glimpses

 

i pulled out my camera this morning to document some of the pieces i'm slowly working on to carry with me to artfest.  it's hard for me to remember, in the days before i leave to head out west, to photograph the many designs that i slip into plastic bags and carry with me onto the silver bird; so today i thought i'd get a jump start on cataloging bits and pieces of things that my fingers are twisting and turning into ornamental jewelry.  i thought i was farther ahead than i am - so few pieces!  so little time! - and that low grade panic kicked into higher gear, something closer to mid range.  yet i also realize, wisely so, that good work simply cannot be forced, cannot be rushed or fit into a measured bit of time.   i write these words with a flutter in my heart; some call them butterflies, others call them palpitations; whatever the word, i'm beginning to feel a little like the red queen, running in one place.

it's odd to think of one's designs as a group, or a collection; what's odder still is to go back, back, back and take a look at what one's work represented, years and years ago.  once upon a time, in another life twenty years ago, i did production work with orders that were placed at the new york wholesale gift show. 
doing wholesale meant creating hundreds, sometimes thousands, of the very same piece - over and over and over again.  i cringe when i think of that now - the long hours spent out in my old studio hammering words like "settle for more" into silver, hammering all the s's first, then all the e's, the t's, in a long assembly line that left me feeling bleary eyed and exhausted. 
it was good, solid work - i had an incredible, hard working sales rep with a beautiful heart - but somewhere along the way,  i began to realize that i couldn't do this type of work anymore without feeling cheated by my own lack of creativity.  i was finding more pleasure in creating the color catalog sheets of the work than i was in doing the actual jewelry - a sure sign that the balance wasn't right. 
sometime around the beginning of this century (doesn't that sound ancient?), i quit the wholesale work altogether and began making the one of a kind creations that you find me working on today. there are times when i look at the components, when i make bits and pieces of one type of thing to be incorporated into unique, one of a kind finished pieces, i'll have a little flutter of trepidation that everything is beginning to look too much the same - the resin pieces i've been making for going on 16 years (sadly commonplace in the jewelry world, these days) take on an ordinary slant to me, the engravings begin to blur into one piece that looks like everything else.  but then i sit down at my studio table to begin my day, to work with the varied bits and pieces, and the inspiration flows, the magic occurs - and that, my friends, is why i love my work, my career, as much as i do.  the magic, the inspiration, the sense of gratification that comes when making something i feel is right and true. (with this piece, i give a grateful nod to my student and artist friend robin dudley-howes, whose use of the mother of pearl sequins inspired me, after ten years, to thread them another, in an entirely different way altogether - thank you robin!).  the resin is still there, but i'm thinking of new ways to incorporate the pieces into what is still very much a look i love to create.   (bezel in this piece, one that contains a bit of a twig, was designed by susan lenart kazmer, purchased and used at valley ridge art studio when i was teaching a resin class there again last summer, and is also available at susan's site Objects and Elements). here, also from valley ridge, is a twig i brought home with me from a beloved tree there on their property, which i then had cast into solid sterling silver; i love its gnarls and bumps and its ancient marks of history.
this piece incorporates an incredible cross, dug up from the grounds of eastern europe; when i purchased it from the etsy shop cool vintage, the owner, lisa carter - who is currently stationed in europe - wrote me to say that she had taken a class from me in new jersey back in 2003 or 2004 (my memory fails; could be earlier, could be later).  small world, indeed.  go check out her shop and see the treasures that lisa is uncovering while living abroad.  (the circular piece, below, was cast in silver from another artifact i purchased from her back in autumn).
a reader left a comment yesterday with this very important question:  "I felt motivated to make my first comment after reading this post, especially the comment that you made about frustrations regarding knock-offs. I also make jewelry and was asked by a local art center to teach a workshop. I hesitated because of my concern about some students becoming the future competition by creating their own work that might be extremely similar to mine. I have decided to forge ahead and do the class, but I wonder how you and others who regularly teach workshops deal with this dilema of sharing techniques and dealing with the knock-offs. Any additional insights other than the understandable frustrations?"  it is a dilemma, to be sure, one that i've discussed over and over and over again with fellow teaching artist friends.  we make our living doing what we do, and we work hard "behind the curtain", so to speak - designing, setting up workshops, teaching, selling our wares - and to teach the techniques we employ is to trust that each student will take what he or she has learned, will glean the insights and input i've shared with my class, and employ those techniques while incorporating a look that is truly his or her own.  i've had many a student come up to me after time has passed and she has had the time to develop a style that is personal, that is hers; she admits being tempted to imitate my style in the beginning, when confidence is green and her own true style had not yet had the time to blossom into a look that was her own.   fortunately, for most students, they are able to move past this point and, with confidence, begin seeking ways to use the skills they've learned with the things that inspire them every day.  we all take risks by sharing what we do - things are seen right here at Ornamental, new styles are displayed, new directions shown that i've taken with my work.  i teach classes all over the world, and when i teach those classes, i try to convey to my students how vitally important it is to respect the work of the originating artist, to ask permission when taking photos, to remember to give credit when sharing a particular technique one has learned in my class.  there are those who've not taken classes, who see a design online and use it as his or her own developed technique; there are even tutorials by assorted sellers on etsy on how to make these designs.  all i can say about this is that it isn't good karma, it isn't honest at all; all i can say is that i hope with time, these works will take on a look and feeling of their own, and that someone's own practice of techniques and skills will help him or her develop a look that is completely and truly unique.  bottom line:  remain true to yourself.  the rest, i assure you, will follow.  xo 

ps.  i spent all morning and early afternoon working on this post - a pleasure for me, and certainly my choice to spend the time that way; but i'm needing to spend more time on the jewelry, and will be taking a little break from writing this week.  thanks so much for being here, and i'm here with you in spirit......

Comments

[Renate]

oh, oh, oh - oh my, these are so beautiful!!! Loving the colours! Oh my, Nina, your work is freak'n beautiful.

[Diana B]

As always, you are so giving with your experience, your sources, your inspirations; and, as always, I do appreciate it (I'm sure I'm not alone).

[Teresa aka Tess]

Hi sweet Nina, Take a deep breath,m sip a cup of tea and know that your beautiful creations will be wonderful and ready when you are for artfest. It's all good.... Love the picture show here, sooo many beautiful things.

[Janet McDonald]

Ahh I say thank the Good Lord all of us that the Magic the creativity thats ONLY OURS comes! And Yey...thats a gift. Your works are so very Unique Nina!! Yes take time...and like Tasha Tudor once said..."Take Joy"!
Janet xo
PS I will come down the path just after dark tonite, the moon should shed its light. And Ill bring the sammies and a jug of some hot spiced tea in my sachel! And we shall take some Joy!

[kim]

more luscious teasing....xox

[Keli Hansen]

I hope the brush and note at the bottom of the picture are waiting for me at your table... wink wink...
might you need anything from Montana? Just let me know. It will be my first artfest... can't wait to give you a hug!

[carole]

I soooo understand your feelings about production work. Years ago when I worked in the rubber stamp industry I was the 'in house' artist for a local store. I designed a card, then had to make several more of the same for various clients. That was fine in the beginning, but eventually it stopped being fun and became tedious and boring.

Several years later I had the opportunity to place my painted work in a local shop. Sadly it meant selling my work to them for $1-3 (for pieces I'd sold myself for $25) and turning out at least 100 of one piece. The excitement of having the shop owner love my work quickly wore off. Even back then I didn't work that way. When I was told 'take it or leave it', I left the shop in tears at the lost opportunity. I was young, I was naive, and I didn't think I'd ever have another chance to sell my work and do what I loved to do.

Not the case, but it felt that way at the time.

And Nina, I just want to say, that though you might see what's being done around you as starting to look 'much the same' (believe me I understand that too as I do the same thing with my own type of art work), I can distinguish your work from the others very well. I can pick up a book or magazine and without even seeing a name attached to a project, I'll say 'that looks like Nina's work'. Nine times out of ten I'm right. ;)

Speaking of magazines, I recently came across an article about you in a long past issue of Somerset Studio. In it you had mentioned taking violin lessons. I wondered if you still play?

Lovely pieces as always, and what a fun way to use those brush pieces we all have.

[Corrine]

Anyone can make jewelry, not everyone can weave stories into magic like you do.

xo

[Farmlady]

I must say something Dear Nina, as I always do. This is the most interesting, thoughtful post i think you have every written.., and your new art reflects what, I think, is a new direction in your artistic life. Your response to the comment about "knock-offs" was wonderful. Giving Lisa,Susan and Robin face time and credits on your post was.., wonderful.
"Remain true to yourself. The rest,I assure you, will follow." is saying that sharing, teaching and helping someone to become an artist is OK. That imitation, will hopefully, evolve into a style of it's own is a statement of confidence in your abilities as an artist and shows such a philanthropic aspect in your artwork . That was so right to tell her that.
I loved this post. It's honest and giving.
and your new artwork..., oh my.., wonderful.

[peggy mcdevitt]

Oh Nina, your new work is fantastic, I just want to come to your house and "hold it in my hands". Hopefully when you return you will post some similiar pieces of work. As for knock off's I have seen them but its like going to Walmarts or a high end store. You can tell the difference, I can spot your work anywhere and there is nothing that unique and soulful out there. they can try but it isn't working for them but it must be very frustrating for you the artist who shares her soul and work so easily. We reap what we sew dear Nina. Love ya Peggy

[herhimnbryn]

Such a timely post Dear Nina! I am having a perplexing time in my mosaic work,trying to find balance and truth and.....

All your work sings out across the miles......Quality, quality and divine imagination.

[robin dudley howes]

Dear Nina,

Thanks again for coming to the west side, far away from your sweet doggy and home to share your skills and talent, laughter and humor, stories and love and those GREAT warm hugs you give! I think of the time we all spent together in the lush hills of Los Gatos and how truly "star" struck I was to be in the same room with you after all these years of following your career and blog and how happy I was to be there. I love my family and home and really don't like being away from them very often so it was a big thing for me to get it all together and be gone for 5 days...and worth it. You are truly a most thoughtful and reverent warm hearted spirit. Every twist and bend with wire and stone, metal and hammer creates many thoughtful links to a piece of soulful, warm adornment. No one can ever duplicate the soul, your soul, or the warmth and spirit you imbibe in your creations.

and....thanks for the shout out..it means alot!
Many Blessings my friend.
robin

[Linda]

i think it's interesting when those who have "knocked off," get copied themselves, and those who have pooh-poohed the notion of being copied ... get copied, and complain. i agree that *Art* comes from the individual's soul...your work is clearly from that place. now...get busy and give us some eye candy!

[Lorraine]

Okay, if you see me at your table on vendor night, DO NOT let me buy anything! I have no restraint when it comes to your jewelry!! Gorgeous pieces Nina!

[Sandy]

Glorious creations! Blessings on your creative efforts - butterflies withstanding.

[sandra]

thank you nina for this post...as a novice you've given me something to think about.

i'm one of these people who have been a fence sitter for fear of not finding my own style. i knew that it is to easy to copy others as i have experienced such in other related fields.

copying and knock offs seems to be the way in our society and it doesn't help when the industries such as the fashion and style industries try to come up with "formulas" concerning appearance and style.

when you have time(in the next couple of months) it would be great to distinguish between what is "inspiration" versus "copying" and what is meant by bringing your own style to a work of art. it may seem like an elementary question, but i think some of the newbies may be interested.

also i love how in this post you did what you ask of others: share the love and give credit where it is due. thank you for sharing the resources and links, which brings me to another issue, a true artist loves and respects the individuality and creativity of others. that's what i like about you and your blog. even though you know some don't mean well and will copy or steal, you give from the heart anyway. i'm so glad to have found you as my main source of inspiration and you continually renew my faith in art and creators.

thank you so much...you've helped me in ways you can't imagine.

you've given me much to think about while you prepare for the big event....

[Mary G.]

Nina -- Another thought-provoking post. I've been to one art event only, and the first class I took there was from Carol Owen. She taught us her techniques for making shrines & she's also written a book with her techniques. But the thing that I remember most about her class what her heartfelt monologue about copying, including the shock of opening an artsy magazine (one familiar to all of us) to see a knockoff of her shrines (and then noting that the person who had made the one pictured had at least given her credit for the techniques in the description printed elsewhere in the magazine). All this is just to say that I do hope you -- and other teachers who are sharing personal techniques with their students -- also share with your students something about copying and what you would consider to be the proper use of the personal techniques for the student once she leaves class (e.g., to make something for herself or as a gift, not to sell). I guess I am so naive that I hope that a lot of the copying going on is just from ignorance rather than a willful disregard for the work of others.

PS -- I wore one of your necklaces to church yesterday & got compliments from a friend who has extremely good taste.

[Monica]

Nina, this is a wonderful post and i love what you have to say about knock-offs...

i thought about this issue a LOT as the date of the Artful Journey retreat loomed near since i am familiar with Kelly Rae's feelings about people who copy, not to mention coming across a blog post from an instructor who would urge teachers to NOT share all their trade secrets in a class since it may mean encouraging copy-cats =-(

i believe you have given a wonderful outlook to it all - the truly creative WILL take the techniques as a starting point and, over time, find their own unique 'signature' in how they create if they "stay true to themselves". it takes MUCH practice to find your voice but, no matter the medium one works in, find it we will! for those who will not take the time and effort to hone one's own voice, KARMA will indeed catch up to them...thank you for sharing your feelings on this sensitive topic =-)

i love what you are working on these days and i'm sure it will sell like hotcakes at Artfest!!..if Artful Journey is any indication of your 'fan-base' for your beautiful jewelry ;)

[delila]

magical necklaces Nina! I especially LOVE the necklace with your acorns and leaves.

Hopefully you have received the little parcel of mine, i send it before i left from Finland.

Love,
Delila

[Elizabeth Woodford]

By the time that I got to your P.S I ahd to chuckle- you love to write so much and you are such a gifted scribe, but my minds voice was saying- "she needs to turn off the computer and commune with the silver and the pearls"!!!!! You are such a wonderful motivator for all of us and your work speaks so stronly of you, others will and do try to copy but they will ALWAYS FALL SHORT in my mind as only your pieces have the NINA Wisdom and Spirit!!!!
Butterflies serve their purpose- they energize and motivate!!!! Forge on ward in happy spirit and return only when you Can!!!!!
Big Productive and Happy Hugs!

[Patty]

thanks Nina,
for showing and sharing all those lovely photos of your jewelry. It is nice to see past and present pieces. Always evolving.
cheers,
Patty

[kathy vk]

Very much like Corrine's comment - just right. Love the new components, looking forward to seeing them in person. And thanks for sharing the Cool Vintage link ... I'm trying not to hyperventilate. xxx

[Becky Caldwell]

Wonderful Wonderful Post and Gorgeous Work as always.

Take Care

[Jo Hassan]

Eek... I do hope you didn't get too distracted by this post and have managed to complete all your pieces ready for Artfest. Although, saying that, I echo the words of others here that this entry has been particularly insightful and most thought-provoking. As Sandra commented earlier, I too have 'sat on the fence' for fear of not being unique-enough and demonstrating my own particular style.

I loooove and am inspired by soooo many artisans out there (of which you are one!), whose work is so easily accessible on the web now. However, it seems so important to me that anyone who wishes to be called an 'artist' should embrace what makes them unique rather than endeavouring to be a cheap imitation! For this reason I too am fascinated by how established art teachers resolve these issues, particularly as you are all so very generous with your time, wisdom and creativity in passing on your skills to us. I suppose in many ways, although others can copy anything that has previously been created, they cannot in fact access the source of this creativity, as that can only be possessed by the actual creator her/himself. And, as every true artist knows, for every ONE creation there are always numerous more sloshing about our heads!!!

Have a fantastic time at Artfest, dearest Nina. We will be thinking of you.

Big hugs Jo xx

[Emily]

Your work is all you and no one can touch it! They try, but it just doesn't have that Nina loving edge and uniqueness you have created. Looking forward to your return, and have a wonderful Artfest Adventure! Sweet gentle hugs to you Nina.

[Karen Burns]

Beautiful work. Just Beautiful.

[Mary]

The gratitude comes back to you Nina......thanking you for sharing not only your beautiful creations but also your heartfelt thoughts in eloquent words. A break from blogging......sad for us, but you need it to then show us even mmore lovely jewelry..........we will wait with baited breath! Enjoy your days and hug Walter for me please.

[Kathleen Botsford]

I was doing a trunk show at Saks Fifth Avenue a few years back. After spending quite a long time with a woman, answering questions, giving directions and sharing information, the woman proceed to inform me that she was my "competition" and everything I had just shared with her would soon be used against me in the market place. She said this with a smug little smile on her face, taunting me to respond. I took a deep breath and told her as sweetly as I could that I don't believe in competition. That we are each and everyone of us unique individuals with our own unique creativity to express. Yes, she could use the knowledge I shared with her and even copy my pieces as best she could, but the energy of HER unique soul would be sorely absent and the beauty that was HERS to express would go undiscovered and as much as she tried to copy me, her pieces would remain lifeless and unanimated because they were not born of her energy, her spirit.
Your work is one of a kind Nina, not because of it's design but because of YOU and the love and the energy that comes from YOUR soul to animate each and every piece of your soul-filled art. You have touched and imbued each piece with it's story. NO ONE can do that but you, no one. Their work may find it's place in the market but it will never be YOUR work. You are one of a kind! I hope to own one of your pieces soon. You seem to sell them as fast as you create them! Have a fabulous time at Artfest!

[Seth]

A very full post, with both your thought provoking words and your stunning creations. Totally love your pieces with the paint brush tips. Vey cool! And I read with interest your thoughts on "copying." A challenging situation to deal with for sure. Maybe just putting the discussion out there, as you have, can make a difference!

[Denise Petersen]

As much as some people want to imitate you there is only one Nina and your work cannot be imitated because it is made by your hand. I am sure you have heard the statement that imitation is the best form of flattery. I think that people who copy your work because it is so beautiful and they lack the creativity and necessary skills of combining items to make true works of art. Keep your head up, there is only one true Nina and your fans know the difference.

[Denise Petersen]

I think I know I person that sells tutorials on Etsy, which I know is your work. I am sure she will lose respect from the community and your fans. Time tells all.