The international critical discourse on art jewelry is still not consistent with the use of labels (art – author – studio – contemporary – research jewelry) but the meaning is clear. ‘Just as the rectangular canvas was freed from representation and became an arena for the exploration of a range of other themes, so has […]
Jewelry By Visual Artists in Italy: A Critical Review Read More »
Stone handaxe Tool Stories Truth be told, this idea originated where all the great ones do: in a bar. I have taken a bit of poetic license to protect the identity of those involved in the initial catalyzing conversation. At a pub in South London last spring, the conversation turned to tools. Three artists and
Sidney Caldwell Deaghlan Susan Cummins: Where are you from and where did you study? Sidney Caldwell Deaghlan : I’m originally from Richmond, Virginia, United States. After travelling around a bit, I returned there to study at the Virginia Commonwealth University, in the Crafts/Materials Studies department. I was particularly drawn to the metals department because of the
Amsterdam, Artist in Residency Studio Rian de Jong Read More »
A Boy and his Torch The torch begins things and the torch can end things. I like that about it. I like that it channels something as elegant or brutal as fire and relies on my skill to decide which it will be. On a good day I can solder the wings onto a fly
Displays and installations are fascinating to me. Artists and jewelers seem to be trying to find more and more compelling ways to show work and add to its meaning through the use of display strategies. In the past year the installation that I found the most amusing and brilliant was the Marzio Cattelan retrospective at
Sergey Jivetin Looking Closely Since I constantly experiment with new materials and techniques, the set of tools I employ varies significantly from idea to idea, object to object. Given that for every new process I either acquire an already traditionally associated tool, sometimes alter it, or devise and make a totally new type of tool,
The first wall text you encounter in the jewelry gallery at the V&A museum in London is this no-nonsense, factual statement of what you’ll see: ‘These displays begin in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Thereafter they are devoted mainly to the story of western jewelry since medieval times.’ On the lower level, the display begins
The William and Judith Bollinger Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, London Read More »
Is it time to consider insuring, donating or dispersing your art jewelry collection – or any of your jewelry? A necessary part of such a process is obtaining an appraisal; before getting the appraisal, you need to find an appropriate appraiser. A personal property appraisal for jewelry includes a document that identifies each piece of
Jewelry: The Appraiser and the Appraisal Read More »
Helen Carnac’s Rolling Mill Rolling Mill I often think about the tools around me and what they mean. I have many since I collect them as well as use them to make my work. It’s really hard to pick out a particular favorite and my thoughts on this waver between a pencil and a scalpel.
Rita and Don Newman <–break–> As a collector, Rita had a well-developed eye. She responded strongly to works and never shied away from ‘tough’ pieces. She committed to acquiring pieces by senior jewelry artists such as Kiff Slemmons but remained on the lookout for new talent such as Jennifer Trask. In doing so she built
Rita Newman Was Here Read More »
Susan Cummins But before I dive into my next post, I would like to thank Mike Holmes and Damian Skinner for keeping the AJF blog a dynamic and engaging place for the past year and a half. Without their vision, this new website and blog would not exist. Thanks so much, you two.
The redesigned website is envisioned as an online magazine full of original content relating to contemporary jewelry. This redesign centers on AJF’s desire to be a major resource about the international art jewelry scene. How did that vision come about? AJF editor Damian Skinner and board member Mike Holmes, who were originally working on the
Behind the Scenes: The Story of the New Website Read More »
