Art Journal

I am so jealous.....

I am a fairly versatile and creative person. There are really only  two things that I've ever tried at which I have failed miserably. Those would be the mastery of certain types of beadweaving, and photography. I can do basic Peyote stitch, loom weaving, basic square, right angle, etc., stitches. But, I completely SUCK at my fav stitches;  free-form and sculptural Peyote. [I also love spiral stitch and crocheted beads, but I'll save my whining about my lack of ability with those for another day.] And, I am not that  competent at even the basic stitches, other than a couple of them.

So anyway, I curse myself each time that I try one of the aforementioned stitches again, wondering if I am somehow "challenged". Whatever the reason, I can not wrap my mind around these stitches. Gah......so very frustrating.

One of the best, and most well known of the artists who have mastered these stitches, is Jeanette Cook of Beady Eyed Women.  Her work is incredible, even though her website really does not showcase her best work, she is totally excellent at this art/craft. An example of one of her pieces is depicted in the image at the top of this post.

Some examples of beadwork by other bead weavers/artists that I admire are below (not necessarily related to those stitches). Do visit their sites to see more of their work.......these ladies are really so talented!

Defining Art Jewelry - Six Simple Rules

  In a previous post, I talked about the frequent misuse of the terms "art" and "artist". Along the same lines are the  terms "art jewelry" and "artisan jewelry", and they are also widely misused.

Because I create and sell both artisan jewelry and art jewelry, I would like to define the terms here, for the edification of readers. Feel free to post your own opinions in comments, as always.

Six Simple Rules to Help You to Discern "Art Jewelry" From "Artisan Jewelry"

1. Art jewelry is not defined as "art" by the materials from which it is made. All materials are fair game. 
2. A piece of art jewelry involves more than simple stringing.
3. A piece of art jewelry involves more than simple wirework.
4. The mass manufacturers do not create art jewelry. Rather, art jewelry is created by independent designers|artists, usually as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces or as limited editions. 
5. Art jewelry is considered art, and is judged in the same manner as other forms of visual art.
6. True art jewelry does not use the patterns of other artists or artisans. Art jewelry is always original.

Examples after the jump.