Over the years, I've noticed an interesting dichotomy in my work. A division of style...a split personality, of sorts. I love building my own elements...cutting, shaping, soldering, sawing. I also love working with found objects and here's where I have a bit of a psychotic break.
Oh, I love working with beautiful things....vintage rhinestone jewelry bits...
...pearls and gemstones...
...tintypes and religious elements...metal flowers...
...lots and lots of pretty things. I love the vintage patina and the dulled sparkle.
But then, there's this...
...and this!
Along with the pretties, I'm really drawn to grungy, funky and sometimes downright weird. I'm not sure how to explain these two sides of me but I think it comes down to a pure and simple love of found objects. These things speak to me. When I hold them in my hands, I hear whispers of old history...the stories they tell.
Yes...even the weird stuff...skulls and bones, teeth and rocks.
If you're a found object treasure hunter, like me, I'd love to show you my tips and tricks for working them into your jewelry. I'll be teaching The Alchemy of Objects in August, at Art Unraveled and we'll be covering SO much. This class really is an alchemy of everything that I love...tools, techniques, objects, attachments...it's going to be so much fun diving into that pool!
And speaking of pools...Phoenix in August...sweet! I really do love it, even in August. Phoenix is a beautiful place. Linda has generously offered a 10% discount on all classes if you register before March 15.
I'll also be teaching an evening class on creating wire forms for resin...so much fun and a great addition to your jewelry.
Come see me there!
deryn xxoo
I wanted to start telling you which pieces I thought were insanely pretty but after scrolling through all of them they are really ALL exquisite.
You have to be a little psycho to be a great artist ;-)
Posted by: ShadeTree Studio | Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 09:12 AM
I love that top picture with all that lusciousness! I really like all the vintage jewelry bits you put in your jewelry.
Posted by: Cynthia @ Ornamental Style | Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 08:26 AM
Yum - loving these!!! Seeing a bit of new 'style' here? I have the same sort of 'split personality'... I think it just has to do with the facets of a personality - wouldn't we be very two-dimensional if we only liked one style?
Posted by: Renate | Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:56 PM
It's wonderful that you have this psychotic break - love the things that come out of that as much as the shiny, beautiful ones. Where or where do you get all your wonderful, shiny things like the rhinestones, and religious things. I am not successful at finding them. I wanted to put my hands in the picture of that basket!!
Posted by: Susan M (quiltingjewel) | Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 01:04 PM