how i'm spending my hours and days...

i thought i'd come up for air and let you see what i've been creating in the studio for the past couple of weeks.  it's interesting for me to see my jewelry as a collection, all jumbled up within a bowl, colors and textures and paper and bisque and natural findings thrown together to become one single thing:  my line of jewelry.  rarely do i have the opportunity to photograph it like this, many pieces mingled as one:  i usually make one piece, post it online, and then sell it.  one at a time, bit by bit, each piece flies away from this home to the next one that is waiting in the wings.  i have two separate teaching engagements and vendor sales coming up in the next couple of weeks, so i'm trying my best to stockpile what seems like a fair representation of the things that i do:  the heavy knots in silver wire, teamed up with rhinestone rondelles; the resin charms set in cast sterling shapes, portraying winsome images and words; cocoon beads of ribbon and tiny seed beads and wire; wings of insects forever encased in slender sheets of mica; antique french silk ribbon, hand dyed to the colors that speak softly to me; engraved stories or memories hand inscribed across the backs of pieces so that when worn, the secret words become warm from one's skin... as i was working with this image in photoshop, i was startled to see a part of me, a tiny reflection, mirrored across the surface of one particular piece.  see if you can find me - i bet you can.  (for detail you may click on the photo for a magnified view).  want an even closer look at some of these ornamentations?  i'm happy to share them with you:

when i look all of this myself, i'm a little amazed to see what lies before me.  i made these trinkets, bit by bit by winding bit, and remember certain thoughts and feelings i was mulling over in the hours i made each neckace you see here.  you all remember the cicada wing, found in the driveway of my parents' alabama home.  now it has a new place to reside, encased in mica and made to wear around some fanciers' neck.  and what is a wing, without a few words engraved into the silver at its back? i try not make the jewelry all look the same; it's difficult at times when on a roll, and when a certain style has been ingrained in me for what feels like forever. 

there are birds and nests and eggs and branches everywhere; there are friends sitting together on the front stoop of a house; there are doors, windows, trees, gates, words that talk of sentiments and emotions.  call it trivial, if you will; this is my world, and from my fingers into my work flow the stories of my quiet day to day life.  i hear the bird songs outside my studio and bedroom window; i see the branches waving in the late summer breeze; i watch the moths come out at night and tap against the screen beside the studio table, and wonder if they live to see the start of another day.  i listen to the owls call back and forth to one another through the dark and quiet middle night.  i dream of water rippling, i hear it in the stream that rushes out below.  i've been working with these sentimental concepts - the birds, the trees, the nests and windows and garden gates, for as long as i've been making jewelry - since before robin was born, and he'll turn twenty three in october.  how to change the things that i do?  why change?!  it works for me, and apparently it does for those who buy and wear it and give it as well.   customers write, years after purchasing a piece, and tell me what wearing the words and the images strung together means for them.  it means a new set of memories, a way to share stories, it means a connection, a talisman, a way to speak to the world (or not to speak, but maybe to watch silently in awe).  i don't even know why i'm rambling on about such things, but when you spend as much time with yourself as i do, when you work day in and day out on a certain form of art, when you pour your heart into each and every piece, sometimes it helps to talk about it, to let the feelings that have been welling up inside spill over a bit and flow on to another place and see what happens, then. 

so, i'm letting the edge tip over here so all that swirling of thought and musing and reflection can inch its way up and over and out to you.  and even, yes, to you.  xo  (ps.  this format looks awful.  i have been at this for three hours, and typepad is giving me terrible fits.  i'll come back and remedy the way this looks tomorrow, but for now?  i'd rather go sit outside on the deck with a cup of tea than sit here pulling out my hair and wanting to throw this computer out the window to the lovely grass below...) x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[donna joy]

love the new work~

[Nellie]

As always, you work is so inspiring and reminds us, of a place within ourselves of forgotten memories. What a gift we were given, with you creating pieces that tell a story and whispers to one's soul. I love the part of the computer giving you fits. I am so glad to know that I am not the only one that feels like throwing it out the window.

[Lee]

Your work is beautiful as always. I love everything mixed up together. Just like a treasure chest of precious jewels. I look forward to seeing whatever you bring to SAW. Any chance you have made a few in the 18" length range for those of us who prefer something a bit shorter?

[carol m]

beautiful pieces! and please keep on working with what speaks to you in quiet day to day life - I think that is what makes your pieces speak to others...we all all long for the simple beauties in life...
xo carol

[katie]

all that incredible beauty in one bowl, makes my heart quicken and my fingers itchy to touch, touch, touch....i'm always impressed by the amount of work you do too.
xo

[Cindy In Carolina]

The egg beads your sis did look great!! I enjoy reading your blog so much. Thanks for taking the time to share. I have dial up too!!

[Lorri]

Can I dip my grubby little fingers in that bowl of fabulous jewelry? All these pieces are so lovely, as usual, and they do tell a story, a story that comes from the heart for sure.

Lorri

[Cindy Ericsson]

They never all look the same but they do "favor" as we say down here. They all look like they came from your hands. How sweet to have the imprint of their maker!

[lk]

love the jumble of delicious jewels in the bowl.
xo

[Tami B.]

Your posts are always so endearing. Today's is no exception...what soulful new pieces. Absolutely exquisite!

[kim]

where are the mary knots?
xoxoxoxox

[Carole]

Though I like all of your work....that last necklace (Hope) calls to me. What a beautiful piece.

I hope the computer issues have been resolved. I can so relate....

[Peggy Feltmate]

These are absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Peggy

[Erin Gergen Halls]

what is true art if it isnt the very language of your soul?

growth comes to the artist organically, and if with growth comes change, so be it. but if your inner-nina still has lingering thoughts, inspirations and expression to relate through your favored imagery? well, relate away.

your soul has much to say,
your voice is ornamental and bejewelled,
and we are spellbound by your tale.
sounds like true art to me.

[misty]

as always, it's amazing how you can turn beauty into even more beauty. xo

[minnie]

your jewelry is a mirror into our souls, absolutely captivating, the jewels of the divine... you are a light in the dark... i am always awed by your presence, even though i am not near you.

[cgs]

actually Nina, the piles are so wonderful
as shown, all the bunches and yummy color!
I love looking at it spilled out this way~~
and scenes from the studio are always
fun.xo
october baby ~connie :)

[sepia art studio]

these are exquisite nina! <3
you truly are a story teller.

delila

[s]

oohhhh they are gorgeous! Someday I want to own a pendant from you that says WOODS FAIRY.

[Debbie Overton]

As you know I usually end my day visiting here as it is always such a calming after a hectic day, but last night I just couldn't find it in me, now I know why....I needed all this wonderful beauty to start my day! A post filled with not only gorgeous creations but words of inspiration for all to ponder!

[Regina, St. Maarten (DWI)]

Nina,

The jewelry you made is absolutely fantastic. Guess I will never be lucky enough to own a piece of it, but just looking at the beauty in your pictures and reading your musings, thoughts and sometimes worries makes a daily visit on this blog worthwile. Thank you so much!

[Penny]

I wanted to reach right into the computer screen and run my hands through your collected treasures. I wanted to pick each one out and slowly look at it, savor it if you will. You are a temptress showing us all these beauties when we can't get our hands on them!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for both the images and the words.

[barbara p naples]

Dearest Nina:
Your magical touch has created each piece as shown by your hand reflected in the nest
(nest with eggs, i should add). That picture is very symbolic of your newest direction. Your pieces are constantly evolving and truly inspired.
Thank you for sharing them with us....

[Jamie]

I love that self-portrait, Nina! Incredible collection of self-expression.

On a side note: I read your article in the May/June 2008 issue of (insert name of Somerset publication) last night. It's the one with your photos and story of adding the twinkle lights to your studio. I am totally inspired to spend the next couple of days digging through piles and making my spot comfortable to create, create, create. As always, thanks for the inspiration.

[jennifer]

Your jewelry wouldn't have your soul so deeply ingrained within it without everything that IS you in it, and it makes me happy to see it every time. They are always evolving, and yet, comfortably the same...like a loving home, a warm family, a cozy resting spot. I love how you do that.

The bowl full is just inviting; makes me long to scoop them gently up into my hands so full while they gently cascade through my fingers....like rain. So beautiful--like you ;)

[Lesley]

I'm speechless, dear one.

[julie]

i found you....and even better will SEE you in a few days.....

[Karen Owen]

Your reflection shall always be a part of these pieces. And, please don't throw your computer out onto the grass — you wouldn't want to damage the grass!

Karen

[dejavucreations]

How serendipitously perfect to see your hand so gently caressing the eggs within the nest. And what beauty lies within that bowl of glistening jewels that speak of nature’s bounty. Treasures indeed!

jan

[sue pieper]

Beautiful, all of it!

[kathy vk]

Lovely!
Although my fingers hurt just looking at all the wire and twisting. And then all the beautiful components - yours, just look at all that PMC along with the classic Nina elements and collections of gemstones and pearls, really do miss the gem show.
Lovely indeed.

Hope the computer gizmo is helping. - xoxo

[belvedere beads]

so many thoughtful comments - but all that poppped in my unenlightened head was it that it looks like a chest full of pirate loot. it's a very impressive pile of treasure you've created there...

[Lisa]

I see you in the eggs!!!!
And that's one beautiful necklace Miss Nina!!!

[Star]

Such a beautiful post with so many of your pieces.

Each time I see one of your pieces, something different draws me in. Today, it is the seed beads twining with the wire on its way down to "bird" and "hope." The looser configuration there (as opposed to the woods fairy) reminds me of the swirl of life-giving DNA--sort of goes hand-in-hand with the way your pieces bring to life those who wear them (as evidenced by the messages you receive from them).

[Ally]

Oh, how I admire how you get to spend your hours and your days. But from what I've gathered, you've worked very hard to get to this point. I continue to work hard to get "there".
So, thanks for your blog. It serves as a daily reminder that I can one day, get "there" too.

xo
Ally

[natalya]

i saw your hand right away.. and what a beautiful collection of jewelry and words.. thank you...

[beth]

you...ramble ???.....NEVER !!! I love to hear what you have to say and feel!!

and the beauty that is created by your hands constantly amazes me and now that I own 2 pieces of what has been created by you...well I consider myself blessed !!!

[Susan]

Nina, I just wanted to let you know that it's Ok for you to take my bird necklace (with the perfect freshwater twig pearls and the blue egg) to the shows and teaching engagements as an example of your work. Just be sure to mark it SOLD in bold ink and let me know when you get it in the mail to me.
Thanks and wanna come over for a martini? Sunset is stunning tonight.
S

[gina armfield]

I love this new stuff you are making - it is pure and clean like a crystal cold running stream - I know that sounds kinda cheesy but that is what I think of when I see these pieces - like little woodland fairies snuck into your studio at night. Loverly - just

[Candace]

My darling girl Nina, there is something for you over on my little blog. Your blog and a couple others have made such a profound difference in my art and in my life. I hope you know that.
Candace

[liz elayne]

can't wait to see all your treasures and YOU in person.

these are so beautiful, and it is a joy to read about them.

(forest girl...love that phrase)

safe travels next week...(i leave saturday)

xoxo

[Jen Crossley]

How beautiful Your new works are, works of art thats for sure they made me smile with delight
Jen

[Marg Byrne]

How I love reading your blog. It's full of colour, life, passion and vulnerablity. It's a joy to share your love of your home and your observations of people and nature. It's not often we get to glimpse into a beautiful soul, but that's what I feel whenever I pop in here. Don't change. Your passion and your honesty are to be treasured, and are a real source of inspiration.

[Tess]

My dear Nina, Your blog is so dear to me. I love the wonderful countryside you show me and the beautiful things you make. Your creations spilled out for us all to see. I would love to "play" with a bowl full of your necklaces, charms, medallians, twigs, rocks, creativity. It would be as if I were a child again playing in my grandmothers button box. (I so love that memory.) This post is so full of reflections before yet another journey to far off places that it be fitting that your image be reflected in the lovely birds nest among the little eggs. You are forever at home nesting, wherever you may be among the other "good eggs". Now I am rambling on, see what your words and inspiration do to me.
I loved this post and wish you well on your next journey. Thanks for sharing all of your lovelies (baubles and words)with us.
Tess

[Colette]

Nina, your work leaves me breathless; seeing the closeups is such a treat.

Colette xox

[robyn]

Oh such delicious photographs! Though I don't make jewellery as such your photos always inspire me to rush out and start chiseling at a piece of wood. Your posts are infused with a creativity that is exremely infectious.

[Anita]

love you work as always, you're an inspiration to me, as an artist. Your pieces that you've created tell us stories that we once forget or don't even remember. You're Beautiful...thank you for sharing all of it with us.