|
Transformative
Arts creating
meaning, a positive perspective, enriching life for individuals and
communities Catherine
Goolsby Jewelry
and Metal Art Unique
Art. Custom Designs. Classes.
Repair and Restoration. 404.316.3533 www.JewelryAndMetalsmithing.com Cat@JewelryAndMetalsmithing.com Studio
located in Decatur, 30030 |
See Gallery for details
|
See Gallery for details
|
In this issue:
|
||||||
Callanwolde
Fine Arts Center Jewelry and Metalsmithing Classes
Callanwolde classes are
economical and small for lots of individual attention. The catalog is online now. Don’t wait to sign
up as classes often fill up. Go to www.Callanwolde.org to
see the full descriptions, fees and to sign up.
Open Studio
August 18th,
Wednesday 1 day; 2 sessions: 11 AM – 1 PM and 630-830 PM, $20 per session; hold
your spot by by emailing Cat.
Production Metalsmithing
and Jewelry Making: Braided Bracelet
Create a braided bracelet
learning to braid wire with the flex shaft, oxidize and more. August 24, 7:00 -
9:00 p.m., 1 day, $30 (great gift idea for you or someone
special!)
Beginning/Intermediate
Jewelry & Metalsmithing
The basics in jewelry design
and fabrication. Appropriate for repeat students; projects change each quarter.
Mondays, August 23 - October
25 (no class September 6), 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 9 weeks
Mondays, August 23 - October 25 (no class
September 6), 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. 9 weeks
Wednesdays, August 25 -
October 27, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 10
weeks
Intermediate Jewelry &
Metalsmithing
Now that you have a grasp on
the basics of metalsmithing, focus on refining those skills, improving
craftsmanship, creating artwork from your imagination, designing a project with
more freedom and additional techniques that fit the needs of your project. Cat
is available to give guidance and demonstrations, project suggestions and
portfolio development. Intermediate students must have taken minimum of 4
metalsmithing classes and have ability to design artwork with limited
instruction.
Wednesdays, August 25 -
October 27, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 10 weeks
Filigree: Openwork and
Ground Supported Styles
Design and fabricate jewelry
using filigree techniques. Cat will discuss definitions and construction
differences between styles as well as demonstrate fabrication of 2 distinctly
different styles. Learn tips for
designing and soldering these delicate works of art and complete 1-2 pieces of filigree
artwork. Teens are welcome. Materials
will be discussed in the first class; copper/brass metal and stones for
projects could cost approx. $50 (silver could cost more). No
prerequisite for beginners. Intermediate students have option to design a
project with guidance from instructor; an Intermediate student must have taken
at least 4 metalsmithing classes and have the ability to design artwork with
limited instruction.
Fridays, August 27 - October
29 (no class September 3), 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., 9 weeks
Individual Instruction
and Studio Design
If you are a Callanwolde student, I
encourage you to stay at Callanwolde; classes are small and economical and I
can guarantee I will be available to teach during those scheduled classes;
classes at Callanwolde run about $5 per hour- this is less than you would spend
for a dinner for two in just an hour. The
Callanwolde schedule of classes is listed above and at www.Callanwolde.org.
What you
will learn
If you do not know what
project(s) and techniques you would like to learn you can look through the
class projects (there are about 50) to choose.
The first session includes safety instruction and if needed can include
instruction around turning on and off the acetylene tank and learning the
basics of soldering and, etc. Once you have decided on your first project, I
will help you with your design and a metal supply list, then give you the
address of JFF jewelry supply where you will buy your preferred type of metals
(sterling silver, copper, brass, fine silver, gold are the most used metals in
my studio).
Some techniques and
projects are a cabochon stone bezel set bracelet, toggle clasps, jump rings,
ear hooks, prong settings, faceted stone settings (step bezels), piercing
(cutting with a saw frame), hammer texturing, using the rolling mill to
texture, bangles and forged bracelets, cuff bracelets, using the disc cutters,
polishing, making wide and narrow band rings with stone settings, chain making,
basic oxidizing and patinas, small metal sculpture and vessels, hinged
earrings, hinged boxes (or lockets), granulation and fusing, bit soldering,
pick soldering, sweat soldering, folding and forming, hook clasps, 3 styles of
filigree, doming, etc.
Rates
The hourly rate is $35 for
individual instruction and studio time to use the tools without instruction is
$10 an hour. To aid in comprehension and
memory, I like to combine 1 hour of instruction with 2 hours of studio time, so
that the student can learn the skill, then immediately put it to work. Therefore, classes taught to individuals run
3 hours long and cost around $370 for 6 sessions (usually spread over 6 weeks,
but could be condensed over a shorter period of time depending on your
needs). $370 includes a lab fee and a
$15 registration fee. Everything is
included in the price except the metals you choose for your project and any
stones.
Class
Schedule and Location
I am not always available
for individual instruction, as it depends on my busy schedule and I limit the
number of students that I teach individually each quarter so that I have time
to work on my artwork, prepare for shows and have time to fulfill the responsibilities
of owning a business. Most individual
lessons are taught at 630-930 PM on Tuesdays or Thursdays, however, anytime
that fits both your schedule and mine is possible (such as Tuesday, Thursday or
Friday mornings are sometimes available and sometimes Saturdays and Sundays). We will talk by phone to decide what
days/times work best for both of us. I am located near the Farmer’s Market and
the Avondale Marta station in the Decatur, 30030 area in a safe, quiet arts and
professional building. When you have
signed up for the class I will send you the physical address and driving
instructions.
Contract
and Policies
If you contact me about individual instruction, I
will send you a sample contract and registration policies. Students must meet at the agreed upon days
and times; there are no make-up classes.
Studio Design
When you’re ready to set up your
own studio, I am available to give consultation, coordination and provide the
labor for set up. Consultation includes
ideas for proper ventilation of metal fumes from your bench, chemicals and your
pickle pot as well as organization of your room, priority of tools and
equipment to maximize space and time, consideration of aesthetics and making
the room versatile for client meetings, shows, teaching and working based on
your needs. The rate is $35 per hour for
consultation only. For a package rate on
consultation, coordination and labor, contact Catherine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Flight,
from the Transformed collection, pendant, sterling, $199 (with cord
and handmade clasp $229, with faceted black garnet necklace $299) |
||||
|
|
|
|||
|
Lounging
Figures, from the Transformed collection, post earrings, sterling silvers,
$149 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
Draped Fabric from the Transformed
collection; post earrings, sterling, $199 |
||
|
Made to look like
draped fabric, these earrings belong to a collector who likes unique, bold,
avant-garde; these one-of-a-kind earrings make a statement and stand
out. There will be nothing that looks
even similar to these in your grandmother’s jewelry box! |
||
|
|
|
Japanese
Mural Corset Bracelet, from the Epiphanies in Metal collection, Peruvian
agate, wine garnet, fine and sterling silvers, $1,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Japanese
Mural Corset Bracelet, from the Epiphanies in Metal collection, Peruvian
agate, wine garnet, fine and sterling silvers, $1,853 Playing on the unusually sharp lines and shapes
as well as the reds and blacks within the Peruvian agate, I framed the stones
with hammer tapered and mitered decorative lines while trying to keep the eye
moving in a similar motion (both the set of 3 as well as separately). The piercing on the sides and back (to
allow light and show the beauty on the back of the stones) also echoes the
stone’s nature. Each part is hand
crafted including each oval jump rings.
The “sash” wrapping the 2 outside stones is soldered on one side, then
epoxied on the right. The black of the
stone was a natural background for the contrasting silver and elegant wine
red of the garnet. It took a little
over 45 hours to fabricate. My students
helped me name the bracelet. The jump rings must be threaded through 4
mitered connectors before it can be clasped, hense the word corset. I bought these at a gem show in Franklin,
N.C. It was the first time I had ever
seen Peruvian agates and I’ve not seen any since then. I carried them around for about 5 years
knowing they were special. Some stones
will have monetary value attached to them such as diamonds, rubies and
emeralds and it is fine to buy a stone you like knowing you want to invest, but
most of the time I buy stones for their beauty, uniqueness and their ability
to tell a story or concept or express a feeling or idea. |
||
Upcoming
Shows, Studio Show and Exhibitions and Holiday Gifts
Chastain Park Arts Festival
November 6-7 (10 am-6 pm on
Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm on Sunday) at Chastain Park near the Amphitheater, Horse
Barn and Golf Course. Admission is free.
100+ visual artists will be showing and selling their artwork come rain or
shine. For directions and other
information go to www.ChastainParkArtsFestival.com.
Studio Unveiling, Show and Sale
My ambition is to “unveil” my
Studio this fall or during the holiday season, so that you may share in my
excitement of having a new studio space to work! My artwork will be displayed for show and
sale. And during slow times I will be
working like a busy elf to demonstrate the art of metalsmithing.
Other Fall Festivals and Shows
I am also in the process of
applying to different fall festivals. I
will try to send out invitation as these the events get closer
Holiday
Gifts, Commissions and Restoration
If you would like to buy
artwork, commission a piece of artwork, have a piece repaired or restored as a
gift or for yourself for the holidays, contact me as soon as possible (contact
info at the top of the newsletter). I
have artwork in the range of $35-$149 in a variety of styles that make
wonderful gifts. There are a very few
items on Etsy at www.CatGoolsby.etsy.com,
however, I have almost 50 pieces from the Transformed Collection (the style
imitating fabric) and 25+ more in various styles such as filigree, a few in the
Architectural Allure collection and also the Epiphanies in Metal
collection. The majority of my artwork will be available
to browse during my studio show mentioned above; if you are unable to attend or
need something sooner, I will work with you.
NGAA (North Gwinnett Arts Association)
Located in Suwannee Georgia,
you do not need to be a resident (only a member) to take advantage of the many
opportunities to advertise and sell your artwork and to take part in meetings
to shape these events and learn more about art.
The advertising has lead a few buyers and students my way. They have an agreement with the City of
Suwannee they may use the empty store fronts at Towne Center to display
artist’s artwork. For more information,
go to www.northgwinnettartsassociation.com
and/or contact Vickie A. Johnson, the President, to become a member. Membership fee is a small $40 annual fee.
Georgia National Fair
For amateurs and
professionals-this is a juried arts exhibition with merit awards. Applications due August 13th:
digital images can be emailed; there is a $5 entry fee per each artwork. Go to www.georgianationalfair.com for
more information.
Granulation and Casting from Scraps/Reuse
and Recycle and Buy Locally to Help the Environment
Separate
your scrap metal. Find some containers
and mark them: sterling scrap, sterling with solder, fine silver scrap, copper,
brass, gold, other. Solder has zinc and
other metals alloyed with silver which melt at a specific temperature, so
separating sterling with solder and the sterling without ensures, if you use
your sterling for casting, the content will be closer to .925 silver;
furthermore, the zinc in silver has a yellowish tone and can affect the
resulting color. Not everyone is
bothered by the minimal color difference and may enjoy a tint to the silver, so
some silversmiths/metalsmiths don’t separate their silver this way, but most
metalsmiths separate their fine silver from the sterling.
Fine
silver can be melted into granules (fine silver balls). Sterling can pit and often creates more of an
oval than a sphere shape. These granules
can be added as decoration using solder, or the preferred method of fusing,
leaving the ball less blobbed around the base with solder. When the granules are fused it is called
granulation.
Sterling can be refined and you can receive a
credit or sometimes a check for the metal (minus a refining fee- around 20%
depending on the company). Copper, brass
and steel can also be recycled and often scrap metal recycling businesses will
give a small amount of compensation.
Though I’ve kept my semiprecious metals for years I still only have a
small batch. I don’t expect to get much
money in return, I keep my metals mainly because I don’t want to pollute the
environment and put more trash in the landfills. So my “other” container is for nickel-silver,
steel, broken saw blades, used staples and paper clips that are too out of
shape to use, broken screw tops for flex shaft mandrels, etc, which I intend to
recycle at some point (perhaps it will become part of a cool car
someday!).
Of
course, gold can be refined and can bring a good amount of cash with it – check
around to see the percentage the company will take (I’ve heard refiners talk
about as little as 10%) and consider using a local person or business so that
it doesn’t get lost in the mail, it can be weighed right in front of you and
supports local businesses. My supply
sources list has at least 2 companies that will refine/recycle gold and silver;
if you do not have a copy or have an old one, email me and I’ll send you the
most update version. According to
Environmentalists, buying and doing business locally can cut down on the amount
of shipping and distances of shipping, which can lead to lesser emissions in
the air. And there are other good
reasons for buying locally.
If
you are an advocate for the environment, you could inquire at the businesses
where you purchase your metals if they can sell you only recycled/refined
metals; it may cost a little more, and availability may fluctuate, but your
efforts will be helping the environment.
Mining can destroy drinking water sources if mining chemicals leak. There was an article in Metalsmith magazine
some years ago that had me really thinking about the ethics of mining.
Personal
Note
|
|
|
|
|
Tibetan Prayer Wheels at the Dalai Lama’s Temple in McLeod Ganj |
Apprentices working at Norbulingka in the metal shop |
Apprentices working at Norbulingka in the metal shop |
|
|
|
|
|
About 3300 Meters high at the Snowline Café in the Dhaladhars. |
Waterfall near Galu Temple – it was an oasis! |
Painting on some henna designs before her wedding; isn’t the clothing beautiful! |
|
|
|
|
|
Me working on metalsmithing with the Master, Pratap Negi. |
Pratap Negi at work in his studio. |
YUM! Roti, Dahl, spiced vegetables, sag in a sauce; Punjabi cuisine. |
|
|
|
|
|
A monkey in a tree in Dharamkot. |
A vessel made by Pratap Negi – gorgeous! |
Monks sitting after a stroll; they didn’t mind being photographed, they are often very friendly and playful. |
|
|
|
|
|
Rice patties near Sarah Tibetan College |
Meditation bowls in the marketplace |
A Tibetan woman sews the cloth frame around the Thangka paintings in her shop in McLeod Ganj |
|
|
|
|
|
Carpet making is a Tibetan art; little “carpets” are made for chairs and car seat covers |
One of about 100 bonsai trees in Lodi park, New Delhi |
A street vendor employs a man that pats out dough, then fries it until it puffs in New Delhi |
I
have really enjoyed some extra time in my new studio this summer; I have been
busy on lots of artwork. I’ve been doing lots of work outdoors in the yard-I
find it very relaxing sometimes. Mitzi
and I aren’t playing as much with the Frisbee right now because she gets very
tired from the heat, but we often chase each other around the house in the
AC. I went to Pennsylvania for a couple
of days. I’m having lots of fun, but
the most adventurous time of all this summer was traveling in India!
I flew into Delhi, later to Dharamshala¸ which is a
little further north in Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). It’s hard to express all the interesting,
exciting and amazing artful, cultural and educational experiences I had in just
a few paragraphs, so I’ll just give you some highlights. If you ever go to H.P. India, let know and I’ll
tell you some of the great spots to visit!
An
experience of a lifetime was working with Pratap Negi, a 4th
generation metalsmith. He makes
Buddha statues, jewelry, offering vessels, and so much more. Though I had done some work in repousse and chasing
before, he showed me some fine tuning and how to combine both to create some
really beautiful ornamentation for rings, etc. or to be used as decoration on a
piece like an offering bowl. I didn’t
find him until the last week of my trip so I spent as much time as I had
available and worked 3 days (13 hours) until my fingers hurt.
Norbulingka is an institute created for the purpose of preserving the Tibetan arts. Tibetans were pushed off their land 50 years ago by the Chinese. Norbulingka puts to work masters and apprentices in the traditional arts of metalsmithing, appliqué, wood working, Thangka paintings, and more. It helps to employ 450 artists, staff at Norbulingka and refugees.
The
Kangra Art Museum near McLeod Ganj had a small selection of really intriguing
jewelry. One piece was worn over the bun
of a woman’s hair, and then metal decoration draped down and would fall across
the back of the ears and dangle below them like earrings!
113 degrees Fahrenheit in Delhi…. need I say
more. We stayed outside of Delhi (really
New Delhi) in a residential neighborhood like place, but we still had the
Central Market nearby and stores with gorgeous jewelry and saris in the windows. Lodi (Lodhi) Park was very peaceful and had about 100
bonsai trees. I bought a Kurta, a traditional long shirt worn by Indians,
pronounced core-tuh.
It was much cooler in the Dhaladhars (a mountain
range in H.P.). A photograph is attached
below. It was like a mural painted
across the sky – absolutely breathtaking!
I was
also with a group about 75 people to receive an audience with the Dalai Lama. He spoke about many things such as adding
another branch (Buddhist Science) to the already existing braches of Buddhist
philosophy and religion and wanting the land returned to the Tibetans and to be
able to practice their culture, religion and arts (though he said they would be
very willing to share their land with the Chinese). He spoke of many serious issues, yet he also
had a light hearted chuckle which he frequently expressed over the course of
the hour. I have read some of his
philosophy, probably not a lot, but one phrase I really liked which was posted
in a Tibetan hotel where I stayed was, “If things can be changed, why be
unhappy, if they cannot why worry?” He
seems to be a wonderful leader, moral and spiritual man.
There
are so many other interesting parts to the story like monkey stories, women
riding on motorcycles sideways, classical Indian music concert, tea gardens,
architecture of the gompas (temples), fresh juice stands…..if you ever get a
chance to go don’t pass it up.
Wishing you a creative, happy
start to the fall season! I hope to see you soon!
Cat
If you know someone who would be
interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward it and they could
contact me at Cat@JewelryAndMetalsmithing.com.
If you would like to be
removed from this email list, please reply to this email or make your request
to