Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Barbie goes to Paris
I guess the e-newsletter I sent out on Sunday was a bit confusing… let me clarify: I am not going to Paris for Fashion Week, just the Barbie that I designed jewelry for will be making the trip. Sorry for the confusion.
Despite a lot of last minute scrambling, I finished her jewelry and shipped her off this afternoon! This is the necklace design I was perfectly content with up until about 20 minutes before I was to send her on her way…
However, I decided I liked one of my other configurations better after all, so this is what I ended up sending them instead:
By flipping up the hands in the back, the necklace has more collar-like dimension, which I think makes it more sculptural and interesting.
The cool thing is, the necklace can really be worn several ways, it's just a matter of adjusting the hands and the way they're situated on the neckwire.
I also made her a ring to match the nipple-esque end caps used in the necklace:
So, which design do you prefer and why?
Despite a lot of last minute scrambling, I finished her jewelry and shipped her off this afternoon! This is the necklace design I was perfectly content with up until about 20 minutes before I was to send her on her way…
However, I decided I liked one of my other configurations better after all, so this is what I ended up sending them instead:
By flipping up the hands in the back, the necklace has more collar-like dimension, which I think makes it more sculptural and interesting.
The cool thing is, the necklace can really be worn several ways, it's just a matter of adjusting the hands and the way they're situated on the neckwire.She had to have some fabulous sterling silver heels as well (*these were cast)…
I also made her a ring to match the nipple-esque end caps used in the necklace:
I'm pleased with how she turned out. This project was a lot of fun, and it makes me want to play around and make more jewelry for Barbie. A friend of mine wisely suggested that I actually make the jewelry wearable when off of the doll, so that it can be worn on the (human) body as well which I thought was a great idea! Like a "hers and mine" set. I might just have to make a series of those. I've been trying to think about ways to "display" some of my pieces when not being worn anyway, and that might be an interesting solution. When not wearing the jewelry on your body, Barbie wears it on hers. ahh the layers…
So, which design do you prefer and why?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
NY Times Magazine
My interview with Rob Walker of NY Times magazine has been published and is available in today's issue, however you can also read it online here. I think it turned out fantastic and I'm truly honored for the opportunity. Rob also mentions the article and offers some interesting background information about how the article came to light on his blog: murketing.com
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
NY Times Magazine Interview
Time to spill the beans…
I was interviewed by Rob Walker of NY Times Magazine earlier this month. This is SUPER exciting for me! The article will run this Sunday, January 25th in Walker's column: Consumed. Be sure to look for it!
It's going to be a BIG year for both Barbie and myself. I turn 30 in February and Barbie turns 50 in March. Although one of us doesn't look a day older, (ahem) I've decided to be very zen about the whole "aging" thing and wholeheartedly embrace it… so far this attitude is working for me.
Classic 1959 Barbie™Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Press
My work was featured in NewStyle Magazine back in September. NewStyle is a fashion trade magazine for fashion professionals (retail, labels, stylists) in Holland. I just received a PDF version of it:
Friday, January 16, 2009
Designing For Barbie
I've been invited to accessorize Barbie and her little black dress for an exhibition during Fashion Week (and beyond) in Paris starting at the end of this month.
Many fashion designers have made garments for Barbie in the past, however this year in honor of Barbie's 50th birthday celebration, 50 designers have been asked to create accessories for her and her little black dress. I am truly honored to have been invited to participate!
The Barbies from all the various designers will move into their temporary "castle" in Prêt-á-Porter Paris, Porte de Versailles, to be displayed during Fashion Week. They will be involved in a photo shoot for Vive la Mode, the free magazine distributed after fashion shows. She will then be on display for The Box and an exhibition of the photos will be displayed for Atmosphere, "the fashion designers rendez-vous," Jardin des Tuileries. The Barbies will then travel to NY for The Train, the international trade show of wardrobe and accessories. After all these exciting high fashion events, Barbie will eventually be auctioned off in aid of a charitable association.
I just received my Barbie in the mail yesterday and am SO excited to start making some fabulous jewelry and accessories for her. (Check out those eyelashes!)
…Paris Fashion Week here we come!
Many fashion designers have made garments for Barbie in the past, however this year in honor of Barbie's 50th birthday celebration, 50 designers have been asked to create accessories for her and her little black dress. I am truly honored to have been invited to participate!The Barbies from all the various designers will move into their temporary "castle" in Prêt-á-Porter Paris, Porte de Versailles, to be displayed during Fashion Week. They will be involved in a photo shoot for Vive la Mode, the free magazine distributed after fashion shows. She will then be on display for The Box and an exhibition of the photos will be displayed for Atmosphere, "the fashion designers rendez-vous," Jardin des Tuileries. The Barbies will then travel to NY for The Train, the international trade show of wardrobe and accessories. After all these exciting high fashion events, Barbie will eventually be auctioned off in aid of a charitable association.
I just received my Barbie in the mail yesterday and am SO excited to start making some fabulous jewelry and accessories for her. (Check out those eyelashes!)
…Paris Fashion Week here we come!Monday, January 12, 2009
love to know
My interview with LoveToKnow.com is now up on their website; go check it out if you get a chance. Many thanks to Adrienne Warber for the feature.
Well, 2009 is off to a good start! I've been a busy bee finishing up a bunch of custom orders taken before the holidays and have been designing, sketching, plotting and scheming for a bunch of projects… there are lots of exciting opportunities in the works these days, but you'll just have to wait to find out what I'm up to! (cue mischievous laughter and hand wringing)
In other news, I took an all day workshop at the 92nd st. Y this weekend with metalsmith Erin Daily. It was a six hour class called "How to Buy Stones" and it was awesome! I definitely feel much more confident heading into the diamond district for some wheelin' and dealin' with gem dealers now. There's so much to stones, it can feel really intimidating, especially when you're not informed about what to look for in a gem, what makes it valuable, what questions to ask about it's treatments, origins, etc etc . Erin was a wealth of information.
It was the first time I had seen the facilities at the Y and wow! being there made me wish I was in school again. I miss the focus inherent in learning new techniques and engaging with teachers and students. There's nothing more inspiring at times.
Well, 2009 is off to a good start! I've been a busy bee finishing up a bunch of custom orders taken before the holidays and have been designing, sketching, plotting and scheming for a bunch of projects… there are lots of exciting opportunities in the works these days, but you'll just have to wait to find out what I'm up to! (cue mischievous laughter and hand wringing)
In other news, I took an all day workshop at the 92nd st. Y this weekend with metalsmith Erin Daily. It was a six hour class called "How to Buy Stones" and it was awesome! I definitely feel much more confident heading into the diamond district for some wheelin' and dealin' with gem dealers now. There's so much to stones, it can feel really intimidating, especially when you're not informed about what to look for in a gem, what makes it valuable, what questions to ask about it's treatments, origins, etc etc . Erin was a wealth of information.
It was the first time I had seen the facilities at the Y and wow! being there made me wish I was in school again. I miss the focus inherent in learning new techniques and engaging with teachers and students. There's nothing more inspiring at times.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Adjustable Full Face Ring
This is the first time I've ever made a ring out of a complete Barbie face. As you may know, I tend to frame her individual facial elements in bits. Not only do I usually think it looks more interesting to isolate, but it also makes for easier wear in terms of the overall size.
This was a custom order for a client, who was giving it as a surprise gift for a man, and she didn't want to ask him his ring size, so I made the ring adjustable from a size 10 - 13 (also a first - I had never hand-fabricated an adjustable band before)
One of the coolest aspects of this design for me was in figuring out how to support the under-structure of the face. Since Barbie's head is made out of hollow rubber, she's easily "squish-able" so I had to come up with a way to fully support the rubber, without adding much weight. What I came up with is a secret (teehee) …however I'm really pleased with the final result, even if it is a bit massive for my fingers!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Professional Development Seminar
I'm helping to spread the word early about this year's Professional Development Seminar (pre-SNAG conference in Philadelphia) Save $ by registering early!
The Professional Development Seminar will be offering four hours of presentations designed to offer students, emerging artists and established professionals solid information on establishing and maintaining a career in the arts.I know it feels like a long ways a way… but are any of you out there planning to attend the SNAG conference in Philly this year? I'd love to hear your thoughts/comments!
Revolutionary:
Maximizing the Online Revolution: Websites and Beyond
Topics to be covered this year include:
-Improving Website Performance & Design
-Using Social Networking and Virtual Communities to Drive Business
-The Evolving Role of the Gallery in a Virtual World of Commerce
WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
TIME: 2:00 - 6:00 PM
WHERE: The Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Commonwealth Rooms C & D
1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
COST: $10 pre-registration for the entire afternoon; $15 at the door
Pre-REGISTER online starting January 15th at: http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/image/homepage/signup/.docs/pg/10034
* Pre-Conference Professional Development Seminar
To read about the entire program go here: http://www.harriete-estel-berman.info/profguidelines/PDS.html
or
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/Events/Professional_Development_Seminar/
Friday, January 02, 2009
Reflecting on 2008
As many of you may know, I'm a big fan of Alyson Stanfield of artbizcoach.com and one of her recent Art Marketing Action Newsletters included her annual "Acknowledge Yourself and Celebrate" checklist. It's easy to forget sometimes how much we accomplish over the course of a year. I find this exercise of thinking about and writing a list of accomplishments particularly helpful for remembering how far I've come and the steps I've taken to grow my career. I thought I'd share some of my responses here. I encourage everyone to check out Alyson's website to find out how you can receive her weekly newsletters. Try answering these questions for yourself as a way to feel inspired about your progress before moving on to writing your goal lists for 2009.
How did you promote your Art and your online presence?
• blogged regularly (for the most part)
• joined LinkedIn, twitter, Crafthaus and Facebook.
• started new response blog: "creepy but cool"
• did various interviews for blogs, magazines and newspapers.
• wore my own jewelry more frequently to events where I knew I would be meeting new people.
• made an effort to visit and comment on other people's blogs.
• tried to update/replenish my etsy shop as frequently as possible
• blogged about and linked to any/all press features
Who were the top ten cool or influential people you met in 2008?
• Hugo: my caster (and quite possibly the sweetest old man ever)
• Biba Schutz: art jeweler (extremely resourceful and inspiring mentor)
• Mike Holmes: owner Velvet Da Vinci Gallery
• Bruce Hoffman: gallery director Snyderman-Works Gallery
• Harriete Estel Berman: art jeweler (via phone)
• Bruce Metcalf: art jeweler (met him at the Craft Council summer salon lecture)
• Lori: my biggest fan on etsy (major Barbie fan… and married to a man named Ken!)
• Brad Armistead: Mattel's head of soft goods division
• Lee Unkrich: director at Pixar Animation Studios (via email)
• Rob Walker: NY times magazine columnist/author (via email/phone)
Whom did you mentor or help out?
• Ashley: my fabulous intern/apprentice
• Urte: the delightful replacement who took my job making jewelry at Swallow in Brooklyn when I left back in August.
• Dayna: a young jeweler, new to NYC that I met with at my studio, suggested resources for her, etc.
Did you create a new portfolio or other marketing piece?
• two new hard copy portfolios (one for press images and one for work)
• new stickers
• new postcard
• new wholesale catalog
• new thank you cards
What medium or skill did you attempt or master?
• etching on metal and glass
• gold/silver leafing on glass
• stone/wire wrapping/beading
What did you try that was completely new?
• having a studio outside my home
• etching
• gold/silver leafing on glass
• using a caster to make multiples of select elements of my work
• working with an intern
• selling retail at a high end craft fair (ACC Baltimore)
• a label maker (I'll never go back!)
What did you try that was uncomfortable but helped you grow?
• quit my part-time job to be a full time artist… AT LAST
• a business class at FIT
• created a wholesale line and catalog
• ACC retail craft show Baltimore "new wave artist"
• interviews w/ press (always uncomfortable but always help me grow)
• sold jewelry (wholesale) to a woman who claimed to be a store buyer. She was not. Got ripped off. HUGE life lesson!
What worthy cause did you support in some way?
• Susan G. Komen Foundation, to help find a cure for breast cancer
• WNYC public radio (I listen all the time - this is the first time I've pledged)
• MAD museum (became a member)
• SNAG (renewed membership)
• ACC (renewed membership)
• James Renwick Alliance (silent auction submission)
• elected OBAMA!!
What new art events, galleries and museums did you visit?
• the new MAD museum opening
• ACC show, Baltimore
• ACC library: Bruce Metcalf lecture
• Brooklyn Museum: Art Smith jewelry exhibition
• SOFA, NY
• Velvet da Vinci, San Francisco
• de Young Museum, San Francisco: Dale Chihuly exhibition, etc
What resources did you discover?
• American Craft Council library in Manhattan
• twitter, FB, crafthaus
• the new MAD museum
• Alyson Stanfield class: "Get Organized"
• Inspired Home Office newsletter
• Brooklyn Based newsletter
• Hugo, my caster
• SPB Gems in the diamond district
• Kremer Pigments in Manhattan
• May Arts - amazing company where I now buy my ribbon
How did you improve your studio habits?
• I quit my part-time day job!
• I found the studio of my dreams, outside my house.
• I found an intern
• I tried hard to implement more regular studio hours every week
• I designed and created a personalized "Work Order" sheet to keep orders straight and organized between my office/studio
• I bought a proper jeweler's bench and stopped working on an old computer desk - ouch!
What books did you read to help your career?
• I'd Rather Be In The Studio by Alyson Stanfield
• The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers
• Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters by Courtney Martin
What videos or films were useful (to your career)?
• Who Does She Think She is? documentary
• Craft in America, PBS documentary series
• Andy Goldsworthy, artist documentary
• DIY or die, documentary
• Helvetica documentary
What seminars or workshops did you attend?
• Bruce Metcalf lecture at ACC library
• Gloria Steinem lecture at 92nd st. Y
• David McFadden, new MAD museum opening exhibition lecture @ SOFA, NY
• Jamie Bennett lecture @ SOFA, NY
• teleseminar w/ Hilary Pfiefer and Alyson Stanfield
• Get Organized web-class w/ Alyson Stanfield
• FIT business class
How did you enhance your office and/or studio environment?
• moved studio outside of my home
• re-painted and re-decorated home office.
• new office desk
• purchased used jeweler's bench on ebay
• new laser jet printer
• office is now a separate room from the living room
• bought new cell phone w/ internet service so I can access internet at my studio
What grants/honors/awards did you receive?
• accepted to ACC show in Baltimore as a "new wave" artist
• applied for NYFA grant (fingers crossed!)
What articles were written about your work?
• CosmoGIRL, USA
• Arcadium, Hungary
• BUST, USA
• Cosmopolitan, Czech Republic
• InDesign, Australia
• Step by Step Wire, USA
• abcDesign, Brazil
• Top Teen, Mexico
• Sunday Times Newspaper, Australia
• Columbia Chronicle newspaper, Chicago USA
• Metro News, UK
• Sky News, UK
• Daily Mail, UK
• Telegraph, UK
• Indie Quarter, UK
• Female First, UK
• Times of the Internet
• Cool Hunting
• Boing Boing
• Craftzine
• Jezebel
… and lots of other various blog nods
What exhibits, grants, contests, etc did you submit art to?
• NYFA grant
• Alloy Gallery, Newport, RI
• Pop Culture Collision, Shaw Gallery, ME
• Materialistic, Whitney Gallery, Savannah, GA
• Shoes Tell Stories, Fuller Craft Museum, MA
• Forms For Pleasure Book, Belgium
• 500 Plastic Jewelry Book, Lark Books (fingers crossed!)
Where did you save a wad of money?
• by getting an intern (saved me a lot of time, = $)
• buying a used jeweler's work bench on ebay
• testing the craft show waters by applying for the "new wave" section of the ACC show in Baltimore (much less than a full booth)
What was the single best thing that happened to your art career in 2008?
• Quitting my part-time job to become a full time artist and finding the perfect private art studio in a loft building full of artists 5 blocks from my apartment are the best things that happened to me this year. Hooray!
Happy 2009 everyone!
How did you promote your Art and your online presence?
• blogged regularly (for the most part)
• joined LinkedIn, twitter, Crafthaus and Facebook.
• started new response blog: "creepy but cool"
• did various interviews for blogs, magazines and newspapers.
• wore my own jewelry more frequently to events where I knew I would be meeting new people.
• made an effort to visit and comment on other people's blogs.
• tried to update/replenish my etsy shop as frequently as possible
• blogged about and linked to any/all press features
Who were the top ten cool or influential people you met in 2008?
• Hugo: my caster (and quite possibly the sweetest old man ever)
• Biba Schutz: art jeweler (extremely resourceful and inspiring mentor)
• Mike Holmes: owner Velvet Da Vinci Gallery
• Bruce Hoffman: gallery director Snyderman-Works Gallery
• Harriete Estel Berman: art jeweler (via phone)
• Bruce Metcalf: art jeweler (met him at the Craft Council summer salon lecture)
• Lori: my biggest fan on etsy (major Barbie fan… and married to a man named Ken!)
• Brad Armistead: Mattel's head of soft goods division
• Lee Unkrich: director at Pixar Animation Studios (via email)
• Rob Walker: NY times magazine columnist/author (via email/phone)
Whom did you mentor or help out?
• Ashley: my fabulous intern/apprentice
• Urte: the delightful replacement who took my job making jewelry at Swallow in Brooklyn when I left back in August.
• Dayna: a young jeweler, new to NYC that I met with at my studio, suggested resources for her, etc.
Did you create a new portfolio or other marketing piece?
• two new hard copy portfolios (one for press images and one for work)
• new stickers
• new postcard
• new wholesale catalog
• new thank you cards
What medium or skill did you attempt or master?
• etching on metal and glass
• gold/silver leafing on glass
• stone/wire wrapping/beading
What did you try that was completely new?
• having a studio outside my home
• etching
• gold/silver leafing on glass
• using a caster to make multiples of select elements of my work
• working with an intern
• selling retail at a high end craft fair (ACC Baltimore)
• a label maker (I'll never go back!)
What did you try that was uncomfortable but helped you grow?
• quit my part-time job to be a full time artist… AT LAST
• a business class at FIT
• created a wholesale line and catalog
• ACC retail craft show Baltimore "new wave artist"
• interviews w/ press (always uncomfortable but always help me grow)
• sold jewelry (wholesale) to a woman who claimed to be a store buyer. She was not. Got ripped off. HUGE life lesson!
What worthy cause did you support in some way?
• Susan G. Komen Foundation, to help find a cure for breast cancer
• WNYC public radio (I listen all the time - this is the first time I've pledged)
• MAD museum (became a member)
• SNAG (renewed membership)
• ACC (renewed membership)
• James Renwick Alliance (silent auction submission)
• elected OBAMA!!
What new art events, galleries and museums did you visit?
• the new MAD museum opening
• ACC show, Baltimore
• ACC library: Bruce Metcalf lecture
• Brooklyn Museum: Art Smith jewelry exhibition
• SOFA, NY
• Velvet da Vinci, San Francisco
• de Young Museum, San Francisco: Dale Chihuly exhibition, etc
What resources did you discover?
• American Craft Council library in Manhattan
• twitter, FB, crafthaus
• the new MAD museum
• Alyson Stanfield class: "Get Organized"
• Inspired Home Office newsletter
• Brooklyn Based newsletter
• Hugo, my caster
• SPB Gems in the diamond district
• Kremer Pigments in Manhattan
• May Arts - amazing company where I now buy my ribbon
How did you improve your studio habits?
• I quit my part-time day job!
• I found the studio of my dreams, outside my house.
• I found an intern
• I tried hard to implement more regular studio hours every week
• I designed and created a personalized "Work Order" sheet to keep orders straight and organized between my office/studio
• I bought a proper jeweler's bench and stopped working on an old computer desk - ouch!
What books did you read to help your career?
• I'd Rather Be In The Studio by Alyson Stanfield
• The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
• The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers
• Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters by Courtney Martin
What videos or films were useful (to your career)?
• Who Does She Think She is? documentary
• Craft in America, PBS documentary series
• Andy Goldsworthy, artist documentary
• DIY or die, documentary
• Helvetica documentary
What seminars or workshops did you attend?
• Bruce Metcalf lecture at ACC library
• Gloria Steinem lecture at 92nd st. Y
• David McFadden, new MAD museum opening exhibition lecture @ SOFA, NY
• Jamie Bennett lecture @ SOFA, NY
• teleseminar w/ Hilary Pfiefer and Alyson Stanfield
• Get Organized web-class w/ Alyson Stanfield
• FIT business class
How did you enhance your office and/or studio environment?
• moved studio outside of my home
• re-painted and re-decorated home office.
• new office desk
• purchased used jeweler's bench on ebay
• new laser jet printer
• office is now a separate room from the living room
• bought new cell phone w/ internet service so I can access internet at my studio
What grants/honors/awards did you receive?
• accepted to ACC show in Baltimore as a "new wave" artist
• applied for NYFA grant (fingers crossed!)
What articles were written about your work?
• CosmoGIRL, USA
• Arcadium, Hungary
• BUST, USA
• Cosmopolitan, Czech Republic
• InDesign, Australia
• Step by Step Wire, USA
• abcDesign, Brazil
• Top Teen, Mexico
• Sunday Times Newspaper, Australia
• Columbia Chronicle newspaper, Chicago USA
• Metro News, UK
• Sky News, UK
• Daily Mail, UK
• Telegraph, UK
• Indie Quarter, UK
• Female First, UK
• Times of the Internet
• Cool Hunting
• Boing Boing
• Craftzine
• Jezebel
… and lots of other various blog nods
What exhibits, grants, contests, etc did you submit art to?
• NYFA grant
• Alloy Gallery, Newport, RI
• Pop Culture Collision, Shaw Gallery, ME
• Materialistic, Whitney Gallery, Savannah, GA
• Shoes Tell Stories, Fuller Craft Museum, MA
• Forms For Pleasure Book, Belgium
• 500 Plastic Jewelry Book, Lark Books (fingers crossed!)
Where did you save a wad of money?
• by getting an intern (saved me a lot of time, = $)
• buying a used jeweler's work bench on ebay
• testing the craft show waters by applying for the "new wave" section of the ACC show in Baltimore (much less than a full booth)
What was the single best thing that happened to your art career in 2008?
• Quitting my part-time job to become a full time artist and finding the perfect private art studio in a loft building full of artists 5 blocks from my apartment are the best things that happened to me this year. Hooray!
Happy 2009 everyone!
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