learn

I took a week off this summer to learn some new techniques, can't wait to get into studio this fall and play more with what I learned. I know, I know...I should be in studio now, right? But it's summer and Brooklyn is muggy. Forgive me while I go soak up beautiful Maine until this city cools off a bit more.

The class I took was a week long jewelry intensive focused on ring-making. Learning hollow form was the most fun, and definitely a process. I learned so much making this one ring, finished image above, some of the steps pictured below. Sharon Portelance, who taught the class (and chair of MECA metals dept), started us off with a great slideshow about the history of the ring. So much was focused on rings being a symbol of attachment, memory, love and remembrance. I somehow ended up making myself one crazy huge brass marry yourself ring. It's almost comical, I think it's only right to name it: hunk-a-hunk-a-burning-love.

step one, score and bend

Sharon's teaching style was helpful as well as inspiring and empowering. After being back in studio for a week straight, 40 plus hours...I truly felt like all opportunities were endless. Sometimes in the push of life we forget. It was good to remember; thanks Sharon. Read a bit more about her below.

Preserving Memory and Desire

A “wiggly path” is how Sharon Portelance describes her career as an artist and metalsmith up to this moment in time. Since graduating from the Portland School of Art in 1982, Portelance has followed a somewhat circuitous route in her artistic endeavors, yet a strong aesthetic vision combined with a love of teaching has led her to a place of critical notice and engaging relevance. “To be able to question yourself takes time,” Portelance points out. She has learned to make art and then step back and evaluate it without suppressing the creative juices. She teaches her own students that they sometimes have to let go of the class critiques and just work. “If you’re constantly evaluating,” she explains, “you’re never going to allow those doors to open that you’re not even sure are going to open because you’re so constantly honest.” Ornament Magazine