Alternative materials, processes and ideas in jewelry
Exhibition Dates: January 25 – March 2
Opening Reception: January 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jewelry artist demonstration: February 13, 1 p.m.
It’s the 21st century, and if you want to be forward-thinking and wear jewelry that reflects contemporary life, the exhibition “Offbeat Bijou” at Florida CraftArt is for you. Meet the artists and curators at the opening reception on January 25 at 5:30 p.m. The exhibition runs through March 2.
Daytona Beach-based artist Zach Mellman–Carsey integrates Bluetooth speakers and sound in 3D-printed necklaces and brooches intended for the wearer or viewer to participate in auditory expression. He says, “Music brings people together in better ways than verbal speak. Having the ability to play music out of the pieces can be used a celebration.”
Inspired by haute couture, art history, New Wave/Pop Music and everything Bowie, San Francisco artist Emiko Oye creates colorful, bold jewelry from conceptual art statements to urban ready-to-wear. She uses LEGO® and semi-precious materials. Her jewelry universally tugs on the nostalgic heartstrings, and artfully interweaves memories into conversation-sparking adornment.
The recent body of work by St. Petersburg artist Kim Tatalick combines the past and present to create contemporary metaphors. “These sets of earrings are stylized interpretations of ancient Greek jewelry,” Ms. Tatalick says. “This work was made from vibrant gold with stylized flowers, swirls and seed pods reflecting the abundant nature and water that surrounded ancient Greece. By utilizing technology, I am able to create comparisons in color and materials to change the feeling of a piece. The earrings are made from printed PLA plastic, sterling silver and fresh water pearls.”
Technology has been essential in the creative process of Miami-based Venezuelan-born architect/artist Saul Galavis as he expands his work into jewelry by using 3D-printing. He has a passion for descriptive geometry, sections and planes, and folds that take place in tridimensional spaces. He couples white volumes and forms, with positives and negatives spaces, in a style that he christened ‘Constructivist Geometry,’ blending materials and creating self-produced shadows.
Independent curators Kelsey Nagy and Melissa Yungbluth invited artists from across the country who make jewelry using nontraditional methods, materials or concepts.
“In the current age where more materials and methods are available and interchangeable between media, artists have the opportunity to repurpose and reconfigure established techniques,” Ms. Nagy said.
“We looked for examples of contemporary, exceptional jewelry in a variety of materials and styles,” added Mrs. Yungbluth.
Programming includes docent tours every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and a jewelry-making demonstration by ArtLofts artist Julie Dye on February 13 at 1p.m.
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Kelsey Nagy is the Assistant Curator of Exhibitions at the Morean Arts Center. A former artist in residence at the Morean Center for Clay, she is a practicing artist in addition to her curatorial work.
Melissa Yungbluth is the Gallery Director for Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. She is the former Assistant Curator of Exhibitions for the Morean Arts Center. Melissa is a freelance curator, art educator and nationally exhibiting artist.
Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 and headquartered in St. Petersburg. Its mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in its 2,500-square-foot retail gallery and curated exhibitions are featured in its adjacent exhibition gallery. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work.
CUTLINES (More images of work available on request. Photo and video opportunities available.)
Mellman–Carsey, Zach.jpg: Zach Mellman–Carsey integrates Bluetooth speakers and sound in 3D-printed necklace which is set with a black onyx stone.
Oye, Emiko 3.jpg: San Francisco artist Emiko Oye uses LEGO® and semi-precious materials to create colorful, bold statement jewelry.
Tatalick-Modern Mycenaean Disc: Kim Tatalick combines the past and present to create contemporary metaphors by referencing ancient Greek designs using current materials.
Galavis, Saul Felipe 5.jpg: A 3D-printed ring by architect/artist Saul Galavis.
Florida CraftArt
501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-7391 FloridaCraftArt.org
Contact: Katie Deits, Executive Director