Coastal Ring

You can see more images of the ring here, along with other commissioned designs, which I just love doing!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150501530748471&set=a.64816563470.67967.64645543470&type=1&theater

In this article I was reminded of this layering technique that appears in everyday life and the waste, which can in return have amazing effects.  What a wonderful way to re-cycle/ up-cycle materials that may otherwise have no purpose.  I would like one in my yard/ urban circle and community!   http://www.treehugger.com/culture/sculptures-recycled-construction-wood-henrique-oliveira.html

According to the Chinese zodiac the color of water in the five elements is black and therefore the year of 2012 is to be considered a Black Water Dragon Year.  As much as this wants me to jump to bursts of color and start creating and filling the space around me with illumination, it also pulled me to think.  To think about how much I have used black in my creations- how much I have used black Onyx, in particular.  Why?  Because it is grounding.  It provides a foundation to grow.  This is exactly what this year is to be, appropriately speaking the black dragon includes earth, water, and wood.   I welcome you to find your ground, and be illuminated!

Necklace of matte and polished onyx (grounding) with crystal accents (clarity)

Among the press, I was included in this article.  http://publicsf.com/news/fashion-for-the-people-2985

Although I loved the excitement of the blogger and appreciation of my work- noted ‘delicate and flowing’, I need to correct him on a few things… my work is ec0-efficient, not all materials are necessarily recycled.  I use recycled sterling and copper metal- not necessarily from San Francisco buildings (yes, the copper is local electrical wiring).  And yes, I do take pride when talking about these things, as sustainability is also… for the People!

…says the Dame Vivienne Westwood about the ‘Get a Life’ project she has partnered with the Palladium Alliance International to execute this spring.  (Click Vivenne’s sketch for original article)

“Get a Life is about how we stop climate change and therefore preserve life for the next generation while at that same time get a better life. My focus at the moment is what one person can do. Stop climate change. Save the planet. The acorn is symbolic of the rainforest, its importance and how it is our first duty to save it.”

I love that she made the direct point that jewelry really has nothing to do with it- in general it is a dirty industry, lacking conscious creators, unethical mining, and an overall bling factor that only allows our consumerist society to dig deeper into their pockets.

However, jewelry is a vehicle for communication.   Historically jewelry has served the wearer with protection, being it an amulet, power of stones, weapon, or crown.  Jewelry is not only experienced by the wearer, but everyone that they come in contact with.   This was my reflection when designing my collection Global Verve, which is also in support of positive climate change.  Not that everyone has a conscience to be green, to live sustainably- but the more the conversation is had, the more educated people can become.  Each one of us has an ability to make an impact on a more positive future, which ultimately will be left behind for our future loved ones.  Why not pass it on?  Share the love.  And no, jewelry has nothing to do with it.  We do.

——————————————————————————–

As for Palladium being an eco-friendly metal… I’m not convinced.  It’s still a newly mined metal, although natural and without alloys.   I prefer to work with truly recycled metals until I am educated further on the abundance and low-impact of the Palladium mining industry.  Hence, why I choose to work with Academy Green Silver.

Water Sculpture from Shinichi Maruyama on Vimeo.

I came across this artist from my tweet friends on Fasttime- wouldn’t have ever imagined this post from them but am ever so excited as it speaks to my inspiration and creations… fluid beauty in abstract forms.

For me, the challenge is always having the ability to do this with a harder medium than that which is liquid.  It’s exciting to dive into different forms of working with the metal, whether it be hand forging or getting it to flow with the torch in order to achieve this movement.  The persistence, continuity, and passion allow it to flow.

While here, Maruyama is the artist with the fluid substance and he is challenged by the capture- the image which then becomes his solid form.  And from the viewers perspective, it still evokes movement, play, and continuance while giving solace in the meaningful imagery.  I must say Shinichi Maruyama has achieved great success with capturing the fluid beauty in this abstractness of a still image.

Which brings me back to the nature of movement-  Fluidity- an important theme to this New Year.  It is a pivotal time in our lives and I believe it is important that we continue to evolve, generate a strong vision, and then ride the current while creating our own beauty to share with the world around us.

May this New Year be Fluid and Abundance Yours!

December 3  One Night Stand in Los Angeles at S&G Boutique  5pm-midnight

December 4  Chillin @ Mezzanine   8pm-2am

December 10  Secession Holiday Trunk Show

December 11  Haute Holidays @ Mighty  noon-7pm

December 18th  Arts & Beats @ – more details to come!

Oh- and if you’re more of an online shopper, I now have darling Gift Certificates!  You can order via paypal button on my home page, contact me directly josie@josieadele.com, or order on my Etsy site!

Brief Space is a 3000 sq ft Rental Gallery + Performance + Boutique located on the 2nd floor of the Metreon, adjacent to the Yerba Buena Gardens.

Lots of blank walls, high ceilings and big windows over looking 4th and Mission St. in the SOMA District of San Francisco.

This event is also a fundraiser for SF Smiles- please bring clothing to donate!

Cheers!

Lovely little teapots by amyehorn.etsy.com

Monique, who had the voice of an Angel  and played all my favorite inspirational, happy songs

And with perfect timing, I was fortunate to have an exhibition at Secession Art & Design for San Francisco’s Fall Open Studios where I installed my inspired creations.  Here are a few one of a kind pieces from the collection…  The show will be up through November 27th, with a closing happy hour on the 19th 6:30-9:30.

Inspired by flowers among travel in Bali, I created red rosettes with the condoms, sponsored by Durex.   I also collaborated with artist, Marz, who created the dress and latex drape at the back…oh, and also provided the red fluevog boots- a most funky touch to our elegance- Thanks Marz!  And a big thanks to our most lovely model, Daphne, who we hope to work with again!

Having originally started my jewelry with found items from the hardware store, working with new materials is always an inspiration.  In this case, I worked with what in past years had most challenged my designs- the lubrication.  Instead of trying to remove it, change the properties, and spend unnecessary time, I went with the color I wanted- which happened to be lubricated- and went for it!   They kept their knots, and the effect was successful.

Here are some shots of the process, and the runway…

Prism Necklace circa 2001.

In the beginning, I worked with aluminum, copper and found items from the hardware store.

This weekend I made up for being rained out at Capsule by watching Rivers & Tides, the documentary on Andy Goldsworthy.  Such a beautiful piece, his work has always been an inspiration to me as it reminds me of life’s impermanence and that change is constant.  This acceptance allows us to detach from the materialistic.  It opens up an inner beauty and appreciation of what is here and now.

My jewelry designs are also influenced by water, movment, and natural elements.  And now, I am beginning a new relationship with ‘Time’ and how it plays into my designs.  Not sure where it will be apparent but naturally, as I realize, time is the essence that allows any creation to Evolve… to be continued.

Potrero Festival – celebrating 20 years!  My booth is centrally located near my favorite coffee shop, Thinkers- Booth #33- look for the red umbrella!

Capsule SF Design Festival – over 200 local designers in Hayes Valley will be showcasing independent men’s, women’s, and kids clothing and accessories designers, paper makers, glass designers, and other assorted fantasmigorica.  I will be with the Secession booth so come by and say hello!

Client provided Tiffany diamond and ring was cast in white gold.   Pricing available upon request.

Designs were hand forged in recycled sterling silver and 22k gold plated with leafing accents.  Bridal earrings and necklace were created with gold, bi-metal and forged custom designs.

One of a kind, this ring is created with an amethyst swarovski amber crystal set within a sterling flower and mounted upon a Connexus ring band.