[Jewelry making - Article 00881] - Re: [Orchid] Metalsmith's Exhibition in Print

[Douglas Zaruba]

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Dana,

    I have been a member of SNAG (off and on) almost since its
    inception...I still have my copies of the Goldsmith's Journal.  I
    have to agree with those who feel that SNAG often represents the
    viewpoints of "academic" metalsmiths. This is not a new development,
    but has been part of the organization since the beginning. It may be
    that those in academia have more time to be on the planning
    committees, or that they have the luxury of being able to pursue
    conceptual ideals without relying on support from the "marketplace."
    Having worked with some of these committees in the past, I have
    witnessed an attitude of arrogance and destain for those who
    "prostituted themselves to fashion" ( a comment made to me by one
    such member).  Many members, myself included, have left SNAG because
    we felt that it did not address the way we feel about the work we
    create. 

    Thankfully, I have seen a gradual change in SNAG towards a more
    realistic and open-minded approach to the field of metalsmithing. I
    am sure that it is just as difficult for some "academics" to embrace
    the ideas of the "vocationals" as it is for a working jeweler to
    accept conceptual jewelry.  As one who makes a living producing work
    for the jewelry buying public, I often find work in the EiP that
    leaves me scratching my head. But more importantly, I also find work
    that inspires me and challenges me to bring more innovative ideas to
    my own work. If the articles in Metalsmith, and the EiP, get us to
    challenge our own ideas, then SNAG is fulfilling its mission. Perhaps
    a future EiP could focus on work incorporating gemstones. That would
    give "the rest of us" something to aspire to. 

    I would also ask those who feel that SNAG is too focused on the
    "Avant Garde" just how much conceptual or experimental work they
    find in Modern Jeweler or AJM. As one of the early "designers" who
    exhibited at the JA show, I was often copied butI never truly felt a
    part of the jewelry industry. Although Cindy Edelstein has been
    tireless in promoting an exhibition forum for true artists like
    Michael Zobel, Tom Munsteiner, Alex Sepkus, and others, the industry
    (for the most part) just doesn't get it. 

    So THANK YOU, Dana and SNAG. I had let my membership lapse, but I
    realize that it is important for me to remain a part of this
    organization. How can I join? 

Doug

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

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