy to make (the difference was minimal in my mind).

 

Ceramic sculpture with crystals growing inside, ©2011 Andy Rogers

 

Isn't it fantastic? Andy was excited for his newest piece to go to a good home, and I told him to be sure to not forget about this exploration... I love the crystals growing inside, the raw crackly glaze, and the details of the little red tips. Everything about this piece makes me excited to explore and break out of the box more. Who says a ceramic artist can't grow crystals!! Kudos to Andy!

 

For the moment I have it displayed on a shelf next to my Gradient Anemone Branches brooch... maybe I will start an abstract sea creatures collection! I love how the spikes of each piece contrast with each other.

 

Gradient Anemone Branches brooch, photo by Larry Sanders, ©2011 Kathy Frey