Metalsmiths Unite! (the blog): silversmith

Showing posts with label silversmith. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Lorena Angulo ~ Artist Interview

A special thanks To Lorena, for giving us a lovely artist interview today!


Mission San Jose, San Antonio

How would you describe what you do as an artist?

I love to transmit part of who I am and my culture with my work. I am an artist that works with pure silver, sterling, copper and bronze.

I have always loved how every culture transmits part of their history with jewelry and this was a big factor of why I decided to start fabricating my pieces.

What inspires your designs?

My designs come from my big love of my country, Mexico, my culture and traditions. I always make pieces that are close to my heart and looking for inspiration is always easy by just going back to my childhood memories in Mexico.

My first source of inspiration is the traditional folk art, especially the Milagro Hearts, Day of the dead crafts and the Trees of Life. The richness in their symbolic history is what attracts me more.

How long have you been involved in this type of making?

I took my first metals class in 2006 at the beautiful Southwest School of Art in San Antonio, Texas. My teacher, Clare Holliday, was an angel that come to my life because she tough me how I could put all my ideas into a physical object. I felt in love with this incredible art form and since then I have not stop learning and exploring new materials and techniques.

Where are you located?

I live in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas; top sights include the Alamo and other historic missions like Mission San Jose. San Antonio has beautiful museums and art events all year round.

Do you have a website or etsy store?

Yes !

My website: http://www.lorenaangulo.com/index.html

My Blog: http://blog.lorenaangulo.com/

My Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pueblofolkart

My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LorenaAnguloJewelry

What other ways do you market your work?

I do art shows and also have my work in high end stores and some galleries.

Do you teach? if so, where?

Yes, I teach regularly at Southwest School of Art in San Antonio, Texas. (http://www.swschool.org/).

I also teach at some national art events like Adorn Me! Houston. Teachers from all over the country come to teach classes during a whole week.

http://www.artunraveled.com/AdornMe12/AMartists.htm

I will also be teaching online very soon my first class will be published at CraftEDU. http://community.craftedu.com/group/lorenaangulosclassroom

Teaching is a new love I have discovered. I never imagined how fulfilling teaching can be. I love to be in contact with the students and to see their faces when they finish a piece and come to show it with so much pride. I think that I am not only teaching but learning so much from all the students I have had so far.

Any sage advice for newcomers that you would like to share?

To follow their hearts. What I mean with this is that it is very important to start creating not base on what everybody is making or what is consider to be the “in” fashion design of the moment. They have to not be afraid to create pieces that reflect who they are and makes them happy. This will reflect in the work they will do. Look for your own creative voice and style.

Where do you envision your work going in the next year?

I think my work is maturing little by little. I feel very comfortable with my style and I am not afraid to use different materials.

I want to see my work in more galleries.

I also want to continue teaching, I really enjoy doing it and being in contact with students this way.

Anything else you would like to share?

You can also visit and see my work in these sites:

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenaangulo/sets/

Crafthaus: http://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/lorenaangulo

Video on my work

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Update: the Art of personal Adornment with Kathleen Krucoff

In this post we are re-visiting one of our previously interviewed Metalsmiths Unite! members, Kathleen Krucoff. Enjoy!

To see her original interview please click here.

Namaste
© Kathleen Krucoff

When asked about her current inspirations Metalsmiths Unite member Kathleen Krucoff responds:

"My goal is to create something you won't find anywhere else. It has to be as individual as the person who will ultimately wear it. I've recently changed my tag line on my website to support the feeling that I have about my work "The Art of Personal Adornment". With each piece, I make it as if I was making it for me. If I like it, I know it will 'speak' to its rightful owner. I want to make true art jewelry.

Nature is my biggest inspiration. The design possibilities it offers is infinite. My dad did a lot of landscape work and would take me along with him on the various jobs he did in the evening. I was fascinated by the way he would sculpt evergreens and manicure the grounds of the various homes in the city where we lived. As I became immersed in metalwork, I realized that he was a true landscape artist. I know his love of nature has influenced me.

Music is a key component in my work too. It really depends on my mood when I'm in the studio. If I need to focus, classical is a must - Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, Hayden. Other times it just varies Jazz, Rock & Roll, New Age, even Electronic Synthpop like Daft Punk...go figure! Music keeps me moving with work and design ideas."

Sky Tree

How long have you been involved in this type of making? (how did you start?)

I've been working with metal for a little over 4 years now, started with wire wrapping the glass cabochons I made. Then, I really became immersed in metalsmithing a little over 2 years ago when I took my first metalsmithing weekend workshop from Lexi Erickson. She said she would help me take my work to a whole new level and she did. I was hooked, I think because being a metalsmith is intellectually stimulating for me. You have to plan out the fabrication process. I like feeling "the wheels turn in my mind" as I work through a piece.

Climb Every Mountain

Where are you located?

I live in city of Black Forest, Colorado just northeast of Colorado Springs. It's considered to be part of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. I love seeing the mountains every day, when the weather cooperates. It still amuses me that you can see snow on Pikes Peak even in the summer months! Of course, I've incorporated mountain shapes in my works too and this year created a new line, “Mountainesque.” My husband & I share our home with three basset hounds on almost 7 acres. Since we live in the less tree-d area of the Black Forest, I love the open space that surrounds us and provides a great view of those beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Safe Passage

Advice for newcomers that you would like to share?

Practice every day. Whether it's drawing designs, cutting out some metal, soldering, just get in your studio/workspace and work with your craft every day. Practice, practice, practice. That's invaluable.

Where do you envision your work going in the next year? (artistic direction)

I see more clean and simple metal works. A real focus, emphasis on the metal, incorporating brass and maybe bronze, along with the copper & sterling silver I use right now. Pure shapes and textures. Course, that is what I think today, it seems like my thoughts ebb and flow, so things could go in a completely different direction than I expect.

With a home studio, I am never without the companionship of one of our three basset hounds. I love that. When I need a break, it's great to stroke a pet that is a true studio mascot. And I'm a firm believer in frequent breaks. Otherwise your body and mind will become too tired and you can and will start making mistakes or risk an injury. Be good to yourself.

I'm a swimmer and cyclist; along with doing yoga. I need that feeling of zen after a workout. I get some of my best designs when I'm working out. You never know when your next design idea will pop into your head.

Mountain Valley

Kathleen's Links-

website http://kathleenkrucoff.com

blog: http://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KathleenKrucoff

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathleen-Krucoff/180271320724?ref=nf

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Andes Cruz ~ Artist Interview

Today's Blog is an artist interview with Metalsmiths Unite! member Andes Cruz - Enjoy!

How would you describe what you do as an artist?

I am a Metalsmith. I specifically say Metalsmith, not “jeweler”, or “silversmith”.... I don’t want to be confined, and I want to work with everything.

What inspires your designs?

My designs come from Whatever inspires me in the moment. I don’t <yet> have a “defined” signature style, that is Ever Present in my work. My designs continue to change and grow all the time - influenced by what it going on in my life at the time.... Though, there is a mix with underlying themes that have been present in my creative process for many years.

It might be a feeling from a movie; a feeling present in my life, or a walk in the forest, a beautiful day skiing, reading an article, looking thru a book, or something as simple- and more likely - as just seeing what I have in front of me <stones> and letting them tell me what they want to become. My work flows from within. A lot of the time, I may have no idea (specifically), what I want to create. So I pull out the stone box, rifling thru it until I find the ones speaking to me… and then allow what they may be to speak - rings, pendants, combinations I want to put together... I build work up from there~ as it allows me to create in a spontaneous way. I find, most of the work I am most pleased with is created in this way of allowing it to happen. Instead of confining it to a fixed idea or outcome. I just let it flow. Some days I know I want to make “rings”. (I love making rings the most, incidentally) And so I start with the idea “rings”. and go from there.

How long have you been involved in this type of making?

I took my first Jewelry courses in the summer of 1994 in New Mexico, taking art classes at the Taos Institute of Art. Though I also took photography, and pottery; the metalsmithing courses immediately had me hook line and sinker. I have been hooked and creating ever since.

Since that summer, I have continued to learn and grow as an craftsperson, and have spent as much time as I can creating with metal.

I have had the opportunity over the years to spend bits of time working under and with several very talented Master Silversmiths and Goldsmiths; and have completed the “Bench Technician” Course at Revere Academy.

Where are you located?

Currently I live in Southern BC, Canada; in a small Mountain community called Rossland. I have been resident to this area for about 5 years now. The community is nestled in the high mountains, with access to skiing, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fresh air and endless forest. It is located 7 miles north of the USA boarder, north Spokane, Washington. It’s quiet, remote, and unpopulated. A bit of a desert from the Arts community, but the internet keeps me in constant communication with metalsmithing peers worldwide.

Do you have a website or etsy store?

Yes - of course :)

Andes Cruz Designs Website: http://www.andescruzdesigns.com 
Etsy Shop: http://www.andescruz.etsy.com
 Etsy Surplus shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AndesCruzSurplus

What other ways do you market your work?

I do at times show in galleries; but currently only show & sell my work online. I am open to the right locations. However, I have found the internet to be a fabulous gallery lately, with it’s worldwide audience.

Do you teach?

I do not currently teach (I have been an assistant in the past) Though, it is definitely in my future plans.

Any sage advice for newcomers that you would like to share?

Technique technique technique. Work on honing, improving, and expanding your skills ALL the time. With a quiver of good solid skills you can create anything.

You can do a lot , with only a few tools. It may take longer, but it’s possible, so don’t be discouraged by not having a studio with everything in it. Be creative. There are great books - Like “Cheap Thrills in The Tool Shop”, by Charles Lewton-Brain.

There are two points here I really want to stress - One is not “copying”; the second is that with all the Metalsmiths there are today; having an excellent skill set will set you apart from the crowd.

When you’re beginning really, truly focus on finding “Your Voice”. That which makes you unique. Your creative edge. The thing that makes the work Yours. It’s easy to look thru books and online pages to draw inspiration, and with it comes the strong desire to replicate what you see.... but please don’t. It’s very important to respect these designs as the Original Artist’s work. Instead, choose to filter what inspires you thru your very own creative lenses, let it flow thru your hand, and become uniquely yours.

Finding your unique Voice will set you apart. Trust that, when you create what really is within you, it creates a special Alchemy within your works, and shines out to your audience. You will set yourself apart in the sea of many; and trust that this is a very good thing. There will be people who will Love your work; specifically because it is unique, and different, and is a true piece of art within itself. It carries your essence in it. I feel; if you are uninspired in your creations, people will intristically feel this. So work to find your place of inspiration, and make your creations Your Own. Find your Voice. And do it with the best skills you can execute, always. Don’t cut corners, or skimp on supplies. Take your time, do it right. Always.

Where do you envision your work going in the next year?

I see new collaborations with my partner; Master Silversmith Rick Montano; more inclusion of colours (in new ways aside from stones); new designs and styles; even expanding materials and new techniques....Lots of new directions! We will see, but I think it is going to be very exciting.

Anything else you would like to share?

I like to go play outside and stay active, as I am sure you guessed. It’s no accident I live where I do..… And, I do it all!

I currently work full time doing Computer Aided Design and Drafting. I do Website design in a small scale way.  I’m learning to play banjo, and fiddle.  I like to do photography stuff.  I’m always learning new skills in the workshop. I enjoy blogging and Writing. Hangin’ with my Felines.  I like to garden too, but sadly, I live in an apartment right now.