Live From Dublin: No Goodbyes- Just ‘Until I See You Again’s

Have been busy the last couple of weeks- went to see another play, this time in Temple Bar; took a turn one afternoon around Phoenix Park, located on the west side of Dublin; and I took a day trip up to Northern Ireland to visit the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast. Let’s just say the giants were roaring! A storm rolled in and the snow blew like mad. The surf was huge and impressively crashed against the cliffs.

It finally happened- took about 11 weeks but I actually had one day where I did not consume not one cup of tea! The next day when I realized it had happened I almost felt out of sorts. HaHa

Eily O’Connell and I took a day trip down to Kilkenny recently. Kilkenny is the home of the Craft Council of Ireland. She did a workshop with jeweler Jane Heuston and I poked around the Kilkenny Design Centre, visiting the various studios and National Craft Gallery. I had a wonderful chat with jeweler and silversmith, Des Byrne, who told me his best advice for anyone was to “do work that you love since you spend so many of your waking hours doing it”. Eily and I also visited the studio of Rudolf Heltzel, a renowned designer and jeweler.

Last week, I met with Michael Kenny, Keeper of the Arts & Industry, National Museum of Ireland- Collins Barracks, who was so generous with his time and knowledge. He took me around all the silver collections in the museum. Even though I’d been through the exhibitions several times before and had spent hours looking myself, like a proud father, he pointed out details and “behind-the-scenes” information about pieces in the collection that I never would have caught otherwise. It was a wonderful experience and I am so grateful!

And finally, I have completed my new collection of work. It is entitled Duiblinn: The Black Pool Collection. It consists of six pieces of studio jewelry, ranging from rings to face adornment. I took my first DART trip (Dublin intercity train/subway) to Clongriffin, northern suburb of Dublin, to have my collection professionally shot by father and son photographers Ronnie and David Norton. I hope to have the images within the next week or two and will be posting them to the site for all to see. In the meantime, the collection has gone up for display at Project 51 and hopefully I will find some venues for exhibition when I return stateside. With things being as busy as they are, this will be the last post Live From Dublin. I’ll continue to post updates to the collection and exhibitions but it will be from the Deep South.

My last days on the island are drawing to a close and a lump is already growing in my throat at the thought of leaving behind all the wonderful people who have made up my life here. You would think the daughter of a pilot and flight attendant, a self-professed world wanderer would be used to goodbyes by now, but they never get easier. So no goodbyes. I will simply say- Till I see you again. May our paths cross on down the way.

Live From Dublin: Such A Tease

So a quick, belated post- went to a “Broadway” play at the Gaiety Theatre called Big Maggie, was a great performance. Over the weekend, spent a day in Wicklow with Eily O’Connell hiking to the Powerscourt Waterfall. We had wonderful weather for it and we certainly earned the sweet treats at the end of day with all our outdoor exercise.

Progress is steady on the workbench front…I would say I’m half to ¾ of the way done with the collection. These are the pieces I’m working on…you’ll have to stay tuned to see how and what they turn out to be! I know- I’m such a tease.

Live From Dublin: A Hallmark Moment

I had the great fortune and opportunity to tour the Assay’s Office of Ireland recently. The very gracious Ronald Le Bas took me around the labs, the hallmarking rooms, the library, the Master Warden’s Office and I got to view the private collection of master works the Assay’s Office has commissioned over the years. The collection includes works from Brian Clarke, Kevin O’Dwyer, and Aidan Breen among others. Ireland and the UK have mandatory testing and hallmarking, unlike the US, so it was interesting to be taken through the process.

Eily dancing outside Rathfarnham Castle

On the culture scene: I enjoyed a wonderful dance performance in Temple Bar called Touch Me, which explored Irish society post-Celtic Tiger and in the wake of the economic recession. Also enjoyed several exhibition openings, among which was one called 21^st Century Icons. Eily O’Connell had a great torc in the collection, so I went with her and her boyfriend, Ross, to Rathfarnham Castle to see it. (Rode a double-decker bus for the first time since being in Ireland this trip!)

In Project 51: The Collective celebrated Christmas early by heading out to a terrific dinner. Everyone went home stuffed and most, inebriated. I’m posting the promised image of my filigree hat embellishment. I’ve completed sketches for my body of work and have begun work at the bench once again. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Live From Dublin: One For The Record Books

It’s official- I’m a Guinness World Record holder! Ok, so really the event took place last week, but I didn’t get official notification until this week. The event took place at Trinity College and was organized by a number of student and non-profit groups working together to raise awareness about mental health in Ireland. The record was for “Most People To Write A Story”, the previous record had 838 participants and our record now stands at 953 participants! The organizing group began the story by depicting the main characters and initial circumstances, then over the course of 12 hours each participant wrote one sentence- the next line of the story until time closed. The story has been transcribed and is now officially published, check out http://www.seechange.ie/index.php/news-and-events/272-see-change-breaks-guinness-world-records-title. I went with Eoin McDonnell from Project 51 and our lines are near the end of the third-to-last paragraph since we got there near the end of day. It’s all pretty wild and funny, and I guess it’s another item to check off the bucket list, haha; I made my nephew jealous at least.

On the studio front, I managed to salvage my filigree sample piece. It’s finished and ready to be used as a hat embellishment. So now I’ll have to have a think about what kind of hat I want Martha to teach me to make… Pictures to follow some time later.

Live From Dublin: Trial and Error

I made another trip to the Design Tower on Grand Canal Quay- this time to visit the hard-working and humorous Seamus Gill. Seamus makes everything from jewelry to tabletop objects to sculpture in a beautifully elegant style. He started selling his own creations by chance when he organized an exhibition of emerging jewelers in Dublin during the 1980s. While the mix of what he makes, jewelry versus large objects and commissions, has varied over the years as the economy demands, he’s been a successful, working silversmith ever since. It’s difficult to pick just one favorite thing but I must say I like some of the bronze pieces he’s begun working on recently. He’s been experimenting with patinas and the finishes on the pieces in his studio were just lovely! To learn more about him and his work, visit www.seamusgill.com. 

I’ve completed my “Creative Quarter” necklace. I ran into some issues with filigree during my sample piece and decided to alter my necklace design slightly, but I think it still turned out well. (Not sure if it’s the difference in torches/heat or if my solder is off or what…) I still might try fixing the sample piece some time later. Now, I’m on to researching and sketching designs for my new body of work. It will be a collection of jewelry and the goal is to have it on exhibition here the last two weeks I’m in Ireland- so fingers crossed! Other than helping the designers set up for the Movember Men’s Fashion Festival pop-up shop in P51, I’ve just been busy brainstorming.

Live From Dublin: Back At The Bench

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with the remarkable and respected Irish jeweler, Breda Haugh in her studio this week. She has been working in the industry for decades, starting out working at the bench for various jewelry manufacturers both in London and Dublin before going out on her own—designing, making, and selling her own work. She was a delight to speak with and I enjoyed her passion for the many topics we discussed regarding jewelry, making, and the art world. She was so generous with her time and even allowed me to borrow a swing on her rolling mill. (I’m starting a filigree piece and needed to make all my wires.) To learn more and see her beautiful work, visit www.bredahaugh.com.

I also started sketching for a new piece. I’ve been asked to participate in a collaborative project with the other 6 jewelers of Project 51 to create a necklace inspired by “The Creative Quarter”, the neighborhood in which P51 is located. This collection of 7 necklaces will then be sold during the holiday season. My necklace is inspired by the lines and shapes found in the Georgian architecture of the historic buildings along our street and will be silver filigree. But to start, since I’m still adjusting to using unfamiliar equipment, I started a sample piece. If the piece turns out and (knock on wood) I don’t melt it, I’ve discussed with Martha, milliner extraordinaire, if it can become a collaboration piece with her and one of her hats. So we’ll see- will post pictures if all turns out.

Live From Dublin: How’s your ‘stache looking lately?

This week started off with me as Stylist and Light Tech for a P51 photo-shoot for the Movember campaign. Movember is for men’s health month (November) and is sponsored by a moustache growing charity organization that promotes prostate cancer awareness and preventative care. Project 51 will be participating in additional events later this month and next, but this shoot was for an ad that will run in the Gay Community News Magazine later this month. We had great weather for the outdoor shoot and great pics and the magazine was pleased with how it turned out.

Sat in on a fitting and gave (fashion) opinions for the wife of one of the Irish presidential candidates who came into P51. The election is later this month and this candidate is neck and neck with the lead, yet everything seems so laid back- the wife came in without bodyguards or aides and there was no paparazzi following her around while she ran her errands, and that’s the norm here.

I attended the 2011 launch of Movember at Coppinger Row (bar) with Sinead Clarke, Martha Lynn, Eily O’Connell, and Caiomhe Keane (pronounced with long e: Que-va) from P51. Great craic and we saw some great moustaches. I ended up trying my first black pudding- with fig on toast. I’ll spare those with queasy stomachs and not disclosed here what black pudding is made from- suffice it to say it is NOT a sweet like Americans might think and it IS an acquired taste. It wasn’t horrible but I don’t think I’ll be ordering it off the menu on any regular basis.

And no journey to Europe is complete without a trip to Ikea (mine was with Sinead and Eily, who were on the hunt for items for P51). I found the chairs my parents bought (and still own) on display and for sale 20+ years later. Great design never goes out of style, right?!

Visited more (and really probably the last of) museums and galleries and attended a piano/clarinet concert at the Hugh Lane over the weekend. Also visited another collective, located on the north side of Dublin, called The Malthouse Design Centre and it is a furniture and interior design collective. That’s all for now- and our hot water heater is still working so I think it’s safe to say crisis has been averted.

Live From Dublin: Cork City and Back

St Anne's-Shandon with salmon weather vane

One of the P51 designers needed a courier to Cork to deliver some items to customers, so off I was sent on an overnight south. After deliveries were made, I saw the sights and visited a few different artists’ groups. The Designworks Studio, run by goldsmith Tuula Harrington, is a great shop with a full jeweler’s studio at the back, visible behind a glass partition. She and another jeweler work from this studio space, selling their own creations as well as the work of other renowned jewelers from around Ireland. The Cork Printmakers and Backwater Artists Group is housed in an old 3-story industrial building that provides studio space for over 30 artists. There is a gallery space on the first floor and on certain days of the year, the group hosts open studio nights where the public can see the artists and their work processes up close and personal. And finally, the National Sculpture Factory, also housed in an old industrial building, provides space and use of certain equipment to help facilitate the creation of large-scale artwork such as sculpture, ceramics, and installations.

Sinead Clarke, Essen C Designs

Had some great craic at my “Welcome” party from P51 on Thursday, lots of laughs, and finished the week revisiting the National Museum at Collins Barracks. On my previous visit, had only time to make it through 1.5 of the 4 floors total. So now I’ve seen it all from top to bottom and I was in heaven! At least 3 rooms of nothing but silver work and objects…and tools. Ahh, such a metals geek. Helped my flatmate, Sinead, break down her stall at the Cow’s Lane Market on Saturday. She sells her knitwear there every week and it was entertaining to watch all the different people go by.

My week ended strangely enough- I did my first load of laundry in Ireland; we have a washer but no dryer, so everything is put on clothes horses. Once it had dried, I stood in our living room steam ironing my (ah-hem) undergarments so they wouldn’t be so stiff. Must say that’s a first for me. Then our water heater gave out so I boiled water in the electric kettle in order to do dishes and was stuck with a cold shower. Heater is fixed now so I can already look back and laugh. 

(I spoke too soon...the heater gave out the next day. So now, a few days later, the electrician has been in and fingers crossed- We'll leave it at that now so's not to jinx it. ; )

Live From Dublin: Who is that man?

ChristChurch Cathedral

This week’s episode of Live From Dublin brings you more sightseeing around the beautiful city of Dublin…walked around the Fishamble area to see ChristChurch Cathedral and St. Audeon’s Church, along with the area surrounding Merrion Square and saw Oscar Wilde’s statue. Visited more museums and galleries in the Temple Bar and College Green areas. There was a gorgeous exhibition created around the topic of childhood at the National Photographic Archive with the selected images ranging from the late 1800s up through the 1960s. Saw some contemporary portraiture at the Hyde Gallery before attending my art history lecture at Trinity.

I’m slowly getting to meet all of the designers and makers who make up the collective Project 51 and my flatmate, Sinead, has been so good about taking me round to her friends in town. For sure, it was a quieter week than last, but good for becoming more acquainted with P51, the people, and the space. I would say the biggest headline for the week might have been the “modern art” that was on display on South William Street. It caused quite a ruckus; the garda (Irish police) even came out.

The Jumper

For those of you following my picture posts on Facebook- pay attention because here is the answer to the question I posed…The art on display in the image is a statue of a man who looks like he’s about to jump from the roof of the building next door. Passers-by must have thought he was real and called emergency services. What was interesting was that the statue had been up there for at least a week or so and had only gotten that kind of attention till late this week. I guess it shows how often city-dwellers look up. The statue is down now so the excitement is over.

Live From Dublin: Taking Up Residence

Fade St stars

 

 

 

So I’ve arrived and have taken up my place as artist-in-residence at Project 51! As some of you might have been following on Facebook, it’s been a busy first week. The day I arrived, an Irish reality TV show called Fade Street came in to shoot a scene in the boutique of P51. The crew ended up asking me and a few of the other designers to be props- act like store browsers while the characters ran their lines. 13 hours in country and already on Irish telly!

Clare O'Connor, Sinead Clarke, Me

I also attended a benefit fashion show called Celtic Fete Fatale on Saturday with some of the designers from Project 51. The outfits and accessories from P51 designers looked great!

I’ve been making my way through the list of wonderful museums and galleries here in Dublin and got a chance to meet the director of the Crafts Council of Ireland yesterday at a reception held at the National Gallery. My Irish art history course at Trinity College has begun and I think its going to be really interesting.

P51-Center, white painted front

The flat couldn’t be in a better location- we’re in Dublin’s creative quarter, just blocks from the best museums and Trinity College! And so many great cafés and restaurants- no, it’s not ALL Irish stew, meat pies, and Guinness, but that’s good too. My flatmate, Sinead Clarke, is as sweet as she can be and has been teaching me how she designs and makes her knitwear.

To top off my first week was a visit from the distinguished Aidan Breen. We had a lovely chat today over afternoon tea and I’m looking forward to my future visits with him.

Well, as Eoin McDonnell, founder of Project 51, laughingly told me yesterday, after such an adventure, it’s downhill from here. HaHa  Here’s to more adventures to come! Cheers!

In The Studio: The Women

September 2011

As I’m sure folks have noticed I haven’t been producing a lot of work these last few months- busy working to save money for the Ireland trip. But I have managed to eek out a couple of things. First was a set of mother-daughter, white gold and aqua marine rings made for my mother, sister, and myself. All are the same design; I selected and set the stones, and engraved each with all of our initials. Happy Birthday to my lovelies!

I also managed to complete a silver brooch for my great-aunt, Nelda. This brooch was created using the repoussé technique and has a double pin stem. I wanted to post a picture of it here since I will wait to add a new section to the Gallery until I have more pieces completed. We were all so busy chatting and visiting, I never got a chance to snap a picture of her wearing it.

Live From Dublin: September Press

So a quick post before I get on the plane- Project 51's launch on 8 September went really well with a big turnout so congratulations to them. They did an interview for radio the morning of and mentioned me by name and spoke about my work. I'll have to post it later as I'm having trouble getting it uploaded and I need to finish packing, haha.

Also, my local newspaper came out this week to interview me about the trip and the story ran in Sunday's paper (9/18/11). Gainesville Times Article

So this is it, I'm off for the wild blue yonder. Talk to everyone from the other side of the pond!

Live From Dublin: Turn Of Events

Also known as- The Power of Networking

It’s official! I now have a place to live in Dublin and studio space from which to work. But during my accommodations hunt and in an incredible turn of events, my work is now on display at Project 51 on South William St, Dublin.

To explain—through a line of networking both stateside and across the pond, I ended up being introduced to an Irish jeweler named Eily O’Connell. Eily recently joined a group of Irish artists in a design-collective called Project 51. Designers engage the public directly, selling hand-crafted fashion, jewelry, millinery, and accessories through their luxury boutique at street level and some of them work from the design studios above. They started to get the word out through their participation in Designer Dublin, a collaborative initiative to promote craft and design in Dublin during the month of June. But now they are celebrating the official launch of Project 51 and the opening of the boutique 8 September, 2011. There will be hob-knobbing, partying, and media attention.

These artists read about my research trip on my site and wanted me to get involved with them. I’ll be renting a studio space from the collective. They asked me to send one of my pieces to them to put on display in the boutique. And asked if they could talk me up along with their story during the Launch! They requested Siegfried, from my thesis collection, be sent and they’re even considering having a model wear the piece the night of the launch! I’ve heard from Eily and she says Siegfried has arrived, safe and sound.

I’ll also be sharing a flat with another of the artists from the collective- Sinead Clarke, a knitwear designer. I’m looking forward to meeting all of these artists, talking craft, and perhaps collaborating with them on some projects. Who knows…possibilities and opportunities abound…

While I won’t get to mingle on 8 September, I wish Project 51 the best of luck and say a big congratulations to them on what I know has been hard work and dedication to get all of it together in time. If you want to learn more about any of the above, check out these links:

Project 51- www.facebook.com/Project51Dublin

Eily O’Connell- www.eilyoconnell.com/
Sinead Clarke- www.essenc.ie
Eoin McDonnell- www.precious.ie 

I’m so excited and can’t wait to get started- 15 more days! And before I sign off, a big Thank You to Georgia Strange and Seliena Coyle for the introductions.

Also, thank you to Georgia Strange, http://georgiastrange.net, for becoming a corporate sponsor. Your support has meant so much.

Live From Dublin: Generosity Abounds

Thank you to everyone for their generosity and support! Patrons have been sending love and well wishes...A big shout out to my latest corporate sponsor- TEW Galleries of Peachtree Hills.

I would also like to say thank you to the Pilots' Group of Gainesville and their fabulous Wives. Helen and Walter Schneider- big hug and kisses- y'all are the most terrific hosts who threw a hell-of-a-send-off! I'm so fortunate to be part of such a community.

Live From Dublin: Pennies From Heaven

Who ever said luck falls into one’s lap? Pish. We Irish make our own luck! While deciding not to postpone this research trip another year to complete another round of grants, I’ve geared up to use private funds to fulfill this pursuit. I’ve been working hard, saving my pennies. But I’ve also delved into the world of fundraising. Over these summer months, I’ve pursued corporate sponsorships, both on a local and national level. I’ve hand-made a limited edition of Celtic knot charms to reward individual patrons. And I’ve applied to post my project on Kickstarter.com.

Thank you to my first corporate sponsor (but hopefully not my last)— The Society of American Silversmiths! And a big thank you to my many individual patrons. You can find their names listed on the Patrons page of my website.

If you would like to support this pursuit (and get your “name in lights” as a Patron, hehe), please check out the Donation page on the website (www.atabacchi.com), my Facebook page, or contact me in person.

Live From Dublin: The Masters

So just who are some of these artists I’ll be working with? Some of the most respected and distinguished metalsmiths Ireland has to offer.

Aidan Breen

A native of Dublin, his early fascination with Celtic design came from frequent visits to the National Museum as a child, to see such pieces as the Tara Brooch and Ardagh Chalice. He apprenticed at the firm M.H. Gill & Sons working on ecclesiastical vessels. After other positions with a variety of firms, he started working on his own in 1978 and was out in front when Celtic-designed work made a resurgence in popular culture. He considers himself a silversmith who specializes in repoussé and chasing and has been commissioned by the Dublin Assay, Government Ministers, and the National Museum of Ireland among others. His work will reside in the permanent collection along side the very masterpieces he gazed upon, awestruck as a child.

Watch an interview of him from Irish Craft.tv:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YJjt6JWcwQ

And view some of his current original designs available for purchase at:

http://www.celtarts.com/Breen.htm

Brian Clarke

Having worked closely with the National Museum in Kildare Street, Dublin for the past ten years, Brian has researched ancient Celtic metalwork and the techniques used to create them. Techniques that were thought lost, he rediscovered. He has discovered how the ancient metalsmiths formed the famous Ribbon Torcs and has recreated exact 22K gold replicas of the Lunulae that now reside in the National Museum. These torcs were forged from a single ingot without any cutting or filing and thus without any waste of materials. He and his wife run workshops from their studio in County Wicklow as well as the south of France.

Discover some of the great works he’s created by visiting his website’s gallery:

www.silversmithingworkshop.com

Additionally, I will visit several metalsmiths who, while unable to sponsor me in my research, have invited me to visit their studios and speak about their work. These include but are not limited to:

o        Seliena Coyle: independent jeweler, former Professor of Metals at the Savannah College of Art and Design, current resident of Dublin and lecturer at the National College of Art and Design.

o        Kevin O’Dwyer: silversmith, specializing in the design and creation of contemporary silverware (no, this doesn’t mean just flatware!). www.millennium2000silver.com

o        Breda Haugh: after working for several jewelry industry businesses, she set up shop for herself in Dublin where she designs and sells her own work as well as creates commissioned pieces. www.bredahaugh.com

o        Seamus Gill: silversmith and jeweler creating work from his own studio in Dublin. http://www.seamusgill.com

Live From Dublin: Luck of the Irish

After two years of grant applications, coming close, but ultimately- no go, I decided to prepare my research trip to Dublin, Ireland using private funds. Who says luck falls in one’s lap? We Irish make our own luck! So I will be hopping the pond to the green isle in September and will conduct my research to study the iconography and techniques of medieval Celtic metalwork over the course of about three months.

The last year of my studies at the University of Georgia focused on learning traditional techniques and historical styles. This was reflected in my undergraduate thesis work, a collection entitled inVulnerable. This exhibit visually portrayed aspects of invulnerability using figures found throughout the world’s mythology and folklore. Five heroes were chosen, who’s stories best exemplified this universal need to protect one’s self. As told through their story, a protective piece of adornment for the one body part left vulnerable was created for each hero. Each piece reflected the historical style and metalsmithing techniques unique to each hero’s culture and time. A sixth piece was in response to my research and was an exploration of my own invulnerability.

While my proposed body of work for my research in Ireland will not be a direct extension of my thesis topic, it will still reside in the vein of exploring historical and narrative styles and traditional craft in a contemporary context. I find the Celtic style compelling for it’s focus on complex, intricate patterns—every surface encrusted in decorative and symbolic features—and each element of the composition adds to the narrative.

During my three month stay in Dublin, I will research the historical metalsmithing skills and iconography unique to Irish metalwork, particularly those developed during the Golden Age between the 6th and 9th centuries. Irish work focused on a range of techniques which included repoussé, fabrication, filigree, enameling, and casting. Repoussé is the ornamental shaping of metal sheet into low and high-relief shapes and patterns using hammers and small hand tools. Building on my knowledge of these processes, I will explore the traditional methods employed.

I’ll be working on a new body of work in a rented studio space and will have the great opportunity to work with some of the finest Irish metalsmiths. I will meet with Aidan Breen regularly in his studio to discuss his background, techniques, style, and influences, and hopefully receive some critique for my newly created pieces. I will also join Brian Clarke in his studio in County Wicklow, just south of Dublin, for a short time and participate in Celtic chasing and repoussé workshops. In between, I’ve been invited to visit several other artists in their studios and I look forward to the many conversations about their work and our craft in general.

Additionally, I will attend an Irish art history course offered by Trinity College as well as making regular visits to the many museums, but in particular, the National Museum of Ireland, which houses the Ardagh Chalice among other prized pieces. No, there will be no rest for the wicked! I intend for this to be a fun-filled and jam-packed trip.

Upon my return state-side, I plan to exhibit the work generated during my stay in Ireland at a variety of local venues and present a series of demonstrations and speeches discussing my research. I will also self-publish a book about the craft processes, contemporary Irish metalsmiths and the work I produced.

These techniques piqued my interest and passion early in my degree and I feel that they will feature prominently in my work through the rest of my career. I’m very excited at the opportunity to meet and work with these Irish artists. I’m looking forward to sharing this information and experience with friends, family, and my community of American metalsmiths. Please visit the Notebook again soon to read all about my adventures on the Emerald Isle.

Miscellany: Thinking About Arts Grants?

Spring 2011

I’ve now gone through two years of grants cycles. I’ve come close—I was selected as the Fulbright Scholar alternate to Ireland and nominated for the Windgate Fellowship sponsored by The Center for Craft Creativity and Design. While in the end, I decided to pursue my research into medieval Celtic metalwork using private funds, rather than completing another cycle of grants, I would consider reapplying for the Fulbright and other grants for future projects and would recommend the process to others. Some tips I would offer from the trenches:

o        Start well in advance. (Easier said than done…) It will take twice as long as you think it will to research and prepare your proposal, fill out all the applications, track down recommendations, etc.

o        Find friends and family to read drafts of your proposal/application. If it’s a substantial grant, consider enlisting the help of a professional (writer, editor, etc).

o        I know- this sounds like a no-brainer- but you’d be surprised what details get missed when you’re in a hurry or take on too many things at once- make sure you follow all the sponsoring organization’s directions when filling out the application and obtaining the required elements.

o        Also, don’t get ahead of yourself- sometimes including extra information that was not requested by the organization can get your application declined. Many organizations receive a flood of applications and might be looking for any reason to narrow the selection.

There are an unbelievable number of grants available out there if you are willing to spend the time searching. Remember that there are grants at every level, from your local community or geographic region to national foundations. Learn more about some of the grants that I’ve applied for:

Fulbright Scholar Program

http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html

The largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international study, research, and teaching.

Windgate Fellowship

http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/research/windgate.php

The Windgate Fellowship Award Program is administered by the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A limited number of outstanding colleges/universities across the United States are invited to nominate two graduating seniors for one of ten fellowships awarded annually. This program was established to help encourage and advance the development of serious, innovative U.S. artists whose work is in some way related to, or informed by, the process, material, or idea of craft.

Miscellany: I Recommend Following These Metalsmiths and Jewelers

Not only are these folks friends of mine but they are incredibly talented to boot. They’re in no particular order, check them out-

• Courtney Poole Pendergrast, Aurum Studios, Athens, GA
• Laura Mullen, website coming soon
• Barbara Mann, www.barbaramannstudio.com
• Tadashi Koitzumi, www.pickleinthepot.com
• Wes Airgood, www.airgoodmetals.com
• Rachel Columb, www.etsy.com/people/bonedancer
• Megan Trace Tenenbaum, www.megantracetenenbaum.com
• Gabe Bratton, www.gabriellejewelry.com

In The Studio: An inVulnerable Body of Work

Fall 2010

I get so caught up in making sometimes its hard to remember to stop once in a while to take images of the process and progress. Here are a few images of me in the studio working on my undergraduate thesis body of work entitled inVulnerable. My thesis exhibition was on display at the Lamar Dodd School of Art from December 3-13, 2010. Check out images of my reception on my Facebook page.  

Heritage Series: The Sum Of One’s Parts

I have long since been captured by my genealogy. It is this chaotic mix of a big, close southern family with that of new immigrants. I grew up on stories of various memories told from different eras, locations, and perspectives. This is how I discovered the sum of my parts; my grandpa’s long legs, my granny’s love of crafts and hand-work, how my eyes squint when I smile just like on my mother’s face, or how I have my father’s hands. I wanted to know where all these parts came from and what might have influenced my interests, but it was also cautionary. I explored the past in an attempt to avoid their same mistakes and regrets.

The portrait I have selected to replicate is of my paternal grandmother, Loretta. Loretta was born at the turn of the century to immigrant parents. At a time in society when young women were expected to marry as soon as they finished secondary school, Loretta attended a “ladies business school” and became a bookkeeper. She worked through her 20s, saving her money to travel the country and even back to Ireland. Not until her 30s did she marry and try to start a family. I’ve always been told that I’m built like her- pear shaped- and that I have her hair. I feel at times that I am her echo.

The original image was taken in San Francisco between 1929-1930 and she is approximately 29-30 years old. The jewelry and clothing she wears is no longer in existence so I decided to reproduce the earrings, necklace, and watch based on information and proportions that I could see and making an educated guess on what I could not. By making the jewelry myself, I could not only control the design, materials, and proportions to gain accuracy, but it forced me to investigate my connection to and perhaps my fascination with this woman. 

 
While I have selected this particular portrait for a specific reason, generally I wish to convey the idea that I am more than the sum of my parts. I may have their eyes, their laugh, their stubbornness. I am made from them and yet I am not them. I am not her.

Andrea: image by Chrissy Reed; Athens, GA; December 2009

Loretta: image by unknown studio photographer; San Francisco, CA; circa 1929-30

In The Studio: Techniques

This 20 second clip of Andrea Tabacchi was shot in August 2009 in the UGA Jewelry and Metals Studio. On this day, she created a sample brooch in the shape of Australia. It shows the use of basic techniques such as piercing, chasing, soldering, and finishing.

Videographers: Andrea Tabacchi, Courtney Poole Pendergrast
Editors: Chris Adams, Andrea Tabacchi