Saturday, November 21, 2015

Chayle Cook, Artist Goldsmith


Why did you choose jewellery?
I initially went to art school at NSCAD University in Halifax with the idea to take design, but in my first year I also took a blacksmithing class. I fell in love with the material and the process of forging metal with a hammer. I knew I wanted to continue with metal, so I entered in to the jewellery department and found that I filled all of my sketchbooks with design ideas for jeweller, rather than for my design classes. I think I am so drawn in by jewellery making because I can be an artist while still being a designer and craftsperson. Jewellery allows me to pursue all of these passions.

Where did you learn your craft?
I first learnt metal working at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in Halifax. After graduation, I worked in Ottawa for different jewellery stores as a goldsmith and sales associate. After a few years, I longed for the art world of jewellery again and was accepted to an artist residency in the Jewellery Department at the Estonian Academy of Art in Europe, where I studied stone cutting, stone setting, and produced a body of work with kiln-fired enamel.


If you could invite a few people (living or dead) to your studio for a day, who would you ask and why?
I would love to invite my aunt Merrill and my mom's best friend Christie, both of which have been very influential as women role models. They both passed away before I had my own studio, but I feel that they would be cheering for me now. My aunt was a very beautiful and elegant woman with a big heart for caring for children and ran her own daycare business. Christie was a artist and curator for several museums here in Ottawa, and was a fantastic business woman. I think I would have them over to model jewellery and dance to disco-funk. :)



List three words that describe you as an artist.
Daydreamer, Driven, Exploring


What else inspires your work?
I am inspired by the process of working with metal. Forming metal through hammering, and watching it go from nothing to something intricate and beautiful. My forms are influenced by the shape of the body. I am looking to design pieces that accentuate the curves and proportions of the face, neck, wrist, hands. I am influenced by nature patterns and negative shapes that they produce. Overlapping tree branches or fields of chaotic flower patterns.


Why is the Ottawa Jewellery Collective important to you?
The Ottawa Jewellery Collective is important to me because when I first moved back to Ottawa after graduation I found it really hard to get started here. I feel that together we can be stronger and happier than when we are isolated. It doesn't take much to help each other out, even in the smallest ways like chatting over a drink about jewellery making, that we find eureka moments! It is also beneficial for our clients to have one place to go when they are looking for high quality jewellery made in Ottawa. I think that it is exciting to see a group of talented people working together. Only more good things can come from that!


What part of Ottawa and surrounding areas do you call home?
I live in Orleans and grew up exploring the bike paths and forests by the river. I have lived in other parts of Ottawa (Hintonburg, Lowertown, Glebe), so I often feel at home visiting my favourite restaurants and cafes in other parts of the city.


As a Canadian Designer, has Canadian culture or environment influenced your work?
Yes, I think it has. Being a Canadian woman, I feel encourage and supported to pursue my own business in Canada as a goldsmith. I have to thank the businesswoman and goldsmiths that have proceeded me for their efforts to make way for women to enter this field in Canada. I also give thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit that has built communities and programs for young business people to build their success.



Describe a technique you use in your work.
I use a metal forming techniques with hammers and anvils. The process of hammering on metal will stretch or compress the metal and create its new form. I use my favourite slim hammer to form most of my pieces. Its waterfall-like texture has become the signature element on my pieces. As I hammer with this slim hammer, it stretches the edge; I then flip the piece over and continue along the next part of the edge. This creates an wave like effect that is reminiscent to natural growth patterns of leaves or lichen.


What do jewellery and a good party have in common?
In the making of them, they are both loud, tiring, and fun. Afterwards, in the days and years to come, they hold your best memories with the people we love.



Where can we find your work?
The National Gallery of Canada's Boutique (Ottawa), Magpie Jewellery (Ottawa), Anne Sportun Flagship Store (Toronto), Either/Or Store (Online)



Instagram: @chayle.jewellery
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chayle.jewellery/
Website: www.chayle.ca


OJC's 1st Group Exhibition of Jewellery

The Ottawa Jewellery Collective is proud to announce their 1st group exhibition at the Ottawa Art Gallery's annual holiday exhibition! Join our featured members, Alexandra Jay, Andrea Mueller, Chayle Cook, Erin Wallace, and Michaela Wolfert, at the opening reception November 27 from 6-9pm.


ART & PARCEL (A Holiday Art Sale) 
Facebook:

November 5, 2015 - January 25, 2016

OPENING: November 27, 6pm
ART Rental and Sales presents its annual holiday sale, featuring original photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, cards, jewellery and textiles, all priced at $400.00 or less. With so many to choose from, you’re sure to find a unique gift for the art lover on your list, even if it’s you!

http://ottawaartgallery.ca/content/art-parcel-holiday-art-sale





Instagram:
@ottawajewellerycollective

https://www.facebook.com/ottawajewellerycollective/



Monday, November 16, 2015

Nicole Jeffrey, Artist & Goldsmith

We got to know OJC Member, Nicole Jeffrey. Who is truly an Visual Artist in addition to being a talented Goldsmith behind Amaranthine Jewellery! A deeper look into the workings of her craft. 

Q: Why did you choose jewellery?
A: I took Fine art in college and had a very good friend taking jewellery. I ended up going to the studio with her a few times and thought the process was just like making mini sculpture, and that is very cool.

Q: Where did you learn your craft? 
A: College and being a bench worker for 8 years. 

Q: If you could invite a few people (living or dead) to your studio for a day, who would you ask and why?
A: Joseph Cornell one of my favourite artists! Louise Bourgeois, my favourite sculptor, and Clarence, because I miss him!



Q: List three words that describe you as an artist.
A: Quiet, eclectic, and prolific

Q: What else inspires your work?
A: Texture, art, minimalism, animation-cartoons, colour, nature, technology, music, and line to name a few things that inspire me.

Q: How do you usually choose materials for your pieces?
A: I mainly select smaller coloured gemstones, tourmalines and sapphires. They are my favourites! As for metal, I work in recycled silver, gold and hopefully platinum soon too as my brand progresses. I guess you could say pretty much anything that I can use together, I'll try to make it work!

Q: What is your most precious tool?
A: It’s a tie between my goldsmith hammer and my rolling mill - they are fighting (when my back is turned) for my top spot!

Q: Why is the Ottawa Jewellery Collective important to you?
A: I enjoy gathering with like minded jewellers who are at all different stages of their careers. It’s great to talk to artist goldsmiths facing similar challenges, who are building their brands, and going through similar things. I really enjoy being able to share and bounce ideas around and helping others when I can!

Q: What part of Ottawa and surrounding areas do you call home?
A: My art and jewellery studio is Hull feels like home to me. 

Q: As a Canadian Designer, has Canadian culture or environment influenced your work?

A: I think every Canadian Designer is influenced by what is around him or her. I've been lucky to have sized and repaired a variety of Canadian designers’ work. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to see how those pieces have been made. I guess it’s only natural that their story would rub off on me! Having worked on very fine things and some very very rough pieces I've learned from each one. I find Canadians to be very conservative with jewellery but thankfully there is always that odd amazing person who loves big pieces and bigger coloured stones.

Q: Describe a technique you use in your work.
A: I use a variety of techniques including casting, fabrication, mokume and forging. 

Q: What do jewellery and a good party have in common?
A: My jewellery and I party well... neither are common, both are playful, and you never know who's going to show up or wear it!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share as part of your interview?
A: With a lot of bench experience, I am now beginning to build my own line, and I am actively searching out locations to share my collection with jewellery lovers.

OJC invites you to connect with our member, Nicole at amaranthinejewellery on etsy, instagram, facebook, pinterest and her website: www.amaranthinejewellery.com.





Monday, November 9, 2015

Michaela Wolfert, Artist Goldsmith

We went on the road to visit OJC member, Michaela Wolfert in the sweet town of Almonte just west of Ottawa. Michaela has a wealth of experience, and we were privileged to be able to take a closer look at her life and work at Kehla Jewellery Design Studio.

Q: Why did you choose jewellery?

A: I was able to watch a goldsmith at the bench and was so taken that I couldn’t sleep for three days. I realized it was something I needed to pursue.

Q: Where did you learn your craft?

A: I started my career in 1978 as an intern in the workshop of a master goldsmith in Heilbronn, Germany. After one year he agreed to take me on as an apprentice and I enrolled in a three-year goldsmith apprenticeship program. After I graduated as a journeyman, I worked for three years in several jewellery studios under the tutelage of master goldsmiths. I then enrolled in a two-year full time program of practical and theoretical studies, the “Meisterschule fur Goldschmiede” in Munich, one of Germany’s premier school of metal arts and goldsmithing. I graduated in 1989 as a master goldsmith.




Q: If you could invite a few people (living or dead) to your studio for a day, who would you ask and why?

A: Bruce Mau, a Canadian designer, because of his manifesto about growth as an artist (http://www.manifestoproject.it/bruce-mau/). I don’t agree with all his points, but would like to discuss a few with him.

David Gellner is a jewellery efficiency expert who has written and talked extensively about how to run a profitable jewellery repair and manufacturing shop. I would love to hear his advice about my little shop.



Q: List three words that describe you as an artist.

A: Determined, intuitive, decisive.

Q: What else inspires your work?

I am inspired by all the colours and shapes I see around me. I like being in a forest, no matter the season.

The work of Janis Kerman, a Montreal-based jeweler, leaves me awestruck. Minoan, Greek and Etruscan jewellery … all that granulation. And finally I need quietude, enough sleep and not too much noise around me.


Q: What is your most precious tool?

A: My brain.

Q: Why is the Ottawa Jewellery Collective important to you?

A: OJC provides an inter-generational platform to exchange ideas, exploring different view points which is enriching for everyone.

Q: What part of Ottawa and surrounding areas do you call home?

A: I live in the greater Ottawa area, in the Lanark Highlands and I work out of my studio and store, Kehla Jewellery Design, at 88 Queen St, in Almonte.






Q: As a Canadian Designer, has Canadian culture or environment influenced your work?
A: The large amount of space Canada has to offer has influenced my design and my business. The physical space translates into mental space and creates the freedom to do artistically whatever one wishes without a lot of societal constraints. It’s very liberating. 


Q: Describe a technique you use in your work.
A: I use a lot of coloured stones in my designs, so stone setting is a frequently used technique.

Q: What do jewellery and a good party have in common?

A: A confident good attitude goes a long way. Parties supply the perfect place to wear your jewellery. 

The truth is that while a good piece of jewellery and a good party both appear effortless, a great deal of planning and attention to detail goes are crucial.


Q: Is there anything else you would like to share as part of your interview?

A: Keep at it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose, It’s important to enjoy the process.

Don’t forget to bask in your success for a moment, then move on.


Don’t chastise yourself if something goes wrong, rather, analyse it, resolve to do better next time and then move on.




Q: Where can we find your work? 
A: At Kehla Jewellery Design Studio in Almonte; L.A. Pai Gallery in Ottawa; and through my website www.kehladesign.com. More galleries will be added soon.



OJC invites you to connect with Michaela on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KehlaJewelleryDesign and her website www.kehladesign.com.




Monday, November 2, 2015

Erin Wallace, Silversmith & Metal Artist

Proud member of OJC, Erin Wallace of Erin Wallace Jewelry welcomes our questionnaire and images of her working away. Learn more about what Erin Wallace shared with us!

Q: Why did you choose jewelry? 
A: Jewelry chose me! While traveling to view artwork in Florence, Italy, I came to realize that jewelry was calling out for me to explore. I came home knowing jewelry was for me, signing up for one class, then another, and then a certificate in jewelry making. 

Q: Where did you learn your craft? 
A: I developed my sense of design completing a B.A.H. at the University of Guelph, where I studied sculpture and printmaking. Then seven years later followed up my design training with a jewelry fabrication program through Fleming College at the Haliburton School for The Arts. 

Q: If you could invite a few people (living or dead) to your studio for a day, who would you ask and why?
A: It would be neat to go back in time, and be a fly on the wall watching my grandfather work as a blacksmith, perhaps some of my skills are inherited. I would also like to invite deceased Danish Designer Georg Jensen for tea to pick his brain regarding aesthetic and business.

Q: List three words that describe you as an artist.
A: Insightful, dedicated, effective

Q: What else inspires your work?
A: My work is inspired by life’s experiences including my sculpture education, my travels throughout North America and abroad, and the timeless aesthetic of talented predecessors. 

Q: How do you usually choose materials for your pieces?
A: I have always been drawn to work with wood and metal. Now I mostly choose sterling silver as my metal to create my designs, I work in gold from time to time and I appreciate the warm colour of bronze. 

Q: What is your most precious tool?
A: My eyes, to watch where my hammer hammers, to see where my saw cuts, and explore how to perfect the designs I develop. 


Q: Why is the Ottawa Jewelry Collective important to you?
A: I feel it is important to have a network of like-minded individuals to support your goals, push you further, and develop new opportunities together. 

Q: What part of Ottawa and surrounding areas do you call home?
A: I grew up in the west end of Ottawa and I now call the Westboro neighbourhood home. 

Q: As a Canadian Designer, has Canadian culture or environment influenced you work?
A: My Forest Collection is inspired by the Canadian landscape along with geometric elements. I feel influenced by the natural world as well as my travels across Canada and the world, and hiking.

Q: Describe a technique you use in your work.
A: In my Heirloom Collection I oxidize the silver, prematurely aging the silver, creating a balance between the black texture with the white metal. 

Q: Where can we find you jewelry?
A: In Ottawa at Magpie Jewellery's three locations (Westboro, the Glebe, and Rideau Centre), and The Ottawa Art Gallery; In Toronto, Corktown Designs in the Distillery, and Craft Ontario Shop in Yorkville; artisan craft shows around Ottawa and www.erinwallace.com. 

Q: What do jewellery and a good party have in common?
A: With previous experience in event planning, I appreciate that to make beautiful jewelry or to have a great party one needs dedication to preparation, support of relationships, and to celebrate a good cause!

Connect with Erin on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ErinWallaceJewelry
Twitter @EWallaceJewelry 

Instagram @erinwallacejewel
www.erinwallace.com