Sperm in the Studio

Photographs of Findings

Champlevé

So after a long hiatus from blogging, hopefully this shall be a bit more frequent!  I was fortunate to do some traveling this summer (I've never had too many opportunities to explore outside of Texas!) and I was enlightened with new experiences and techniques.  

One such place I visited was Haystack Mountain School of Crafts for a two week workshop with Arthur Hash on etching, enameling, and Illustrator techniques.

 This was my first try etching and enameling in the etched area, known as champlevé.  I'm very happy with it.  Packing the enamel into the recessed area was time consuming, and yet cathartic, it's always easy to lose track of time when doing something tedious! 

I'll be posting some more projects from the summer, as well as new ideas for biological jewelry!

Emotional Abuse: All I'm Allowed to Say

This is a video of the piece Emotional Abuse: All I'm Allowed to Say.  The voice module has a recording of my voice, saying "I am wrong, you are right."  The piece signifies the only possible answer an abuser will accept in an emotionally abusive relationship.

I received Best in Show for this piece and another (Emotional Abuse: Conditional Speaking) at the Art Against Violence show at UTPA!  A big thanks to my boyfriend for helping with the video and the use of his hands to press the button.

Exploring Gender through the Creative Arts

My Sperm and Ovum Necklaces were recently featured in a show titled "Exploring Gender through the Creative Arts" at UTPA, where my piece won second place!  The show had a wonderful turn out, and it was diverse with submissions: there were examples of painting, drawing, poetry, jewelry, and collage.  The exhibit's purpose is to highlight gender discrimination and empowerment, while giving attention to the Gender and Women's Studies program at UTPA.  A link to the article is below:

http://www.utpa.edu/news/index.cfm?newsid=4734&utm_source=broncnotes&utm_medium=email&utm_content=4734&utm_campaign=broncnotes-students

The Body Adorned

SNAG's premier online exhibition, The Body Adorned, is up and live!  About "adornment as experience," there are many beautiful and powerful pieces that made it into the exhibit.  I feel glad and fortunate to be a part of it, so go check out all the wearable art!  The link to the exhibit is below:

http://exhibitions.snagmetalsmith.org/bodyadorned/#./intro?&_suid=1349547210809031688451498758596