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New Arrivals
Some new artists and new arrivals from old favorites!
We have four new jewelry artists at Handscapes:
Julie Jerman-Melka of Flying Anvil Designs combines granite with pearls and gemstones for a unique look.
Ann Carol designs provides affordable whimsy with epoxy enamel on sterling and gold plate
Mar of Santa Barbara has a sleek contmporary look in brushed sterling.
In addition to these new artists, we have just gotten fresh new designs in from:
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About Pearls
Understanding the differences.
Pearls are very popular in jewelry right now and there are lots of options. It can be a bit confusing at times, so here is some information about the different types of pearls.
Natural pearls are pearls that are formed naturally without any human influence. Natural pearls occur when an irritant becomes lodged in the tissue of a pearl producing mollusk (such as an oyster or a mussel). The mollusk covers the irritant with layers of nacre to make it smooth and less irritating. Natural pearls are rare, and perfectly round natural pearls are even rarer, as the shape of the original irritant influences the shape of the pearl. Only the wealthiest people could own pearls before techniques were developed for culturing pearls.
Cultured pearls are identical to natural pearls except that the irritant is placed into the tissue of a pearl bearing mollusk by a pearl farmer. From this point on, the mollusk creates the pearl layer by layer, just as a natural pearl is created. By controlling the irritant, the pearl farmer determines the shape and size of the pearl. Virtually all pearls in the market today are cultured pearls, from inexpensive freshwater pearls to the highly desirable South Seas pearls.
Freshwater pearls are pearls that are grown in mollusks that live in freshwater rivers and lakes. These pearls are very popular as they are quite affordable and are genuine pearls. They come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Often they are color treated to enhance the natural colors.
Saltwater pearls are pearls that are grown in saltwater seas and oceans. These pearls are usually more expensive than freshwater pearls. They also tend to be rounder and to have a more beautiful lustre than freshwater pearls. Akoya, Tahitian, and South Sea pearls are all varieties of saltwater pearls. They are usually not color enhanced, as the natural colors and lustres are quite beautiful. |
| Furry Friends
A Well Traveled Cat!
Meet LillyStarRoseBush, perhaps one of the most well traveled cats in the world. Born in Seattle, she spent her first two years there.
Then she traveled with Alison's granddaughter Ela to Turkey. Now she lives happily near Istanbul with Ela and her family. (Of course, we wanted to show Ela off, too!) |
Alison Brooks
Handscapes Gallery
410 Front Street #1
Beaufort, NC 28516
252 728 6805 | |
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Greetings, and wecome to the April edition of our newsletter. We have two more artist profiles for you this month, as well as previews of new work and information about some of the fun things going on in Beaufort in April. |
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Patricia Locke
Blending the future with tradition
 Chicago artist Patricia Locke creates wonderful jewelry that blends traditional design with contemprary elements. A self-taught jeweler, Patricia began designing fine jewelry in 1971, making the transition to fashion jewelry in 1979.
Her influences are wide and varied, synthesizing influences as diverse as the Arts and Crafts movement to computer technology. A master of paradox, Locke's jewelry is at once handsome and beautiful, organic and geometric, contemporary with heirloom overtones.
While Locke's adornments take inspiration from a wealth of cultural and historic influences she says, "Ultimately, I'm more interested in the future than the past".
Patricia's designs are fabricated in antiqued 24k gold or sterling silver plate over bronze and pewter. She employs a wide variety of semi-precious stones, Austrian crystals, and pearls. All of her earwires are gold-filled or sterling silver. Patricia creates 5 collections annually.
To see more of Patricia Locke's jewelry, click on this link:
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Jennifer Garulski Stas
Functional Creativity
 Jennifer Garulski Stas is a North Carolina potter living in Wake Forest. A 1993 graduate of Appalachian State University, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in ceramics, with concentrations in sculpture and fibers. Jennifer lived and worked in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Boone until 2002, when she relocated to the Triangle area. Now dedicating herself full-time to her pottery, her work is displayed in many galleries across North Carolina. When not in her home studio, Jennifer can be found making pots at the Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh, where she is an instructor offering classes in the handbuilding studio.
About the Work....
"I choose clay because its spontaneous nature seems to keep up with my ever changing ideas. I work between many handbuilding techniques and the potter's wheel, often combining the two, and always with decorative function as the goal. The things we take into our home and use every day -- bowls and mugs and dinnerware -- shouldn't have to be ordinary simply because they serve an ordinary function, so I make pots with both beauty and practicality in mind. My aim is to bring about an aesthetic combination of my enthusiasm for both painting and pottery, so that each pot achieves distinction as well as utility.
 Starting with a mid-range stoneware clay, I put each of my pots through a 7 step process. After building or throwing the pieces, images are painted with colored slips, stains, and underglazes. Using a technique called sgraffito, the layers of colorants are carved through to expose the underlying clay body. After more staining and colors, the pots are finished by pouring a smooth, shiny layer of glaze on the inside. They are then fired to 2200 degrees in an electric kiln, resulting in pots that are safe for food and minor abuse (dishwasher, microwave)."
See more of Jenn's work by clicking on this link:
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| Beaufort's Wine & Food Festival
April 23 -27, 2008
The purpose of the Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend is to showcase great wineries and winemakers from around the world and pair them with food prepared by local, regional and visiting chefs in an intimate coastal setting along the Crystal Coast.. Funds raised from the event go directly to non-profits that excel in drawing tourism to Carteret County.
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Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities. ------Frank Lloyd Wright, quoted in The New York Times, obituary, April 9, 1959 | |
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We hope you have enjoyed our April newsletter and look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
Alison, Jill, Kate, Linda, Sharon, Ann, and Betty
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