experi-metal

I have spent the last couple of days playing around with a torch and metal. I love how the heat changes the surface of the metal and am really liking adding texture through hammering. It's all totally new to me but I think I'm going to like incorporating metal into my pieces! Here's what I've come up with so far:

new pieces

Here are some new pieces - notice I'm not using a model that can talk back! I've been experimenting with bits of large chain and layering. So far, I'm liking how these are turning out!

Ode: Nina Bagley

Nina Bagley is a wonderful mixed media artist who has inspired me non-stop since I discovered her about 2 years ago. Her mix of natural components mixed with found objects has made me look at my own jewelry and art in a whole new way. I have never met Nina but spent an absurd amount of time hovering at her booth at an Art and Soul retreat, feeling a little star stuck that I was actually holding her art in my hands. As the cool stones slid between my fingertips and as I looked at each connection and image, I realized her jewelry & art were everything I had ever imagined and so much more. I had seen many arcticles featuring her work, seen pieces here and there, but it was such a wonderful experience to actually be able to hold her work in my hands.
There are many more beautiful pieces on her website at www.ninabagley.com and her blog www.ornamental.typepad.com is always a joy to read.....very inspiring!

So here is my piece I made as an ode to Nina - for all her inspiration. I tried to capture the emotion and appretiation I feel when I see her jewelry. Her art always evokes a sense of peace, tranquility and beauty for me, and makes me long for a little cabin in the Carolina mountains.