I'm a work in progress. In my 5th year as an aspiring jewelry artist, I still find every medium I try a compelling challenge, full of surprises. Frankly, these are the experiences that motivate me to continue experimenting. When I'm really "in the zone," I go to bed reluctantly, obsessing over ways to solve some technical challenge to implement a design. Often the solution appears in a dream... really! Many brainstorms, sending me off in a completely new direction, were born in my sleep.At this point in my evolution as an artist, I might work seriously one week with stones, another with metalsmithing, another with wire-art. How can I develop one signature look about my art? Do CUSTOMERS want variety OR one signature "look" from a Jewelry Artist? I do sense that the ART COMMUNITY wants a signature look...
Furthermore, my art really reflects who I've been all my life -- seeking, learning, branching out, evolving. This is my 4th "career," & I've loved them all with passion.
ONE look? It's not who I am...
Samples of Evolution...
2006 2007
2008
2009
2010
5 comments:
Hi Cheryl,
I've been having the similar thoughts about my photography. I tend to work in projects, making a series of photographs on a theme. One series wildly differs from the next. Well, maybe not wildly. I've wondered if someone else viewing my work would see common threads or a signature style that ties it all together.
These questions come from doing summer art festivals and trying to decide if I should only display images that "fit" together in some way, or mix it up a bit. As a buyer, I do like to look at an artist's work and be able to recognize a certain style...
From the pictures you show, especially the 2008-present, your style is definitely apparent. (Although I know nothing about jewelry except what I like to wear!) Beautiful work!
Bonnie
yep, it's an "issue" -- and thanks for your impressions. when i display my work at the few shows i want to do, i tend to cluster them by style-- all the copper together, the funny stuff together, & the "other" together. maybe that would work for you as well???
wow, bonnie! i just viewed your photography, & you are one talented lady!! i looked at every picture & read every commentary. both are extraordinary. i see what you mean about project mode, but I LOVED that mode with your work. each project is a pkg of unique emotions triggered by your camera & pen. congrats! http://bonniejonesphoto.com/section/120070_Journal_Portraits.html
I'm in the same quandrie. I started making beaded earrings with vintage glass beads. My next progression was into soldered hoops. Now, I'm working in metal clay. I have to pick something to demonstrate at my next show. I think despite how week look at our work, there is a cohesiveness about our pieces. It's a piece of you or a piece of me. Who we are is evident, even if we don't see it ourselves.
thanks, tammi... we've followed much the same path... i mean paths:) good luck with your show!
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