I just participated in another EtsyMetal Charm Swap. These are the charms I made (sterling silver, copper, freshwater pearls, etched, oxidized, riveted, fabricated). They are two sided so these pics show both front and back.
HidingPlaces 1 from John Michael on Vimeo.
Because memory is a broad and inclusive topic, it is divided into four thematic components: From Memory, Holding Memory, Forget Memory, and Shared Memory. The exhibition and accompanying book will delve deeply into each of the four areas. Artists involved in other programming areas—Performing Arts, Connecting Communities, and Education—will dovetail with the four components in various ways. The profusely illustrated book will include original writings by the exhibition’s curators and prominent scholars with expertise in savant syndrome, age and community, American culture, and art history.
Artists featured in this section call on their capacity to remember to make their art. They record the world with uncanny precision. Some are endowed with so-called photographic memory, while others feel compelled to explore the depths of memory without the aid of this particular mental facility. They share an impulse to catalog objects, people, and ideas in a visual manner, effectively releasing these thoughts from the mind so they may exist as external memory banks.
Intangible memories are captured in tangible objects in this section of the project. Objects have long been recognized as containers of memory, vessels that manifest the timeless importance of commemorating life.
Personally touched by the effects of memory loss, a number of artists confront the topic of dementia. In innovative and precedent-setting ways, they seek to maintain a connection with loved ones who no longer remember. This section of the exhibition features just two artists, both of whom will create expansive, site-specific, and multifaceted installations that mirror the complexities of the mind itself.
Each of us recalls events large and small with great clarity: a first movie at the theater; the championship game won or lost; or the precise moment of a national tragedy. Whether these events are experienced with family, community, amongst cultural groups, or as an entire nation, our personal memories become interwoven with those of others, creating a variegated but converging terrain of shared memory. This section of the exhibition explores this powerful, shifting, and emotional territory.
Just finished this new little blingy ring! Its made from sterling silver and an antique chandelier crystal. Measures about 3.5"x1"x.5". Thanks to my buddy Nathan for coming up with the title Lucem Ferre which according to him means:
Got my copy of the new "500 Silver Jewelry Designs" book in the mail the other day! It's loaded with some pretty awesome jewelry so be sure to check it out! I am so excited to be a part of this collection of contemporary silver work, I can't even tell you! 
That we found out we are having a girl?
A few months ago I participated in another charm swap with a group I belong to called Etsymetal. The charms I made are pictured above. The charm swaps are so fun and I love getting the charms in the mail! I kept waiting to post this thinking I would take pictures, but I realized that is never going to happen. So, I stole pics from other etsymetal members. Enjoy!
Image from Victoria Takahashi aka experimetal
Above and below images are from Nina Gibson of NinaGibsonDesigns.
You can get your very own bracelet of all the charms in this swap here.
I just finished teaching an 8 week Filigree class at Mesa Art Center. Part of the fun of teaching is getting to make samples and play with techniques myself. Here are a few images of some samples I made to prepare for my class. I'm slowly listing these pieces in my etsy shop.
'Iron-Clad, Polka-Dot, Heart-Charms by Tedd McDonah
Charm #5, front 2 above, back below
Field Work: A Traveling Exhibition at the Harry Wood Gallery from
Highlighting the finest in contemporary crafts from across the country, Mesa Contemporary Arts' Annual Contemporary Crafts exhibition has become a benchmark for innovation and quality. Representative of traditional craft mediums including ceramics, fibers, basketry, metals, wood, glass, jewelry, papermaking and book arts, this exhibition showcases 47 artworks by 37 artists, representing 18 states.
Friday, Jan 21, 2011 (6-8pm)
Free and Open to the Public!
- 6:30pm Artist Talk by Stephanie Trenchard
- Musical Entertainment by Tommy Eggleston Trio
Light Refreshments and Cash Bar- Light Refreshments and Cash Bar
Premiering Exhibitions:
32nd Annual Contemporary Crafts
A national juried exhibition of all craft media
Jan 21-Mar 6
Memory is a Strange Bell--
Stephanie Trenchard
Narratives in Sand Cast Glass
Jan 21-Mar13
Mesa Contemporary Arts at Mesa Arts Center
One East Mesa, Downtown Mesa, Arizona
480-644-6567
MesaArtsCenter.com
My work will be included in the upcoming Lark Publication, 500 Silver Jewelry Designs, available for pre-order now on Amazon.com. Check it out here. It should be out sometime this spring...I can't wait to see it!
