Thea Clark

Inspiration & a look ahead

2012-02-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

"Root" necklace, 2011 (Photo Steven Brian Samuels)

One of the pieces selected by Ursula Ilse Neuman for a show at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, 2013, "Multiple Exposures: Jewelry and Photography"

Charming Work available

2012-02-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

I am participating in "Charmed III: Third Times a Charm" at the Society Of Contemporary Crafts in Pittsburgh, PA.
Sharon Massey organized it and did a great job putting everything online to purchase, so no need to live in PA.

Actual and Digital Ink

2012-02-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

This article about the fellowships appeared in New Jersey's Star Ledger newspaper.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/nj_arts_council_awards_nearly.html

Super News

2012-02-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled and honored to share that I have been selected to receive a 2012 Individual Artist Fellowship from the NJ State Council of the Arts, in the craft category!

Upcoming Workshops in Pittsburgh

2012-01-29T14:39:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to have the opportunity to teach two workshops at the Society of Contemporary Crafts in Pittsburgh, PA this March.

On Saturday March 3rd 9-4:45 -

Felt and Metal: Strategies for 2d and 3d Jewelry

Make two projects: a riveted metal and felt pendant and a jewelry scale sculptural form with metal wire to contain needle felt. Using basic soldering and cold connections like rivets and tabs, this class will examine various approaches to combining 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional felt with metals. Wet and needle felting techniques covered will include: use of pre-felts, inlay, blending, surface effects.

On Sunday March 4th 9-4:45 -

Felt and Metal: Beads and Earrings

Basic metal working skills can add structural strength and visual interest to needle felted jewelry. This class will cover metal processes such as sawing, drilling, dapping and wire forming to create beads with metal end caps and earrings with french hooks. Needle felting topics will include: material selection, forming and fulling shapes, laying down color, blending, surface effects.

Re: Images and Apropriation

2011-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:00

The discussion of reuse or appropriation of other peoples' images or work in the making of a new art work is well discussed in Randy Kennedy's January 1, 2012 NY Times article "Apropos Appropriation "

The internet makes appropriation all the easier. The flood of online images used as source material will never be dammed. Artists are all over it. It is 21st century fodder. Penelope Umbrico's work made from googled images is one example( I saw this one at the San Francisco Museum of Art). By using images that weren't created by people with a monetary interest in copyright such as corporations, designers, or other artists her work smartly sidesteps the issues raised in the article. A different take on use of net generated art is a review from the Economist blog of a recent show at Pace Gallery "Social Media".

When I look at the jewelry of artists that use images I often wonder when no credit has been given if they produced the images themselves, more likely they appropriated them. Jewelry is on the farthest most periphery of this discussion perhaps, but it is interesting to follow the topic just the same.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Seen Scenes

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sea, weather, the changing course of nature- current thoughts

Feels like Friday

2011-12-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

Today feels like Friday. Winter weather seems to be settling in with morning frost on the grass.

I have many new pieces almost done or done but not photographed yet. Plus new images for cyanotypes inspired by the 10-16 foot waves I recently experienced and the wild new weather patterns here on our struggling Earth. So while my classes are winding down I expectantly know a productive time lays ahead.

Thanks to Meagan Shirlen of Lark Crafts for including an image of my felt and metal jewelry from the 500 Felt Objects book in a mini gallery on the Lark website.

Ever Expanding Web

2011-12-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

The social media options on the web keep expanding, as soon as I get one checked off my to do list it seems several more are suddenly the next newest must keep up with platforms. This is how it is with tumblr, I just haven't jumped on that bandwagon yet. Still shout out to "Biff" for posting an image of my Piece "Hot Water".

Surprise Blog Post

2011-11-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

I made Cyan Ring to submit to Lark's new 500 Ring book call. Alas, out of the 10,000 entries mine was not among the selected. I look forward to seeing the publication. Cyan Ring has turned up in a few other places. First on a surprise blog post on The Carrot Box, Nov 24 ( thanks!) and it will be seen in the Gallery section of Art Jewelry Magazine, the January 2012 issue due on the newsstands Dec. 6th. (btw photo credit is Steven Brain Samuels)

Oxidized silver, tinted plastic, cyanotype on silk, wood, copper

New Work for New Gallery

2011-11-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the new pieces that can be seen in Jewelers' Werk Galerie , in Washington D.C.

Giant Waves and New Work

2011-11-15T21:02:00.000-08:00

This has been some fall, between power outages, family illness, trips to Washington D.C. and the largest waves in the Straits of Florida in over a decade. Why was that last one an issue? I was rocking and rolling on a big, bad boat. The weather treated it like a bath toy. It actually inspired a new brooch.

I was on Nassau long enough to visit the National Gallery of the Bahamas, taking in a large retrospective of the local master painter Kendal Hanna. The artist was at the museum meeting with a collector at the time so we had the chance to speak with him, a wonderful unanticipated experience.

In between trips and storms, I've been making new work with newly sourced materials. I'm getting new colors and forms to multiply in a focused, playful way. I'm shipping things out tomorrow, then I'll have a breather to post some images.

"Jewellery Talk" a film

2011-10-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Cristina Dias, a jeweler in a meet-up group I participate in sent this link to a film "Jewellery Talk" .

Here is what she said:
"In 2006 Daniela Hedman & Kajsa Lindberg took on the opportunity to travel around Europe and make an investigation about the field of contemporary jewellery. The suggestion came from Ruudt Peters, at that time their professor at Ädellab/Metallformgivning, Konstfack Sweden.

They brought a camera with them to meet artists, teachers, gallerists and art historians to talk about the making, the selling, the educating, the dreaming and the future of contemporary jewellery.

With the finished film Jewellery Talk they wish to give you an insight into what was said."

What do you relate to the most? Thoughts?

"Process" NJ Metal Arts Guild Catalog Available

2011-10-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

You can preview and purchase the show catalog for the New Jersey Metal Arts Guild show "Process". The show can be seen for one more week through October 21, Kean University, Union NJ, Vaughn Eames Building, in the James Howe Gallery.

Dodging the Wrath of Irene

2011-08-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

I arrived back home (and to my studio) just as Irene was arriving in my state. I've weathered a hurricane and several bad Nor'easters before, but never without water trouble. We had french drains put in our basement after we had water the last time several years ago. This storm was a test of our system for sure. I went down to my basement studio and put up anything electric, closed the door and hoped for the best. The waters swirled and raced in the street and at an intersection one house away, 2 feet deep. The next morning all was dry, not so for many of our friends and neighbors. Happy to finally dodge one.

"Process"

2011-08-08T17:31:00.001-07:00

The New Jersey Metal Arts Guild juried member show at Kean University, Union NJ will open September 1st. In addition to the art, the show called "Process" will exhibit various support materials to document and illuminate the creative and technical processes artists used to arrive at the completed object. This is our 2nd biennial show, showcasing the diverse jewelry practices of metal artists in the state.

Ken MacBain is showing a perfectly detailed "Trophy" ring and Jennifer Crupi has contributed a wonderful piece from her gesture series, a bracelet attached to rings for the perfect graceful hand position. New members, students and seasoned exhibitors will fill out the show. The reception is Thursday, September 8, 6-8pm, the James Howe Gallery, Vaughn Eames Building, Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

2011-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Ganoksin is hosting an online exhibit of alternative material work with many images to look through, mine starts here, enjoy.

Interview in the Blogosphere

2011-06-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

The blog out of Germany "Inspiration of the Nation", is an eclectic mix of art, design, illustration, architecture, and fashion from around the world. So if you have always wondered, did Thea have a life before jewelry? How does she do it? Why does she do it? You'll find answers to more interesting questions than these in a recent interview.

I've Joined Klimt02

2011-06-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to have my work on Klimt02, an online contemporary jewelry website. You have to apply for membership and there is an annual fee. I find many links to wonderful exhibitions around the world, plus easy to navigate listings of jewelry and gallery members, an inspirational visual feast. You can visit my page here then look around.

My Work in Montreal

2011-05-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to expand the reach of my work outside the US, especially because the gallery is so special. You can now find my one of a kind "Fluidity and Form" series as well as some earrings at
Galerie Noel Guyomarc'h, in Montreal, Canada. Just contact them for more information.

New at Gallery Loupe

2011-05-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

I have a new group of work, multiples and a one of a kind, part of a new series "Rampant" available at Gallery Loupe for more information contact info@galleryloupe.com

"Rampant" collection highlights metal forms, both united and obscured
by layers of tinted plastic. Resembling psychedelic tumbleweeds, or
rapidly developing crystal structures, these color saturated pieces
invite the hand to touch their matte, rubbery surfaces.

Thinking about Geography

2011-05-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling very nostalgic for San Francisco since my visit there last November. Strangely this is always triggered when I see a house in New Jersey with a stucco exterior. I realized the places I lived the longest or during important turning points in my life were all stuccoed. I never realized that this visual memory was so strong. I felt something like this when I moved back to S.F. after living in Wisconsin for three years, I thought I longed to see the ocean again, but what hit me on my return were the mountains. So these two, place and geography, which can inform our emotional sense of being, are great starting places for creating.

The show Geography, curated by Mike Holmes and Susan Cummins is opening in conjunction with the Society of North American Goldsmiths in Seattle next week. I just received the catalog I purchased from
blurb.com http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2153003. It is attractively designed with three essays and an introduction an a representative photo from each of the 22 participating artists who were selected by national and international gallery members of Art Jewelry Forum, the non-profit organization that funded the exhibition and catalog. Nearly all of the images and artists statements tie in beautifully with the theme, and those few that don't so readily are still lovely examples of contemporary jewelry. If you are lucky enough to attend the SNAG conference in Seattle next week you will get to see all the works. If that's you, I hope you'll comment back and give your impressions, or photos of favorites.

Next Fall Workshop

2011-05-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm really pleased to offer a new workshop in the fall at the New Jersey Center of Visual Arts. When it is posted on their website I'll link to it, but for now save the dates Oct 1&2, Summit , NJ, for:

Mixed Media Jewelry
Call it trash- to- treasures or upcycling, this workshop will get your creative juices flowing, using a wide assortment of readily available and unusual materials to make one of a kind jewelry.

A mixed media approach can be appreciated by both the metal jewelry student for it's looser process and by the beader looking to add new materials and skills to their work. Metal working techniques will include sawing, drilling, cold connections, tabs and staples, also use of appropriate epoxies.

This class will be playful and experimental, exploring our creativity and awakening to the possibilities for inspiration that surround us everyday.

Old Show, New Show

2011-05-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here you can see some images of the Smithsonian Craft Show posted on the Ornament Magazine website. I'll post other booth shots shortly.

Today is re-organization day in the studio! In reality it will take several days. I found a great big filing cabinet for almost free that will hold lots and lots. It is a contemplative time straightening up after the whirlwind of activity.

Co:Operation Tableware is hung at Fancy Gallery in Seattle to coincide with the Society of North American Goldsmith annual conference. Wish I could be there! Crafthaus will post more images in July. This was a very inspiring process for Steven Grainger and me. I'm thrilled to be part of it.

Post show Report

2011-04-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Freshest work at the show? By some standards*. I had a great time at the Smithsonian Craft Show, meeting wonderful artists, hearing people laugh out loud to my wearable wall piece "Hot Water", selling new multiples and one of a kind work. Although, some artists felt the show was less busy than last year and it did conflict with SOFA NY, which isn't desirable, I did pretty well for all new work and no mailing list.

*Edgy art can be polarizing with strong negative and positive responses. I was delighted by the range of comments to my work. Positive ones include: "Best of show, in my opinion and I go to a lot of these", "Really cool", "So creative", "It reminds me of Calder's work" etc. The other comments are not necessarily negative, some touch on the domestic subtext of my work, mostly they made me laugh:

It reminds me of my mother's douchebag.

It looks so gynecological!

It disturbs me.

WIERD!!!!

Cute!

Here's the girlie table!

What IS it????

I just came up this row. I think this show is more art than craft so far.

This looks like my mouthguard!

It's very very... very very... eccentric!

I've never seen anything like THIS before!

They remind me of jacks.

This is FUNNNNKY stuff!!!!

I've got so much stuff around my house that it never occurred to me to dip it!

Oh, no wonder!!!! She comes from NEW JERSEY!!!!

CrAAAzzeeeee!!!

It looks like yogurt dipped pretzels.

It looks like safety pins. I mean, paper clips.

He said: It looks like Pepto Bismol.
She said: Mmmm, not Pepto Bismol, more like Kaopectate!

Cyanotype: That's like Superman!

Do you just lie in bed and just think this stuff up?

You are in another world!

Are these numbers (prices) inventory numbers?

It looks like something my cat yurked up, but in a good way. I have a very creative cat.

I think the first and last comments are my favorites, let me know yours!

Visit My New Website!

2011-04-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share my new website with you, theaclark.com . A special thanks to Gayle Mahoney for making it all happen.

Count Down to New Website

2011-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow or the day after my new website will be up and running! It will be mostly finished, but you'll find images of Multiples added shortly. So check back for a link.

Still Feeling the Felt and Metal

2011-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

New work marches on but my last series "Felt and Metal" is still feeling the love. My Green Pendant is featured in the current issue of Art Jewelry Magazine. It is currently available just contact me directly.

Wrestling with New Works

2011-04-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

The exciting thing about an upcoming show is the deadline and all the work that inspires. Still there are some things that won't come by their due date. I have one piece that is on it's second incarnation, I even thought it was done, but now I'm not sure anymore. For some reason this has been a problem piece, going in different directions. demanding something else from me, not sure what. So no picture of that one for now.

I took a snapshot of my neck/wall piece Hot Water, being worn ( top). Also a new piece, Root pendant
(middle) and an even newer piece with found plastic object Rampant (bottom). I hope the problem piece will get resolved before I pack up to drive to the Smithsonian Craft Show, I have ten days but lots of things to do.

True Colours at the Arnhem Museum of Modern Art

2011-03-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Trousseau Necklace, 2010

Here are some lovely images of my work in the New Traditional Jewellery Exhibit "True Colors"
The setting at the Arnhem Museum of Modern Art in Arnhem, NL, looks magical. There are images on facebook .

Blogged

2011-03-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

The jewelry blog Mar de La Color Rosa blogged about the Plastic & Metal exhibition. On her blog Montserrat Lacomba covers many international jewelry artists so have a look around.

Plastic & Metal Show

2011-03-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to be part of Plastic & Metal, the new online exhibit curated by Brice Garrett, featured on the artist networking site http://crafthaus.ning.com/

Spring Workshop

2011-03-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

This spring at the Newark Museum:

Two-Tone Solder Inlay Designs
with Thea Clark
Solder inlay is a beginner friendly process. Make a pendant with a silver solder inlay design on copper. Different methods to create the designs will be demonstrated. Use the rolling mill and the hydraulic press to add texture and dimension to your two-tone sheet. These techniques can also be used with gold solder on silver. Beginner/Intermediate
Sunday, May 22, 10 am–4 pm
Member: $81, Non-member: $90, Materials: $20

Hot Water

2011-03-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

Hot Water, mixed media wearable necklace/wall piece, 2011

(detail below)

It was a bear to hand sew through the rubber, but this piece it done. The silk is attached to a framed board for hanging. I can't wait to hear the reactions when I show it.

500 Felt Objects

2011-02-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

I just received notification that two of my felt and metal pieces will be in the Lark Books "500 Felt Objects", due in stores September 2011. I'm happy to have been included by juror Susan Brown in what looks to be a diverse and inspiring collection of works from around the world. (check out the earlier preview from their site) Thanks to Larry Sanders for the great photographs!

Solitary One (homage to Rufino Tamayo)

Red Pendant and Earrings

Good Reviews

2011-02-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

I was on Amazon today so I checked out 30 Minute Earrings, the Lark Book publication I had a design in. I really hadn't thought of it since I put it on my bookshelf. It was nice to see all the good reviews it has received. Lark Books does a beautiful job on it's 500 Series (check out the current new call for rings) but it does an equally impressive job putting out other books that educate and inspire.

Featured Artist

2011-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I wasn't selected for the 2011 Exhibition In Print, the annual juried show Metalsmith Magazine produces. This year's theme is "Fresh. I will be interested to see the 30 selected works and to see how they follow up last year's well received EIP, "Neo-Palatial: Objects of Virtue and Vice".

I am however happy to be a featured artist this week on the artist website crafthaus.ning.com. Work is proceeding well for my show. I'm especially excited to advance a wearable mixed media wall piece, tentatively named, "Hot Water".

Fluidity and Form series on Flickr

2011-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

My Fluidity and Form series is grouped on flickr . This is the primary work I will be bringing to the Smithsonian Craft Show. I have several new pieces in process and more cyanotypes to make.

Busy Bee

2011-01-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark "Fluidity and Form" series, Cyan Pearls #2, brooch 2011

In between piling mountains of new snow on top of mountains of old snow, I've been busy soldering, tinting and dipping in the studio. New recycled silk and new colors of plastic are elements of a new limited production line for the Smithsonian Craft Show.

I'm thrilled to have my brooch Cyan Chain appear on the first page of the
Smithsonian Craft Show website !

Also, I couldn't resist making some one of a kind work in the new materials.

Thea Clark, 2011, inspired by the Chinese "Book of Rites"

Thea Clark, 2011, pin

Enamel Sampler Workshop & Class

2010-12-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

January 9th 10-4 I'll teach my popular one day Enamel Sampler Workshop in NJ. The location is 1978, the art center at 1978 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood. Or if you've taken this workshop before and you're ready to dig in for more take my 10 week Enamel class in Summit at the NJ Center of Visual Arts.

Smithsonian Craft Show

2010-11-16T12:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, I was accepted into the 2011 Smithsonian Craft Show April 13-17th in Washington D.C.! More info to follow closer to the show. It's very exciting to have a big juicy deadline to create towards.

March of the Earrings

2010-11-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Earrings are a different kind of process from other jewelry forms and present their own challenges. Sometimes I forget about them, but then I get in touch with my inner earring hoarder (most people have more earrings than shoes) and start to create them again.

Oh the Places They Go!

2010-11-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

New work in new places is an exciting start to the season. More of my Fluidity and Form series, including these earrings with cyanotype images on silk, nickel, wood, silver and tinted plastic, is now at Quirk Gallery in Richmond, VA.

The images used here are from needle point patterns in an old book I found this summer a reference to women's work.

New Piece

2010-11-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

Continued Thread, brooch 2010

This new piece includes a cyanotype image made with a doily crocheted by my grandmother, the continued thread.

In Pittsburgh?

2010-10-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

In Pittsburgh? My felt and metal jewelry can now be purchased at

the Society for Contemporary Craft (or online) Needle and wet felted wool used to make painterly compositions and combined with sterling silver, made one at a time with attention to craft.

Fiber Awards

2010-10-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Blue Ridge Fiber Show "Inspirations form Nature" is up now at the North Carolina Arboretum in Ashville, NC through November 28th. The biennial includes 170 works. I'm very happy to have been awarded 1st and 2nd prizes ( Spring and Vector respectively) for felt accessories by juror Lisa Klakulak.

In Light of the Dark

2010-10-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

A finished piece. You can see the work in progress photo here.

This piece was tricky. I'm

glad I kept at it until it

came together. The electric cord with plug that goes around the neck is something I found at Lemon Creek State Park on Staten Island. The tide brings in

an ever changing collection of urban debris.

Cyan Lock and Key

2010-10-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Cyan Lock and Key, 2010 necklace

New necklace in my "Fluidity and Form" series. Cyanotype on silk, pvc, steel, cotton, tinted plastic

New Book Coming

2010-10-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jewelry from Found Objects, is Heather Skowood's new book, scheduled for Spring of 2011. It looks intriguing and I'm happy to have a piece included.

Today and Everyday

2010-10-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Thomas Gentille signing my catalog.

Today I moved some pieces forward, finished others.

The other night I had a wonderful and inspiring evening at the opening of Thomas Gentille's show "21st Century" at Gallery Loupe. He embodies such a a long term, dedicated creative life. The show is entirely brooches. All are geometric, many rectangular, the materials , textures and finishes are where the variation commences. The gallery was lively, filled with many jewelers, curators, and collectors. It was a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating creative work.

This Friday 29th at 1 pm, Thomas will give a lecture at the Montclair Museum of Art, Montclair, NJ.

Progressing Work

2010-10-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

Brooch in process

I've been making new cyanotype images, mixing the chemicals, sensitizing the fabric, drying it in darkroom conditions, then waiting for the sun to show up to expose. I'm fine tuning the variables for better contrast, but it was great to get some new images to work with.

I've got many things on my table at the moment, working to problem solve the details of one of a kind pieces. For more work in process pictures see here.

Fall Workshops

2010-10-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

If you missed my one day enamel workshop don't despair, I'm teaching another one in November. Here are the following offerings:

Sunday Oct. 17th 10-4

Hunterdon Museum of Art, Clinton, NJ

(908) 735-8415

http://www.hunterdonartmuseum.org

Felt and Metal Beads Workshop

#975

In this class you will learn to create three-dimensional felt beads. We will use needle felting to blend and layer colored wool for painterly or geometric designs and then wet felt to firm the beads. Basic metal skills of punching circles, drilling, dapping, sawing and wire wrapping will enable you to make metal end caps to finish off your beads. You will complete several beads to incorporate into a necklace.

Sunday Oct.24 10-4

Newark Museum

(973) 596-6607

The BIG Press: Using the Hydraulic Press to Create Hollow Form Pendants

http://newarkmuseum.org/ArtsWorkshop.html

Learn to use the powerful twenty ton hydraulic press to effortlessly make raised three-dimensional forms with an acrylic die of your own design. Adding roller printed texture and pierced designs will also be covered. Simple soldering adds a back and voila you leave with a hollow form pendant.

Sunday Nov. 14 10-4

Hunterdon Museum of Art, Clinton, NJ

(908) 735-8415, Enamel Sampler #976, http://www.hunterdonartmuseum.org

Learn the ancient art of enameling glass on metal. This workshop will cover metal preparation, wet packing and dry sifting application methods. Decorative techniques using stencils and sgraffito will be covered. Use of holding agents and finishing will be the final steps. Complete two pairs of earrings and a pendant in this full day course. All materials included.

Suggested Narrative

2010-10-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

"Found objects and suggested narratives are two important innovations in studio jewelry with roots in the 1960's Pop Art movement" This is written by Ulysses Dietz (Senior Decorative Arts Curator, Newark Museum) taken from the show catalog for "Make me Something Beautiful"" at the Newark Museum that included the works of 9 New Jersey Metal Arts Guild members.

My felt and metal piece Ascend Pendant, which is featured in the November Art Jewelry magazine gallery section, has a place in the suggested narrative category. Looking back at this piece I remember the artistic concerns I addressed, like trying to expand the volume of my work and finding innovative ways to combine the fiber with metal. This piece has been in a couple of shows, a catalog and now the magazine. Later this month it will be found with other of my felt and metal pieces at the store at the Society of Contemporary Crafts, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Thea Clark in Gallery Loupe

2010-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

New in The Drawers : Thea Clark

at Gallery Loupe. I feel very from the digital age, when something seems more real because it has life on the web. My new series "Fluidity and Form" is officially linkable to on Gallery Loupe's blog.

Baby in Blogosphere

2010-09-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

I just discovered that my piece Cyan Chain was blogged about on craftgossip.com . I love the comment "strange but inspiring..."

Summer Blend

2010-09-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Summer blend makes me think of the various ales and lagers that come out seasonally, something fresh and different to quench the thirst. My summer blend is of a different substance, a collaboration. It all started with the online call Co:operation Tableware on crafthaus.ning.com I was really excited about the idea of collaborating, however, I misread the fine print and thought two artists were suppose to work on something together, instead two artists are suppose to make two separate things that are used together, a fork and knife for instance.

Well, you know the old adage you see what you want to see. I approached Steven Grainger, a young Scottish artist I know from our summer gig, about the collaboration idea. He was up for it. Combining his text based inclinations and my plastic coated cyanotype images we have come to a happy summer blend and soon will be submitting a wall sculpture, albeit to a different show than originally intended. Image and description to follow soon. For now I leave you with a teaser, the name, "How I Learned to Love the Craving"

Who and Where?

2010-08-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is a list of nominees in the New Traditional Jewellery Exhibition and contest. I hope they will eventually add links to the images of the works, but for now it is exciting to see the wide scope of countries represented.

Exhibition locations New Traditional Jewellery 2010

Amsterdam - during SIERAAD Art Fair

4 - 7 November 2010

SIERAAD ART FAIR

Gashouder WesterGasterrein

Klönneplein 1

1014 DD Amsterdam

the Netherlands

Idar Oberstein - Germany at 'der Villa Bengel'

14 December 2010 - 15 January 2011

http://www.fh-trier.de

http://www.jakob-bengel.de

Arnhem - Museum for Modern Arts in Arnhem, the Netherlands

20 February 2011 - sunday 8 May 2011

MMK Arnhem

Peek at the Process

2010-08-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

New Traditional Jewellery jury in process. There are some photos on Kit and Caboodle (a ning network of jewelry artists) of the jury at work, including a glimpse of my own piece and the many other intriguing entries.

I think the jury process is something worth examining and at the next
New Jersey Metal Arts Guild meeting member Susan Sloan will discuss her experience as the juror for the Lark publication 500 Plastic Jewelry Designs.

Nominated

2010-08-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

My Piece "Trousseau Necklace" was nominated for the 2010 New Traditional Jewellery contest and exhibition in Amsterdam. I'm really pleased that the ideas I worked to convey about changing notions of female innocence were appreciated by the judges.

New Venues

2010-07-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Six Degrees, Thea Clark, brooch, 2010. New work for Gallery Loupe

Cyan Necklace, Thea Clark 2010, new work for Gallery Loupe.

New venues. This summer I am seeing the making of jewelry through children's eyes as I teach all summer in a green corner of the Catskills.

My new series "Fluidity and Form" examines identity and how we experience the changing self. The work incorporates cyanotype images or photograms captured on silk, which are the typical blue color of this process. Photographic images of pearls, chains, nests and circles relate to protection, domesticity, relationships, marriage, and nuturance.
These are combined with various mixed media, including pink plastic that serves to unify the structural strata. This pink and blue play on our deep-seated gender associations, anima animus, yin and yang, which are the undercurrents of the fluidity and form we call the self.

Contact in August for price and availability:

Gallery Loupe, 50 Church Street, Montclair, New Jersey, 07042, ph. 973.744.0061, contact@galleryloupe.com

New Cyan Brooch

2010-06-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark, Cyan Chain brooch, 2010, mixed media with cyanotype image on silk. 3.5"x 1.8"x 2"

Make Me Something Beautiful

2010-06-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Just added a link to the slide show of some work in this exhibit.

Last night was an evening of several openings at the Newark Museum, including the show I have work in, "Make Me Something Beautiful ". The openings seemed to draw an enormous crowd of members and guests.

The craft annual was elegantly displayed in the main galleries. I was reminded what a fine resource this museum is. I intend to go back next week with my family to see all the other offerings.

Spring Forward

2010-06-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I will be in the 7th Annual South Orange/ Maplewood Artists Studio Tour. There is even a free shuttle this year. So come check out my newest work.

Cyan Again

2010-05-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

Cyan Pearls- Thea Clark, brooch, 3.75" x 3.75" x .5", plastic, cyanotype image on silk, plexi, wood, copper, nickel silver, 2010

Be Bold

2010-05-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark, Yellow/Orange Field, mixed media brooch 1.75" x 2"x .25"

More new work.

Bon Voyage

2010-05-23T09:55:00.001-07:00

Trousseau necklace in its cozy custom made box, ready for the second box and shipping peanuts, then off to the Netherlands. Bon voyage, have an exciting journey.

Invasion of the Ovoid (Egg Shape)

2010-05-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark, Trousseau Necklace, 2010- enamel on copper, nickel silver, plastic, silver, glass beads

So what is going on in the subconscious when a shape persistently invades your creations? Is it a crutch, the easy answer that you fall back on? Or is it appearing unbidden to stake its claim in your conscious mind? And why?

As I finished my big project, a necklace inspired by a historical piece of jewelry, I see the pattern emerging in this piece as well as three other separate works. At first I thought it was the tear drop, or a pear shape like the gemstone. Now I realize it is an ovoid, an egg shape. While some of my recent work is drawn from domestic reference points, others are more like diary entries that reflect my take on the world and my surroundings. Regardless of the impulse for a work this shape speaks to fertility and creation itself. Now that I am conscious of this lietmotif I will probably push against it, to see if it gives, and yields up some other substance.

The cut out images on the ovoid elements are pitchers broken to varying degrees. The broken pitcher represented lost innocence in european art. This work looks at changed notions of innocence, the public vs. the private, flexible vs. rigid.

Turning up the Heat

2010-05-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark, Eruption, 2010

This new brooch combines rough coat enamel on copper, with underglaze and fused beads, plastic, pearl, sterling, and nickel silver.

Something New

2010-05-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Pour, a new brooch with mica, ink on acetate, acrylic, enamel on copper, glass beads, plastic dip.

2010

Mother and Maker

2010-05-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

We create from who and what we are. The old adage to novice writers, "Write what you know", applies equally to makers "Make what you know". I was just honored by my family with breakfast in bed and a video card that made me cry on cue, for being a mother.

The role of mother has molded my identity as much as it has shaped my time. It has forever changed my relationship to the domestic sphere of life, colored by duel feelings of nurturing and obligation. It would be unnatural if these experiences didn't find expression in my work. Sometimes the influence is more subtle, like in the choice of materials. Other times it is more central to the theme of the work. Either way, being a mother is undeniably an influence. There may be times when I lament my time constraints or compare my output to those without similar demands, but ultimately I choose to honor this aspect of myself and by extension, all mothers who are also makers.

Look It's Amy Tavern

2010-05-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Amy Tavern, necklace

Internet time suck alert, while off on a tangent seeing what became of old friends, I came upon a blog by Amy Tavern, whose work I really enjoy only to find she blogged an image of mine from flickr. So thanks. Have a look at her creation process on her blog amytavern@blogspot.com

30- Minute Earrings

2010-05-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Just got my contributor's copy of "30- Minute Earrings". Many creative projects from around the world, I'm happy to be included. Good job Lark Books.

Two Shows on the Horizon

2010-05-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark, Pollen - brooch silver, felt, peridot

Thea Clark, Garden View- necklace silver, copper, 18k, lodolite quartz, adventurine, acrylic

The Newark Museum will host the 2010 New Jersey Craft Arts Annual, curated by the museum's Senior Curator Ulysses Dietz and the curator of the Renwick Gallery, Nicholas R. Bell. This year quite a few members of the New Jersey Metal Arts Guild will be included. I wonder if this is a record number of jewelry entries for the Annual?

The exhibition "Make Me Something Beautiful" will be open to the public from June 16- August 9, 2010.

I will have two pieces in the show, Garden View Necklace and Pollen Brooch. The latter will also be in the exhibition "Green: The Color and the Cause" at the Textile Museum, Washington D.C. as part of the looped slide show. This exhibit is from April- September 2011.

Studio Time

2010-04-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

It was a distractingly stunning day today, yet work called more loudly. I have a basement studio so it's hard to know if I'm missing rain or sunshine, but still. It's so good to feel that powerful pull to work. It's like a reward or the breeze in your face coasting after the long sweaty ascent.

Got off the sofa and went to SOFA

2010-04-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

I went to SOFA NYC on Friday. Sienna Gallery generously offered show passes to members of crafthaus.ning.com. Sienna featured the work of Tina Rath, a mixed media installation, Wanderlux. Her work was reminiscent of the plant life and crustaceans that encrust the piers and moorings around the San Francisco Bay.

The work was an assemblage of small silver tendrils haloed in animal fur clustered together next to wood carved into mussel like forms. Enamel, pearls, and draped, deep green ruffled ultra suede were all secured on a variety of rectangular light wood boxes on two adjacent walls. Some of the boxes opened, gold leaf and additional wooden forms where tucked inside. Jewelry objects were camouflaged among the groups, for the purpose of the show these were fixed in place.

Tina Rath explained the entire piece from conception to completion took two years with the help of 5 assistants. While is was impressive to see the accumulated minutiae the work didn't seem to break any new ground in the jewelry objects or as an installation. The choice of rectangular boxes as platforms for the piece didn't add any resonance and seemed disconnected to the overall idea. I was reminded of modular Ikea wall units. Wanderlux is an intriguing title with it's play on wanderlust, to wander and explore the world and lux from luxury, but without an interpreter Rath's inner meaning isn't fully communicated in this piece.

Sienna Gallery's sable of artists tend toward referencing historical jewelry and much of the work is a delicate, "wearable" size for art jewelry especially in comparison to the work represented by Charon Kransen. If jewelry is a means to display your personality, much of the work shown there would loudly proclaim your devotion to Boldness. Kransen's booth was a minefield of creativity.

Ruudt Peters spoke about his artistic life with a humorous, enlightening presentation that was the high point of the day. He approaches his work with rigorous curiosity and exhaustive experimentation, directed by his core concern, the alchemy of life.

Conspicuously missing from the show this year where two prominent jewelry galleries,

Jeweler's Werk Galerie in Washington D.C. and Mobilia Gallery in Cambridge, MA. , an unfortunate sign of the contracted economy .

It was good to run into fellow New Jersey Metal Arts Guild members Susan Sloan who was represented by Aaron Faber Gallery, Stevie B. and Tabitha Mitchell. The SOFA show provides a great opportunity to meet people, artists and gallerists who share your passions, which makes it easy to fall into conversations about processes, materials or one's own creative impulses, finding a verbal shorthand where no interpreters are required.

Jewelry Classes

2010-04-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Classes 8 weeks- Wednesday evenings, 4/21-6/9, 7:30-10pm

Learn to solder, rivet, and form metal, making unique jewelry. Study in a small class in Thea Clark's well equipped studio. Email for more information theaclark@verizon.net.

One day workshop at the Newark Museum- Making the Metal and Fiber Pendant Saturday April 17 th

10-4

April 25, Sunday "Enamel Sampler" -One day workshop at the NJ Center of Visual Arts in Summit, NJ.

0010 - All Levels
Enamel Sampler
INSTRUCTOR: Clark
Sunday(s), 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Limited Space! Only 1 seat remaining.
Class Held : 4/25/10
Member: $ 100.00 + $30.00 materials

Bliss in Progress

2010-04-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

As I play cat and mouse with larger scale work, what in the moment is inspiring me the most is a recent call at Luke and Eloy Gallery in Pittsburgh, "Domestic Bliss". I guess it touches a post feminist nerve in me.

I'm working on two pieces, incorporating images of domestic life with classic forms that represent innocence lost, in particular the" Broken Pitcher". I grew up in San Francisco where I saw William Aldolph Bourguereau's painting "Broken Pitcher" up close at the Palace of Fine Arts. This was in my formative years, a time when I could wonder what the hell did a broken pitcher have to do with lost virginity? Not to mention the forlorn expression of the young girl in the painting. So while I borrow the pitcher, my piece is not an expression of romanticism, disappointment or bewilderment, but an embrace of the change and experience that life offers. There is a bit of cynicism, but then I wouldn't be an authentic Gen X er without that now would I? Stay tuned for completed pics.

Fantastic Plastic

2010-03-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark, Cyan Ellipse, brooch- cyanotype on silk, plastic dip, plexi glass, nickel silver, pearls, bone.

Do you recall,"Super Elastic Bubble Plastic"? I remember inhaling the strong fumes rising off the small blob of goo at the end of a straw as I tried with all the exhalation I could muster, to blow a bubble with the newest kid toy craze. It certainly opened my mind to the shifting viscosity of plastic.

Here's another piece using the viscous plastic dip.

Inhabit

2010-03-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark- Inhabit, 2010, plexi glass, plastic toy, plastic dip, cyanotype on silk, nickel silver wire.

Inhabit, nest, domestication, one part funny, one part tornado, as in the Wizard of Oz, from one who laughs through the tumult.

Step by Step

2010-03-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Paper clay, the one on the left primed and painted with one color. The one on the right pre-painting. I imagine adding metal elements, more color, epoxy and who knows what else at this point. The fresh package of paper clay I got has a much better texture than the ancient one I first used! And now back to work and more steps.

Paula Lindblom of Sweden

2010-03-19T06:51:00.001-07:00

Paula Lindblom 's blog captures the inspirations from daily life that fuel her creative process. She works with many materials found outside the usual jeweler's box of metals and gems, everything from discarded plastic to porcelain animals. She also blogs about other makers and I thank her for including me.

Double Dipping

2010-03-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

Thea Clark- Square brooch, tool plastic, wood, copper, nickel silver, cyanotype on silk, plexi glass, 2010
Thea Clark- Cyan Flower, brooch plexi glass, cyanotype on silk, nickel silver, 2010

I have finished dipping and double dipping two more mixed media pieces that combine cyanotype on silk. Two brooches.

Stormy Weather

2010-03-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

All day and night the wind has whipped and rain, rain, rain. Sick for two weeks, symptoms ricocheted between family members. Sometimes you just have to hunker down and wait things out, not literally of course because there is always so much to do. I have a couple of new pieces to finish and many more to start, a family to raise, classes to teach, and daily life.

Today a small bunch of bright green pine needles were fanned flat on the wet black asphalt. Two grocery bags and one umbrella mean I only have a mental picture, but it was a perfect

"unintented jewelry" moment, I wish I had four hands. You can check out the flickr group for this very type of image and some of your own stormy weather inspiration.

Thorny Flower Brooch

2010-03-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark- Thorny Flower Brooch, 2010

More epoxy pleasure, really mixed media. Textured, oxidized and formed copper, paper clay with acrylic and epoxy resin, enamel on copper, turquoise.

Speaking of Lark Books

2010-03-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

The 30 Minute Earring project book is due out in July, including a cool pair of earrings with how to instructions by me. Here is the cover photo .

Opportunity

2010-03-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

Lark Books has extended the deadline for the "500 Felted Objects" book, curated by Susan Brown until March 6th. So if you thought you missed that deadline look again here's your opportunity.

So Many Blogs So Little Time

2010-02-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

The online art jewelry scene is busting with connectivity. Montserrat Lacomba's blog

Mar De Color Rosa the Pink Sea features many wonderful jewelry artists active all over the world. I thank her belatedly for including me.

Epoxy Pleasure

2010-02-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark, Terra Incognita, 2010; paper clay, acrylic, epoxy resin, petrified wood, repoussed sterling silver & 23 k gold leaf

Can also be referred to as lump on a log! Fun to make.

Material Playtime

2010-02-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

Needle felted into a wire wrapped form.

I started using Paper Clay to make forms to wrap wires around, I dissolve away the paper and needle felt into the interior. The material, while a bit messy, dries to a nice hard, lightweight consistency that can be filed or sawed. The above picture is the felted wire wrapped form. Afterwards, I thought this material would be good to make a form to coat in epoxy resin. I have been playing with materials to see what works for creating larger pieces.

I've Been Dunked!

2010-02-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark- brooch, Ladies Auxiliary Club, 2010

This was pictured before it was dunked in Plastic Dip, now here it is after. The pink is covering recycled plastic, nickel silver and wood, to this I added a pearl and below, oxidized silver and enamel on copper.

This piece stirs up some sense memories for me (acting term for a memory you can recall with numerous senses) of alien upper class women's clubs I visited a few times in my youth. They were pervaded by a strange primness and decorated with large patterned, garden inspired wallpaper. They were inhabited by women I imagined must have had white wall-to-wall carpeting and french antiques in their bedrooms. It goes without saying these women also wore pearls.

Process and Play Pictures

2010-01-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark, Cyanotype on silk, plexi

Thea Clark, an assortment of assembled things before coating.

Mustn't be all work and no play. Here are some recent bits and pieces I've assembled, part one "before". I plan on immersing them in some kind of plastic. I'll post "after" photos too. Plus one cyanotype, in my hand for scale. This time I adhered the fabric to the plexi them cut with a saw to see how well the silk would hold up. Not sure where this one is headed yet, but I'll apply the process to other images I've printed.

Knee Deep in the New Year

2010-01-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

I am knee deep in a studio reorganization . It must get worse before it can get better, but I can imagine the end now.

DeFine Metal and Fiber: an online exhibit

2009-12-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

I have curated the online exhibit, DeFine Metal and Fiber on crafthaus. Visit the online exhibit of fiber and metal works by crafthaus' international member artists. Their approaches are varied, inspiring and boundary breaking.

Necklace with Felt

2009-12-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark- Felt Guilty Pleasure, felted bead necklace with abalone, oxidized silver, adventurine, moss quartz, horn, antique jet beads.

Something new.

New Workshop

2009-12-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Workshop Example

January 30th 1-4pm I will teach a Felted Bead with Metal End Caps Workshop at

The Beaded Path

Jewelry in Minimal to Bling

2009-12-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

There is a new page on the Society of Arts and Crafts website that shows some pieces from the exhibition for sale. Since I wasn't able to attend the show it is wonderful to see some of the other work and to be included as well! Have a look.

Cyanotype with Metal

2009-11-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark, Headstones brooch, 2009- oxidized silver, cyanotype on silk, cotton floss

The cyanotype I made last spring has been hanging in my studio for a while. Parts of it are leaning this direction and that, one bit finally made it into a new piece. Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that gives a cyan-blue print. My light source was the sun, the image was in negative on acetate. I will probably go toward a UV light system, since my sun light isn't reliable.

Perspectives: New Jersey Metal Arts Guild Exhibition

2009-11-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Thea Clark, "Domestic Inclusions #2", 2009, felt, cotton, pearl, pvc, steel, paint, silver, mica

photo by Larry Sanders

We set up the show "Perspectives" today at New Jersey City University. Participating artists:

Stevie B, Ed Brickman, Thea Clark, Jennifer Crupi, Joan Cummings, Jill Baker Gower,

Robin Hepburn, Amy Roper Lyons, Ken MacBain, Miranda Lark Maher, Gayle Mahoney,

Tabitha L Mitchell, Jennifer Jordan Park and Susan Kasson Sloan.

Exhibition Dates: Monday, November 16–Friday, December 18, 2009.

Opening Reception: Monday, November 16, 2009, 6-8 p.m.

Juror: Ulysses Grant Dietz, Curator, Decorative Arts Department, and Senior Curator, The Newark Museum.

Location: Gilligan Student Union Gallery, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd.,

http://www.njcu.edu/dept/art/galleries/

New Workshop

2009-11-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am teaching an enameling workshop, in Maplewood NJ. November 22.

I taught enameling all summer. It was wonderful to get back to. The jewelry I sold through American Craft Council shows in the 1990's was made from silver and enamel, part of an ongoing obsession with color. When I moved to New Jersey, started my family and teaching, I went into a minimal oxidized silver and gold period. Felting really got me back into the joy of color. So now without the pressure of designing for a line of jewelry, I have slowly started incorporating enamel again. This summer, presented the perfect opportunity to really play.

It is a satisfying class to teach, because ultimately is a forgiving yet inspiring medium.

Time to Dig in the Dirt

2009-10-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Now that some work is out the door and pieces for my next show the New Jersey Metal Arts Guild "Perspectives : a Juried Member Exhibit" are older, nothing stands in the way of cleaning and organizing my studio after a whole summer away. The last time I set out to clean it, I cut the sponge up and now it is becoming a brooch! You can tell it was a used sponge. I heated it in water and baking soda in the microwave, then dunked it in water with a few drops of essential oil, now it smells really nice.