It’s always fascinating to respond to a theme for an art show, competition, or conversation about ones work and see what new ideas it evokes. This year, the Artisans are going to rally around the idea of texture. Yesterday while walking on the beach in 25 degrees, I was conscious that the frozen seaweed had a texture that I could only describe as “crunchy” like crushed potato chips!
For my work, the world of seaglass – textures are an intimate part of every collector’s experience. My Artist statement begins by putting texture up front and center! “If you have ever held a piece of sea glass or pottery, you would know there is no substitute for how it feels in the palm of your hand and how it takes shape as a result of its travels in and out of the high seas.” In fact, I am often reminded that just holding sea glass provides a healing experience for people in need of comfort. I encourage everyone to touch and feel and pick up the work in the studio to make sure the weight is right for them. The texture is either smooth and chalky or more angular and chunky, but surprisingly light in many cases. So no doubt, wearing a piece of sea glass jewelry directly ties into its texture. By its texture one can distinguish real sea glass from glass thrown into a tumbler.
So what’s new in the studio? As an artist, I always say that I am getting my direction from materials themselves! So I am challenged by new shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. In the studio now, I am working on new earring designs that take very slender pieces of sea glass and stack them. The end result looks like a wave or a tree. Making lariats also allows me to find a home for the larger, chunkier pieces that balance out the ends of the leather cord.
I also get motivated when I know I have a chance to show the work to new audiences. I have recently been invited to participate in a new, local Sea Glass Festival in New Hampshire in the spring. In September, I look forward to joining many fellow artists in the event that we created together, Celebrate Wearable Art III– our third runway show on September 27th. I am looking forward to collaborating with fellow artisan Camilla MacFadyen on one of her looks for the runway!
