[Jewelry making - Article 00403] - Re: [Orchid] Define Jewelry

[Douglas Zaruba]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

Functional Art vs Non-functional Art:

    	This is a debate that has been going on for probably thousands of
    years. I am a traditionally trained goldsmith, and I make my living
    creating work designed to be worn, for the most part, on a daily
    basis by those who purchase and/or commission these works. Just
    because they're wearable doesn't mean that they aren't "artistic". I
    don't follow fashion, but follow my own Muse. Luckily, enough people
    enjoy the direction I have chosen and are willing to support my
    journey by purchasing my work. 

    	I also create work that is solely intended for exhibition. My
    personal artistic criteria still demands that the work be wearable,
    but it may not be practical to wear on a daily basis. It makes me
    stretch intellectually and technically. It also brings me recognition
    as an Artist/Metalsmith. And, I really enjoy making these pieces.
    Sometimes they sell. Sometimes they just hang around for years. I
    don't care. 

    	I also create another body of work, that is not even meant for
    exhibition. It is only for me. For the Pure Joy of creation. To
    challenge my own rigid beliefs and knock down those barriers. To
    experiment, and sometimes fail boldly. To speak to the Mystery. 

    	Sadly, too many of us choose to live only in one camp, and reject
    the others. I used to be one of those people, but I escaped. I wonder
    now how I could have possibly survived with the old constraints that
    I placed on my work. The truth is, the work that some would call
    "impractical" somehow finds a way into the work that I do for my
    clients, and that gives me an edge over my competition. It is also
    the reason I still love this craft after 30 years of long hours at
    the bench. 

    	One of the best ways to expand your work is to find a "theme" and
    create a piece of work that addresses that. We have a show in my
    gallery called "The Art of the Martini." Every year, I invite
    jewelers and metalsmiths to create martini related work: martini
    glasses, olive picks, etc. Some of these have really pushed the
    limits of the theme, but they are always inspiring. Making ART just
    for the pure joy of it! What a concept! Perhaps we could have a
    similar "Virtual Exhibition" on Orchid. Pick a theme: "Erotic
    Jewelry", "Weapons of Mass Destruction," "Time," "Clouds," "Wheels,"
    "Secrets,"--all of these have multiple layers of interpretation. 

    	I hope I haven't suggested something that would pile a mountain of
    work on poor Hanuman. I would be happy to host an exhibition in my
    gallery, and I'm sure other galleries would host it as well. The
    "Traveling Orchid Show." Anyone interested? 

Doug

Douglas Zaruba
35 N. Market St.
Frederick, MD 21701
301 695-1107
dreamgate AT earthlink.net

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________