About three weeks ago I was invited to participate in the upcoming Contemporary Visions in Metal exhibition at Mobilia Gallery. Mobilia is putting up the show in conjunction with The “Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry” exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The art nouveau show "includes about 120 works by the leading designers and fabricators of late nineteenth- to early twentieth-century Art Nouveau jewelry. Although many of these artists acquired their skills in traditional, high-style jewelry houses, they found inspiration in the work of the Pre-Raphaelites, the philosophy of John Ruskin (1819–1900), the paintings and poetry of the symbolists, and the arts of Japan. For motifs, they looked to the flora (orchids, lilies) and fauna (dragonflies, butterflies) of the natural world and the sensuality of the female form. This new aesthetic was, in large measure, a reaction against nineteenth century historicism, industrialization, and the “tyranny of the diamond,” and these Art Nouveau artists chose to interpret nature rather than imitate it.
René Lalique (1860–1945) was the most renowned Art Nouveau artist, whose one-of-a-kind pieces were often large and made of unusual and inexpensive materials such as horn, enamel, and glass. Art Nouveau designers/jewelers also employed a pastel color palette much like the Impressionists. Color was, for the most part, achieved through the use of enamel, and plique à jour (open to light) enameling added a delicacy and level of technical sophistication not previously seen in jewelry. In addition to works by Lalique, jewelry by Georges Fouquet (1862–1957), Eugène Feuillâtre (1870–1916), and Lucien Gaillard (1861–1933) is shown, as are paintings, sculpture, prints, posters, textiles, and decorative arts from the period. "
Mobilia Gallery is hosting the "3rd Annual Conference on Jewelry and Related Arts: Ahead of Its Time: Jewelry in the Milieu of 1900", which the show will be a part of.
The exhibition will open Saturday, October 4th and run through the end of the month. I have been asked to send 2-5 pieces for the show, so I have been frantically trying to make time to make work for the show while also teaching, focusing on school (upcoming metals intercollegiate show, and printmaking critique), studying for art history midterm, and getting ready for my 15 hour review (and trying to sleep at least a little bit in there somewhere). I don't have any idea how I will get it all done, but somehow I will make it work! This is an image of the first piece I have completed for the show. I really am so excited about this opportunity and just hope that I can get some nice work done. I wish I had more time!!
Now, back to work!
Sterling silver, 14K gold, pearl, embroidery
Etched, fabricated, sewn
4 comments:
You can do it! You can do it! Good luck :D
Thanks:)
That piece is absolutely beautiful, perfectly continues the tradition of precise detailing represented by Lalique et al. I'm working on behalf of a site called Positively Cleveland, and right now we're working to get the word out about an upcoming at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It's called "Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique", and will feature exquisite examples of each artist's work. If you get a chance the exhibit is well worth a trip to see these beautiful treasures in person. It's unique even compared to the Boston exhibit because it's the first time the work of all three decorative artists have been displayed under the same roof since the 1900 World's Fair! You can find more information at http://www.clemusart.com/exhibitions/artisticluxury.aspx. Additionally, Cleveland has many other destinations including the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame: http://www.positivelycleveland.com/visiting/things_to_do/cleveland_rocks/rock_hall. There's something for everyone and lots to explore!
I hope I haven't overstepped my bounds by leaving this comment. I'm just trying to get the word out about this amazing exhibit so as many people as possible can have the experience of seeing this art with their own eyes. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to E-Mail me. I'd love to hear from you :)
Cary A. Andrews
Positively Cleveland
cary.a.andrews@gmail.com
Damn girl, you're on fire. That's awesome
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