tothemetal - handmade jewelry

Thursday's Wish List

2011-08-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-08-01T12:45:00.001-07:00

Bracelet Detail | Karola Torkos

Rings | Juriy Bylkov

Black Resin Ring | Theresa Burger

"Worn" Series | Lynette Andreasen

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-07-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back, you guys!

Here is today's Wish List. I call it "Color Me Happy"! :)

A Tiny Neighborhood | becaruns

Modern folded embroidery card | Qenbleu

The party is here | aussiekn

1970s Belly Warmer Ties | BlueRoseRetro

Vintage appetizer forks | sovietvintage

Vintage Rainbow Mug | inVintage

Thanks for reading!

Going Away

2011-07-15T02:50:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone!
It's vacation time for me at last!
See you all again on the 25th of July.

Have fun and take care!

xx
Marina

Photo via HarperSmith

Thursday's Wish List

2011-07-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-07-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Fools Gold Viola | Karola Torkos

Crochet Sculptures | uloni

Color Options Mirador Wooden Rings | bandada 2010

Earrings | Ashley Akers

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-07-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-07-04T04:06:00.000-07:00

Granulation

Rad Pack 3 | lora hart

Oxidized granule brooch | &rea1

Pin/Pendant #4 | Vina Rust

Pin/Brooch | Ligia Rocha

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-06-30T04:13:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-06-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Gold

Coral Brooch | nervous system
Bubble Lace Studs | Colleen Baran
Dune Ring | Natasha Kahn
Gold script mockup3 | Cynthia Rohrer

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-06-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-06-20T01:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday's Wish List

2011-06-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-06-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Beach Finds

Coral growing on coke lid | Rebeccathewrecker

Beach treasures | psarokokalo

Pebble finds | Lila Ruby King

"Keepsake" | Maria Apostolou

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-06-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

black mountain: organic bag (hand-dyed) | hazel & hunter

Silk Tee Black Petal Inkblot | by rachel rose

Shadow Box "Three Feathers" No1 | PurpurPapilio

bloomsbury - bone china mug in black | summersville

set of 3 faux deer head, greeting card | FrenchMelody

Vintage Simpson Bosworth Black Vinyl Chairs | urgestudio

Thanks for reading!

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-06-06T04:18:00.000-07:00

RAW 7/52 | Ligia Rocha

wingring | Arthur Hash

RAW 52/12 | Ceeb Wassermann

Wood ring with goldleaf | bandada 2010

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-06-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

Arietis - Black & White Striped Brooch | LaPitxtxi

BW print - "bird" | zseike

linen oblong pouch | bookhou at home

blank folded modern card "there is a light that never goes out" | InQueue

Hand Printed Navajo Tank in Organic Jersey | thiefandbandit

Rose Lace Slip Top | alison dahl

Thanks for reading!

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-05-30T04:54:00.001-07:00

Inspiring Architecture

Geometrie architettoniche | elen@c
Recomponiendo | Lophohora
Le Corbusier interieur NDdH | damenartclass
En caso de emergencia | "venasdemas"

Thanks for reading!

Leaves Of Hypothetical | Constantinos Valaes

2011-05-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

At the Titanium Yiayianos Gallery in Athens, the sculptor and painter Constantinos Valaes is exhibiting his olive tree sculptures. Here are a few words about the artist and the exhibition:

"The painter, sculptor and hagiographer Constantinos Valaes -when he first started creating olive tree sculptures, 10 years ago- wished to express his love for the olive tree, not just as an icon but also as a symbol of spirit, ideals and ancient Greek history. By using materials, such as copper and bronze, he managed over time to develop his primary idea by giving his projects shape, character and opinion and creating art through his endless inspiration."

Info via Titanium Yiayianos Gallery

Images via diakopes.gr

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-05-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-05-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

Oak Island NC Beach Brooch | Ann Jenkins

mokume5 | Lynette Andreasen

ellipse | Renovav

mokume wedding set | Chuck Domitrovich

Thanks for reading!

Coming Soon - New Summer Line

2011-05-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my new summer line with everyone!
24K Gold Plated geometric earrings and necklaces will be coming shortly at my etsy shop.

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-05-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-05-16T02:44:00.000-07:00

Sea of hexagons | emikw

O O O o o o | uloni

Milwaukee Art Museum 8 | Bill in STL

brick patterns | nervous system

Thanks for reading!

Kaleidoskopio Market @ La Doze, Thessaloniki

2011-05-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, good news!
This weekend May 14th & 15th I will be participating at the Kaleidoskopio Market held at La Doze Bar in Thessaloniki. So, if you are in the area, and you like cool handmade stuff and fabulous music, come have a look!

For more info Καλειδοσκόπιο

Thursday's Wish List

2011-05-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-05-09T05:07:00.001-07:00

Resin Rings | Theresa Burger
Precious Wood | Neva Balnikova
Mod Ring | mio studio
RAW 5 - I Was A Cube | 3 dots

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-05-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-05-02T06:16:00.001-07:00

Neckpiece V | Karola Torkos

The Maid | The Noisy Plume

emc pr9 | Alisa Miller

loop chain coral | emitscha

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-04-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-04-25T06:22:00.001-07:00

Bracelet #2 Stained Cell Series, 2006 | Vina Rust

Ripples Bangle | Rebecca Ward

Solv Armband | Fie Von Krogh

Line Bracelet | Naventin

Thanks for reading!

Ryan McGinley - Photography

2011-04-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

"In yet another departure, McGinley has incorporated black-and-white and color studio portraits of nudes and animals interacting in sometimes sweet, sometimes surprising ways. The use of animals is another facet of McGinley’s exploration of the natural world. They bring out the animalistic qualities of the nude figure, and the scratches on the bodies signify our desire to commune with nature and the excitement and risks inherent therein."

All images and info via Ryan McGinley

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-04-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-04-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sterling Oxidized His & Hers Cuffs | Quench Metalworks

Lace Collars | dandelionblu

Microformed NuGold Bracelet | Diane Weimer

The begining... | Ana Margarida Carvalho

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-04-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-04-11T02:02:00.001-07:00

Titanium | Juriy Bylkov
ti Box 2006| Jon Ryan
Suzuka Chrysanthemum Cocktail Ring | Poppy Porter
Bolt Wrap | knittingjesika

Thanks for reading!

Thursday's Wish List

2011-04-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

Hello dear readers!
I decided that from now on, once a week, I will be sharing with you my most favorite items from etsy. All the lovely things that I wish I could have! :)

So, here is today's Wish List. You might notice I have a crush on yellow! ;)

Typewriter Wood Brooch | CraftyFolk

Snug Blossom Lemon Wooden Necklace | snugstudio

Molly Canteen Cross Body Purse | automaticsweetheart

Vintage Haymaker Neon Yellow Skirt | Julia Fenelon Vintage

Yellow | Erin Tyner

Turquoise/Yellow Meteorite Slice Ring | Triian

Thanks for reading!

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-04-04T02:10:00.000-07:00

Robert Wallis | Untitled
Barbara Taramasso | Onda Ring
Tabitha Ott | Recycled Material Ring
Mike Stromberg | Mike 031110

Thanks for reading!

Ola Rindal - Photography

2011-03-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ola Rindal, Born in Norway, is a photographer now living and working in Paris. She studied film and photography, and has participated in numerous exhibitions.

"For if the moment of an action always shows something caught on-the-spot, Rindal’s photos are essentially such that some kind of double-trigger effect takes place. Although the subjects stand “rooted to the ground”, they somehow look as if they were floating within rather indeterminate ambiances, ambivalent situations seemingly stock-still and yet hovering. As a result, one’s visual impression is kept insecure, as nothing appears to be really assured."
Frédéric BONNET, For Galerie Catherine Bastide, 2010

All info and photos via Ola Rindal

Thanks for reading!

New National Gallery - Nuuk, Greenland

2011-03-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

BIG + TNT Nuuk + Ramboll Nuuk + Arkitekti is the winning team to design the new National Gallery of Greenland in the country’s capital Nuuk.
The new National Gallery will be located on a steep slope overlooking the most beautiful of Greenland’s fjords. The museum will include both historical and contemporary art of the country.

Quite impressive architectural design if I might say.

Information and images via BIG , e-architect

Thanks for reading!

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-03-28T05:42:00.001-07:00

Nina Dinoff | Ring a Day 26/365
Rohrer Design | Pearl rings
Elvira H. Mateu | Agujas de Tejo
Ligia Rocha | Ring a Day 20/365

Thanks for reading!

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-03-21T04:06:00.001-07:00

Seeding the clouds by Emily Watson
Broken Cup inspiration by Sara Westermark
Loop bracelet by Anthony Tammaro
Propane by Arthur Hash

Thanks for reading!

Luise Schenderlein - Jewelry Design

2011-03-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

Luise Schenderlein is a Berlin based jewelry designer. I came across her work at apparat today, and instantly thought of sharing.

"Place of Refuge"

"Transcience" inspired by a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke

Images and info via apparat , Hochschule Wismar

Thanks for reading!

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-03-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

Repusse Rose Brooch by Mod3rnart
Pendants with Facets by Amy Tavern
Plastic and Metal earrings by Thea Clark
Le Bleu by Neva Balnikova

Thanks for reading!

Jaime Hayon - Haute Couture Furniture

2011-03-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

The talented Mr. Hayon has done it again. His new Sé collection of furniture created for luxury brand Sé, was launched at the London Design Festival in September. Mr. Hayon describes the collection as haute couture furniture. I would describe them as jewels.

All images and info via: Sé London
London Design Festival

Monday's flickr favorites

2011-03-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

Starting from today, every Monday I will be showcasing some of my flickr favorites. With so many talented artists I'm sure I will be having trouble choosing!
So, here we go:

Basket Pendant by Allyson Bone
Wrought Inlay Wide Bracelet by Natasha Wozniak
Satisfaction Box's by Wasser Joyas Orfebreria Contemporanea
Honeycomb Necklace by Alisa Miller

You can also click on the photos for more info.

Thanks for reading!

Persephoni - Queen of Geometry

2011-01-30T03:52:00.000-08:00

Some of you might know that Persephone was the Queen of the Underworld in Greek mythology. In modern Greece though, I think Persephoni is the Queen of Geometry.

She creates unique handmade jewelry and accessories from stainless steel, combined with soft materials such as felt and leather.
Amazing work by a very talented Greek designer.

All images and info via Persephoni.

Stephanie Voegele - Faceted Formations

2011-01-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Voegele is a jeweler residing in Athens, Georgia with a diverse set of artistry skills which include enameling, casting, metalwork, teaching, and challenging the conventions of jewelry through the use of alternative materials, as stated in her bio.

Above and below are images from her latest production line,"Faceted Formations", which I personally find inspiring and amazing. The earrings have been powder coated, and are made from brass and sterling silver.

All images and information via Stephanie Voegele.

Brass Brooch - New at my etsy shop

2010-10-13T06:12:00.001-07:00

This brooch is new today at my etsy shop!
It is made out of brass that has been hand cut out of brass sheet. The brooch is decorated with a vintage Japanese print of cranes. The image is printed in high quality glossy photo paper and has been sealed with cold glaze. Sterling silver pin is soldered at the back and the brooch has a brushed matte finish.

Thanks for reading!

B-Day Gift to me!

2010-10-01T02:32:00.000-07:00

This is my b-day gift to myself made by me! I guess it's all about me me me today :)

Today is my Birthday!

2010-10-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

I'm dedicating this song to myself today and I'm taking the rest of the day off to have some fun!

If you're not a Sugarcubes or Bjork fan please bare with me, after all it's my birthday! ;)

Old stuff - New stuff

2010-10-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting my blog for quite a while but it was due to lots of work that needed to be done. I have finally managed to make some new stuff!
This silver brooch is one of my past designs that I got a chance to re-shoot and list recently at my etsy shop. The brooch is decorated with a vintage Chinese print of a lotus pond. The image is printed in high quality glossy photo paper and has been sealed with cold glaze.

New designs will be posted real soon so stay tuned!

Summer's Almost Gone

2010-08-21T02:35:00.000-07:00

Perivolos Beach, Sea Side

I hate to admit it but it's true; summer's coming to an end. I am so grateful though because I had an amazing time! ;)
The photos above and below are from our vacation in Santorini.

The view to Oia from our balcony at Perivolas Suites

Caldera, Fira and at the background Oia

The sunset at Oia

Beautiful Oia right after sunset and a glimpse of our hotel Perivolas Suites

Dj Shadow Live @Thessaloniki!

2010-07-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am so happy I managed to catch this show, it was absolutely brilliant!!!
The video below is of Dj Shadow playing live none other than the renowned "Organ Donor".
via StereoNova

Have you entered the giveaway?!

2010-07-13T05:32:00.001-07:00

My Blue Birds are looking for a new home!

Well dear readers if you haven't yet fear not; there's still time! Just go on ahead and leave a comment over at Westervin.com (giveaway ends Sunday July 18th) and the Blue Birds could be yours! Piece of cake ;)

Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy

2010-07-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Vertical Foliage, 1941

Alexander Calder is a huge source of inspiration for me and I really wish I could visit this exhibition at the Museum Of Contemporary Art of Chicago. But for now I'll have to settle with the images of his fascinating work!
Read below the Museum's announcement to find out more about Alexander Calder and the exhibition.

"Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy pairs the work of Alexander Calder with the work of seven contemporary artists whose practices are bound to Calder's legacy as modern sculptor. While a well-known, even beloved figure, Calder has not previously been considered an important point of reference for contemporary artists. This is the first exhibition to explore Calder's significance for an emerging generation of sculptors, reconsidering his influence and his innovation through a presentation of his own work alongside the work of contemporary artists."

The Spider, 1940

             Aluminum Leaves, Red Post, 1941            

Pierced Stone, 1944 Bronze

Information via Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago
Images via Calder Foundation

Wedding Season

2010-06-25T02:13:00.000-07:00

These are two pairs of weddings rings and a pair of wedding crowns I've made this past month for my dearest friends. I wish them all happiness and a life full of love and joy.

For Aggelos & Rania

Wedding rings 18kt white gold, platinum plated

Wedding crowns 950 silver, copper

For Phaedon & Lia

Wedding rings 18kt white gold, platinum plated

TRIIAN - One Of A Kind

2010-05-08T02:11:00.000-07:00

TRIIAN: Modern Era Gems are truly One Of A Kind. The creative force behind TRIIAN are Trisha Brookbank and Brian Burkhardt, professional artists who came together in 2007 and collaborated in creation and life.

TRIIAN Gems are hand fabricated solely from synthetic and reclaimed materials and adorned with Swarovski crystals.

All information and images via TRIIAN

Lucky Me! I won a Vamoose Necklace!

2010-04-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

About a week ago I entered a giveaway over at Westervin blog. The prize was an amazing necklace by The Vamoose, a very talented lady from the United Kingdom. I had just discovered Kathryn's (aka The Vamoose) shop on etsy a few days before entering the giveaway and I hearted her instantly! I also fell in love with her blog, a collection of ethereal images of her work as well as other inspiring photographs.

Go on and have a look at Kathryn's work you won't regret it!

Also check out Westervin's new giveaway: an oh so cute vintage elephant pencil holder!

image via thevamoose.blogspot.com

Karola Torkos - Inspiring Jewelry

2010-04-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Karola Torkos is a jewelry designer from East Germany currently based in London, whose work I truly admire. From her Variable Collection, jewelry that allow the wearer to change the look of a piece, to her Fools Gold Collection, colorful pieces of plastic combined with silver that remind you of candy, every single piece of her jewelry demonstrates her creativity and her talent as a jewelry maker.

Below is a statement video of Karola's work from Object Fetish Gallery (fascinating to watch her Variable jewelry change form!) :

And here are some pieces from her "dot dot dot" and "enamel" collections.

Images via karakola/Karola Torkos

David Watkins - Artist in Jewellery

2010-04-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Next month I will be visiting London for five days and I really want to plan ahead for this trip so yesterday I was checking out the Victoria & Albert Museum website to find out what will be on at that time. Luckily there is an exhibition, a retrospective view of David Watkins' Jewellery.

"David Watkins has been designing and making jewellery since the 1960's and is known for his experimental approach to materials and technology. He has been the Professor of Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery at the Royal College of Art, London, since 1984. He combines this position with his practice as a studio jeweller and occasional sculptor."

Information and images via Victoria & Albert Museum, David Watkins

Nan Goldin - The condition of being human

2010-03-31T01:23:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I read an article in Maison & Decoration about Rebecca Camhi, a gallery owner in Greece, and the exhibition of Nan Goldin's photography. There was only one tiny photo of Nan Goldin's work because the article was about the gallery owner, but I felt that something clicked and I had to know more about her.
I was really moved by her work and by the way she explains what her photographs are about.

Nan Goldin started taking pictures at the age of 15 and later on in the early 70's she was introduced by a friend to drag queens and started living with them and documenting their lives.

Additionally she took photos of her friends at clubs and at private moments as well as self portraits. As she states she wanted to make a record of real life because she knew from a very early age that what she saw on television had nothing to with real life.

Nan Goldin says that her work has always been misunderstood of being about drugs and parties and the underground but she explains that it was never about that, it was about the condition of being human and the pain and the ability to survive and how difficult that is.

Information via nan goldin interview part 1 , nan goldin interview part 2

The Meet Market @ the Art House - Thessaloniki

2010-03-18T02:40:00.001-07:00

I am really excited about this weekend! After almost 3 weeks of hard work and preparations the time has finally come to show my work at the Meet Market, alongside with my friend Kiki aka kikidicreations.
This month's Meet Market will be held at the Art House gallery/bar in Thessaloniki, opening Saturday March 20th until Sunday March 21st.

The Meet Market is a non-profit cultural collective of creatives that gathers once a month for a 2 day weekend event, exhibiting and selling handmade items with a full line up of music from local djs and music producers.

So if you are in the neighborhood come on and meet us!

For more info please visit:
The Meet Market
Art House - gallery/bar

Caroline Bassett - Contemporary Jewelry

2010-03-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Caroline Bassett is a contemporary jewelry designer and maker based in New Zealand. I came across her work on Kit and Caboodle and after some research I found out that our stories are quite alike. After a dissatisfying job she decided to go back to school and that's how she started making jewelry.

Below are some photos of her recent beauties along with her statement about her work:

"Jewellery is always a fervent character in my life, and is seen is an extension of the body and mind. My specialty is fabrication and surface manipulation. The enjoyment of the problematic is a strong aspect of my jewellery construction and practice. I love to solve."

"Most work is created in enjoyment for Memory, Thought and Visual hedonism. Most facets centred from and around in the minds eye. It is these three things that govern my works using photography and illustration as the vehicle to enliven the audience and hopefully awaken a special connection."

Information and images via Caroline Bassett, gallery thirty three

tothemetal - Featured at Etsy Item Of The Day

2010-03-09T03:47:00.000-08:00

It's a happy day today! The wonderful lady of Etsy Item Of The Day, Jackie, has done a lovely feature of my etsy shop!
She has been dedicated for quite a while now on showcasing every day her favorite handmade items from etsy.

Have a look: Etsy Item Of The Day

Thank you Jackie!

tothemetal - Featured at ermoumag

2010-02-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

The lovely people over at ermoumag.com decided a while ago to do a special feature about etsy sellers from Greece. After a series of wonderful shops being in the spotlight this week is finally my turn! And the most important part: there's a huge giveaway!!!

If you fancy these cuties

{Blue Bird Oval Hoops - Sterling silver, titanium }

just leave a comment at ermoumag and get a chance to make them yours.

Good luck!

Massive Attack - Splitting the Atom

2010-02-10T05:45:00.000-08:00

I consider myself fortunate enough to have seen Massive Attack perform live three times throughout the years.

And now they are back with a new album.
The following track is called Splitting the Atom (feat. Horace Andy), from the newly released Heligoland. The video is directed by Edouard Salier.

Just brilliant.

Massive Attack-Splitting the Atom-directed by Edouard Salier from edouard salier on Vimeo.

New Love - Thief & Bandit

2010-02-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

Today I wanted to show off my latest buy from etsy!
It's a T-shirt by Thief & Bandit with a hand printed Antique Knife Print. I am absolutely in love with it!

Thief&Bandit is Amie Cunningham, a woodcarver, designer, and artist by way of Canada and now living and working in Richmond, VA. All Thief&Bandit fabrics are handprinted and all goods handmade with care in her Richmond studio.

thiefandbandit.com
thiefandbandit.etsy.com

Tom Dixon - Objects Of Desire

2010-01-16T03:45:00.000-08:00

Tom Dixon is one of my favorite industrial designers. I discovered him a while back during my research for my final metalsmithing class project. I was instantly drawn to his minimal style and intrigued by his impressive biography.

Tom Dixon is a British designer specializing mainly in furniture. He was born in 1959 in Sfax, Tunisia and moved to the United Kingdom at the age of four. Without formal training, he began designing furniture in his early 20s when after being injured in a motorcycle accident he used his welding skills learned while repairing his motorcycle to create a variety of objects.

Items of his work form part of the collections of the Boston Museum of Fine Art, the Design Museum in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Moma in New York, the Tokyo Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Vitra Museum, Basle, Switzerland.

Images via Tom Dixon.
Information via Wikipedia

Melanie Eddy - Geometric Perfection

2010-01-13T01:21:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was browsing through The Carrotbox I came across Melanie Eddy's jewelry. Have a look and tell me if these aren't perfection then what is?!

All images via Melanie Eddy Jewellery

The Sunshine Award

2010-01-11T01:47:00.000-08:00

My good friend Kiki, web and jewelry designer and fellow blogger gave me the Sunshine Award!

Now it is my turn to pass it on to 12 of my favorite blogs. So here it goes in random order:

1. To The Sartorialist, for the amazing photos and the incredible sense of style.

2. To 18kt, for Marta's continuous search for contemporary jewelry designers.

3. To Kate's "for me, for you", for her great photos, her style and her lovely jewelry.

4. To .amytavern, for her jaw dropping jewelry!

5. To apparat, for being a huge source of inspiration.

6. To Kiki, who although doesn't like Devendra (for which I forgive her!), takes amazing photos and makes beautiful jewelry. Plus she is my good friend!

7. To Closet Cooking, for all the fine recipes and their perfect presentation. Makes you wanna cook!

8. To athensville, for sharing the beautiful and the unpleasant of the city of Athens.

9. To The Life and Times of the Plume, for Jillian's beautiful photos, stunning jewelry and her creative writing.

10. To StereoNova, for the Music.

11. To Marta Miguel, for her exceptional and inspiring photos.

12. To Dominika Naborowska's Panie Przodem, for her dedication in the search and presentation of contemporary jewelry.

Well that's it! I hope you enjoy.

The Amazing Devendra Banhart

2010-01-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

So this is what I've recently been listening to in my studio while sawing and filing silver. Holy moly is what I can only say, quoting Devendra. He makes me feel good!

Robin Street Market - Unique & Handmade Gifts From Around the World

2010-01-06T02:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to Everyone!!!

I am very excited to introduce to you the new Online Store Robin Street Market.

Sharon and David (the people behind Robin Street Market) inspired by their travels to faraway places and their love for handmade, had the fabulous idea to create an online store with unique and handmade items from around the world. But the thing I love the most about it is that you can virtually meet the artists who create these beautiful items, by reading about the things they like about their cities and their work.
Robin Street Market has a very friendly and fun feel to it. I suggest you have a look!

robinstreetmarket.com
robin street market blog

UnitedVisualArtists

2009-11-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

I just discovered the work of the UnitedVisualArtists through their collaboration with Massive Attack.

They directed Massive Attack's new video "United snakes" which is amazing (must watch it full screen!), but I was really blown away by the installation they did about a year ago at Covent Garden.

Constellation - Covent Garden winter ligths

"Commissioned by Covent Garden, UVA lit up the market halls of Covent Garden with a responsive light installation. Launched as the flagship piece of the winter season program at Covent Garden the installation featured 600 custom-designed mirrored LED tubes hanging above the entire Covent Garden market space. The volumetric arrangement of the tubes created a canvas in which three dimensional light formations were made possible. Constellation was also individually controllable using a custom-designed control panel, giving the installation an intimate connection with the public."

Constellation from United Visual Artists on Vimeo.

All information, images and video via UnitedVisualArtists

Record Club - Songs Of Leonard Cohen

2009-11-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

Record Club: Songs Of Leonard Cohen "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

sirphik, I think you might like this.

Philip Tsiaras - The Supereal

2009-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

"I think what I like about being an artist... is the freedom to investigate anything I feel, at any time, in any way. I'm not formally trained, so I don't have any preconceptions as to how I should or shouldn't go about doing something." Philip Tsiaras

The Thessaloniki Museum Of Photography presents the first exhibition in Greece of the international artist Philip Tsiaras. Displayed at the exhibition will stand more than 200 selected works of the artist, covering his whole photographic output from 1971 to date. Until December 6 2009.

Philip Tsiaras (b. 1952) is an international artist of Greek origin, who lives and works in New York City. Tsiaras works in a great range of media–painting, photography, glass, ceramic, and bronze. He has exhibited in the Venice Biennale three times and produced a ten foot bronze sculpture on the Grand Canal entitled “Social Climber”.Since 1974 he made more than 75 one-person exhibitions.

Images and information via Philip Tsiaras, art topos, photo.gr

Madeleine Vionnet - Puriste De La Mode Exhibition

2009-09-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

I became familiar with Madeleine Vionnet's work about five years ago, when I first began studying jewelry design. I had an assignment on fashion history and during my research I discovered Vionnet along with Mariano Fortuny, another great artist.

Madeleine Vionnet (June 22, 1876 - March 2, 1975) was a French fashion designer who created a fashion revolution by introducing the bias cut, a technique that enables fabric to cling softly to the body while moving with it, eschewing corsets and other constricting undergarments. Drawing inspiration by the Greek, Roman and medieval styles as well as the modern dances of Isadora Duncan, Vionnet created designs that showed off a woman's natural shape. Her garments appear to float freely around the body rather than distort or mold its shape.

In 1952, Madeleine Vionnet donated 22 dresses, 750 dress patterns and 75 photo albums to Les Arts Décoratifs. Selected from her major works between 1912 and 1939 and now restored with the aid of Natixis, this exceptional collection of avant-garde designs can at last be shown to the public. Madeleine Vionnet’s entire career was marked by her constant quest for freedom in extremely refined but unfettered designs close to antique drapery, which continue to fascinate couturiers such as Azzedine Alaia, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and John Galliano.

All information and images via Les Arts Décoratifs, wikipedia

The making of a Chanel Haute Couture Outfit

2009-07-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

This video is absolute magic! It shows the process by which a Karl Lagerfeld's sketch, of a Chanel haute couture outfit, comes to life. Chanel's seamstresses put in hours of work cutting patterns and sewing sequins by hand. These women are great artists!

Have a look:

The Stimulus Project - Sienna Gallery

2009-07-30T08:51:00.001-07:00

Held at the Sienna Gallery in Lenox, MA and ongoing through August an exhibition titled The Stimulus Project.
The Project's aim is to provide an opportunity for handmade jewelry and objects to be accessible to a larger audience and to stimulate the flow of income for artists working across the United States and Canada.
With 80 of the most talented emerging artists participating in the project (some of my favorite such as Amy Tavern, Arthur Hash, Allyson Bone, Vina Rust to name but a few) I only wish I could be there!

Information via Sienna Gallery - The Stimulus Project

Images via Arthur Hash

tothemetal - July designs

2009-07-30T08:27:00.001-07:00

Lotus part stud earrings

Summer constellation necklace

Large leaf and sodalite beads necklace

available at my etsy shop

The most beautiful gift

2009-07-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was my name day and I received the most unexpected and beautiful gift ever, a painting by the Greek artist Stathis Koukopoulos.
It was given to me by a man I deeply respect and admire.

It's now hanging in my bedroom and I get to see it every morning I wake up. Thank you.

Théâtre de la Mode - French Couture

2009-07-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Robert Piguet, Raphaël, Pierre Balmain
Balenciaga

David Seidner: Paris Fashions, 1945
Back in 1944, the war-battered French couture industry decided to revive its international reputation by conceiving a small exhibition entitled Théâtre de la Mode. The exhibition organizer enlisted the major fashion designers of the day, including Jeanne Lanvin, Lucien Lelong, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Pierre Balmain to create outfits for small wire-frame dolls just over two feet tall.

Lucien Lelong

The exhibition of over 230 dolls, displayed in artist-designed sets, opened in Paris on March 27, 1945 at the Museum of Decorative Arts. It was an instant sensation, and traveled to London, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Vienna, New York, and San Francisco. With the return of the French fashion industry, the dolls had completed their work and were donated to the Maryhill Museum near Portland, Oregon, where they disappeared from view.

Marcel Dhorme

Under an extraordinary set of circumstances in 1990, the dolls were rediscovered and returned to Paris, recoiffed and restyled for an exhibition at the Musée de la Mode. Because of his pioneering work with French fashion and historical gowns, David Seidner was asked to photograph the little dolls. Working in the rough interior of an abandoned theatre set, Seidner captured the essence of French style in dolls dressed in designs made on the eve of Christian Dior's New Look, which radically changed fashion in 1947. ICP will exhibit fifteen of Seidner's color photographs from the David Seidner Archive in the Permanent Collection, along with one of the original dolls.

Jean Patou "Fleurs de Mal"

All information and images via icp.org

Ode to Origami

2009-06-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yuko Nishimura

"Only by folding one piece of paper an expressive masterpiece can be created. This is the Japanese way of folding.In order to link the past with future generations regarding the form of folding, I do not limit myself to the category of origami but consider the pursuit of any possibility of folding paper."

via YukoNishimura.com

Yasuhiro Yamashita

"I think everything is border-less, so don’t be limited, try to have a
wide view and the most important thing is to contribute to society
and not to just satisfy yourself."

via designboom

Simon Schu bert

"Most of the people who see the work are surprised that the pictures are created by folding paper, they don't believe it when I tell them."

via telegraph.co.uk

Lucas Samaras - 53rd Venice Biennale

2009-06-14T02:11:00.000-07:00

Lucas Samaras is representing Greece at the 53rd Venice Biennale. He will present the multi-installation “PARAXENA” in the Greek Pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale. “PARAXENA” (meaning strange in Greek) brings together three recent series of photographic and video works produced between 2005 and 2009, juxtaposed with a discrete group of sculptural works from the mid 1960s. ‘PARAXENA’ sets up a conversation across four decades of Lucas Samaras’ practice, establishing a historical context for the recent departures in his work.

Upon entering the pavilion the viewer will be confronted by an image of themselves, reflected in the mirrored sculpture ‘Doorway’ (1966-2007): a scenario that initiates a narrative that runs throughout ‘PARAXENA’, where the act of being observed and the activity of observing are central concerns.

Lucas Samaras (b. 1936, Kastoria, Macedonia, Greece) is widely known for creating a diverse body of work including sculpture, drawings, paintings, film and environments, many of which explore his own image as subject matter. He has innovatively combined materials such as beads, chicken wire, clay, Cor-ten steel, fabric, pastel, pencil, pins, plaster, and oil, and developed and/or experimented with new techniques and mediums, such as the Polaroid, which have had profound impact on younger artists.

All images and information via www.paraxenavenice.gr

tothemetal - new designs

2009-06-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished these new pieces and updated my etsy shop.

Wild plant and howlite beads necklace.

950 silver, sterling silver, howlite round beads.
I'm so happy with this piece, the wild plant pattern is one of my favorite designs!
Wild plant earrings sold out at my etsy shop. Time to make some more!

Lotus earrings

950 silver, sterling silver, oxidized
These earrings were inspired by a close up look at the lotus leaf. It's amazing how many patterns you can find!

Paul Villinski - Artwork

2009-06-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Beer can butterflies - artist statement

" Who leaves these crushed beer cans – forlorn evidence scattered in the streets of the city? I take these “dead soldiers” – every one of them once raised to someone’s lips – and breathe new life into them, changing them into images that suggest the possibility of change itself. A kind of conceptual unity develops between materials, process and imagery: my practice in the studio mimics the act of transformation that butterflies symbolize everywhere, in all cultures."

" The beer can butterflies are like snowflakes, no two exactly alike. Many are imprinted with the textures of the streets of New York, embossed by the printing press of passing traffic. While each element is unique, individual, they are rarely alone. They rest or fly en masse, flowing in the same direction or diverging, each on its own path – a dream of harmony and community." (via Paul Villinski.com)

Shadow drawings - artist statement

" "Simple magic:” a kind of very modest alchemy. Start with humble, cast off materials, in this case a few dozen flattened, littered beer cans from the streets, wire from Canal Street Surplus, tiny bulbs from Radio Shack. Get out the scissors, files, and soldering iron. You're thinking: “the whole greater than the sum of the parts.... Make the things you are making nearly dissappear; all you want is their shadows. Not vine charcoal, not gouache, shadow.” Open a window and a little surprise arrives: a breeze brings a shadow to life; now search for the center of gravity and build-in the possibility of motion...add a small fan and the walls turn animate: at the month’s end a gently fluttering shadow garden of nocturnal flora and fauna." (via Paul Villinski.co m)

All images via Paul Villinski.com

Inspiration - Lucien Hervé

2009-06-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

Lucien Hervé was a French-Hungarian photographer well known for his black and white photos of architecture. His collaboration with the infamous Le Corbusier had such an effect on the latter, that resulted in the re-drawing of some of his original plans. Hervé had shown Le Corbusier a completely different view through his photographs. He wrote to Hervé pronouncing him to have "the soul of an architect".

Hervé also collaborated with numerous architects and took photos of modern architecture buildings as well as archeological monuments.
His last work consists of photographs of his apartment in Paris.

More work by Lucien Hervé here.

(Information and images via Wikipedia, Michael Hoppen Gallery, Lucien Hervé , Museo Kendamy)

Etherial images - Alinka Echeverria

2009-06-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

The moment I saw this shot I was captivated.

It's an image from Alinka Echeverria's photography and film, titled "The lightness of being". Alinka Echeverria shoots underwater images taken from a different angle. Take a few minutes and watch "The lightness of being" video found at Alinka Echeverria's site. You won't regret it! Many thanks to Anthony Tammaro for tweeting this (via NOTCOT.)

Melanie Favreau - Under Consideration Collection

2009-06-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

I was so enchanted by Melanie Favreau's new collection that I just had to make a post about it!

Her new Under Consideration collection is an exploration on asymmetrical shapes. Each piece is one a kind and I couldn't agree more! Melanie Favreau is a Canadian jewelry designer based in Quebec, Montreal. Her jewelry have an upbeat and fresh attitude, simple and minimal lines with a touch of humor.

See more of Melanie's work at:
Melanie's etsy shop
Melanie's flickr photostream

New listings at my etsy shop

2009-05-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

I recently listed two new items at my etsy shop.

New cool RockNRolla Hoops!

sterling silver hoops, oxidized, sterling silver round tube.

New Leaf Necklace

950 silver leafs, sterling silver round tube.

First post - First feature

2009-05-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

As my first post I decided to cut to the chase and make it my first feature!
So here they are, my two good friends and fellow artists Mod3rnart
Who are they and what do they do?

Well the short of it is that we are a creative dou, each complementing a different aspect of our work. We deeply believe that, "One whole, is two parts." From this base, we try to create art that is aesthetically beautiful to the core.

The jewelry design and creation is all done by the hands of Eleni Avloniti-from start to finish. Educated in metalsmithing and jewelry design, Eleni lives and creates on the Ionian Island of Corfu.

Website design/operation and jewelry marketing is run by Axilleas Stravoravdis. Fascinated by all things tech, especially Apple Products, Axilleas also lives on Corfu.

Mod3rnart runs one the of coolest blogs.
Check it out, to find out about the most interesting things going on regarding design, art, handmade goodies and featured artists.
Running also on their website is the fabulous idea of iStudio.
Artists post photos of their studios and we all get the chance to see where art is created!

Mod3rnart's work can be found at their etsy shop.