Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Object Fetish Holiday Show

The website Object Fetish is having a holiday exhibition including two new sequins pieces of mine.
http://www.objectfetish.com/holiday/



The criteria for the show was "the new BLING”
What do you value? Is it gold and diamonds or plastic and trash? As our consumerist culture cuts back on conspicuous spending does that change how you make and what you make? Is it a new Bling for our new economy?

My pieces are inspired directly by fashion. They are made of plastic, and with minimal materials these pieces have a big impact. I was inspired by the idea of making jewelry to go specifically with an outfit. Paco Rabanne's linked dresses have had a continued direct influence on my work, so it seemed natural to make some earrings to go with one. And the red dress from Versace just seems to need a bit more 'bling'.



Black and Gold Earrings are inspired by the amazing dresses of Paco Rabanne. His 60's linked dresses are so playful and unique for their time. My sequins series emulates the drape, playfulness and impact of his dresses. This large muti-colored pair is made to be worn with this particular dress.

Inspired by this dress from Paco Rabanne


Black and Gold Necklace, also part of the series inspired by the dresses of Paco Rabanne, is made to be worn with a dress by another iconic designer, Versace. The red dress with plunging neckline and layered sequins detail would be equally complemented when accessorized with this neckpiece.

Inspired by this dress from Versace

Friday, November 20, 2009

Urban Renaissance

My new piece "Green" is included in the exhibition
Urban Renaissance: New Visions of Jewelry and Sculpture

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“Green”

What is Green?
When are products truly sustainably produced?
Who or what else suffers in the process?

With the commercialization of “green” products we are left wondering where the term starts and ends, and how much of our perception is part of a marketing plan.

Many of us know what it means to practice methods of conservation, use nontoxic chemicals, buy from manufactures that do the same, purchase only “ethically” sourced stones, etc. But is every aspect of the businesses you are working with “ethical”?
Is this “green”?

“Green” is the anti “fine” jewelry, a commentary on the trend of greenwashing in the marketplace. While strikingly luxurious and opulent, 90% of the materials to make this piece were either donated or repurposed.

-Shana Astrachan, Winter 2009



This exhibition features the work of over 60 members of the Metal Arts Guild of the Bay Area, exploring through a broad range of jewelry and sculpture what it means to live, work, dress and move in the complexity of our urban environments.
Arts &Crafts Cooperative, Inc
1652 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709
Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Now through December 6, 2009
More information about The Metal Arts Guild can be found here: http://www.metalartsguildsf.org
And about the ACCI Gallery can be found here: http://www.accigallery.com
Special thank you to SCRAP in San Francisco for supplying 90% of the materials for the "Green" piece: http://www.scrap-sf.org