My newest work will be shown this month in Attention to Detail at The Associates Gallery (Torpedo Factory Art Center). As a featured artist in this show, I've composed a mini collection of new pieces inspired by my recent travels to Ireland.
Spending time outdoors in the "Emerald Isle", I was immersed in my favorite color palette: green, grey, black, white. It was refreshing to spend much of the week outside exploring. Farmlands of rolling green hills went on forever under crisp grey skies. Massive cliffs along the sea were blanketed in fog. Tiny dewy plants crept along rocky hiking paths. It was actually impossible to stay dry that week. I always take notice of the local flora when I travel, and this trip left me with no shortage of inspiration.
I love finding plants that have overcome built environments. Trees that sprout from gutters, wild vines taking over old buildings, and the like. These moments are grounding to my anxious mind. They are reminders to be persistent in cloudy times, and (risking cliche), a sweet metaphor of a delicate being exuding strength. I often catalog these moments and inspiring plant shapes with my phone camera. I'll later draw or paint them, or translate them into metal.
Persistence is a mini collection exploring shapes and growth I took notice of while exploring the Irish countryside: Ferns peeking out of walls, grasses and berries growing through grates, moss thriving in drilled holes and on dead trees. In the exhibition I've included shapshots from the trip to give the sculptural jewelry some context.
Additional Details
The Associates Gallery (known as TAG) is a co-operative, multi-disciplinary fine art and craft gallery located within the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. The gallery features the work of juried Associate Artists in regularly revolving shows throughout the year. Attention to Detail is a double feature: my jewelry is presented alongside the work of painter Dennis Crayon. On view Nov. 2-26, opening reception Nov. 9, 6-8pm. The gallery is open daily for visitors.