Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Boldly - Featured Artists TAMARA KRONIS

A sneak peak at Boldly artist Tamara Kronis and her piece 'Tigers'.

Q:
How did you get started creating jewellery?


I’ve always liked to draw and to create, jewellery was a natural extension of that love for art in general.

Q: What inspired you to begin creating and what inspires you to continue crafting?

I am inspired by the dreams and celebrations of others, their present occasions and their hopes for the future. Jewellery designed for a specific occasion or milestone captures the essence of the emotions wrapped up in that event and communicates them to a wider audience. Each piece is a tableau – a story without words. I love being a conduit for that message. In translating experiences and dreams into jewellery, I am able to give them another dimension that enhances the vision of the person commissioning the work.

Q: What is special about Toronto's jewellery arts community and the work they create?

We’re a pretty tight-knit community and we’ve been great at supporting each other and encouraging each other to grow in our art. My business partner, Kathryn Dieroff is another local jewellery artist, and we’ve had an incredible experience together at Studio1098 designing unique and interesting jewellery for our clients.

Q: Why do you love jewellery?

I love jewellery because it communicates. Whenever we look at the jewellery someone is wearing, that jewellery has the potential, as much as the clothes the person is wearing or their hairstyle, or their posture, to tell us something meaningful about them. Some people use that to its full potential, and some don’t. I like being a part of that, and love the celebratory aspect of jewellery and giving jewellery.

Q: Do you think jewellery is different from other art forms?

Yes and no. Yes, because every medium has its characteristics, its technical and design challenges, and if you want to master a medium, you have to appreciate those differences. The obvious difference with jewellery comes from its scale, so that it is commonly referred to as sculpture in miniature. I think there are more interesting and subtle differences between jewellery and other media to be found in its metallic lustres, its bursts of colour through gemstones, and in its textures, both visual and tactile. No, because jewellery is art and the same principles of design apply. I’ve seen some jewellery that rivals the great works of art in their complexity of design, and it should not be forgotten that some of the Renaissance painters were also goldsmiths.

Q: Do you think artists play a special role in the community?

Yes. Artists play a special role in the community by helping people celebrate. There are lots of practical jobs that help people do important but mundane things. Celebration is good for the soul, and jewellery in particular is usually given in celebration.


Q: What attracted you to this project and why do you think it is important to support events like Boldly?

I was attracted to this project because I believe it is important to remember and celebrate the strength of women. So often (and unfortunately, still), women are expected to fade into the background and to make themselves less bold than they might otherwise be. This expectation is one of the things that makes it hard for women to speak out when they are being mistreated. By celebrating the boldness of women, hopefully we will encourage women to speak out, to be bold, and to use that boldness to build a better society.

My design of tiger cufflinks are genderless, though cufflinks are typically worn by men. For a woman to wear cufflinks is still, for some, a bold fashion move. For men to support a women’s cause is unfortunately still a bold move in some communities. I wanted to create a piece where anyone could be bold, and could feel bold by wearing them. And, hopefully by telling people about them, the wearer will encourage others to be bold. So one part of the reason why I wanted to participate in this project was to enable boldness on the part of others.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Boldly - Featured Artists IRINE POLYZOGOPOULOS


A sneak peak at Boldly artist Irine Polyzogopoulos and her piece 'Comrades'.


Q:
How did you get started creating jewellery?


Beads, beads, and more beads. Seed beads, glass beads, wooden beads, and tons of thread and fishing line. I had no clue what I was doing with clasps and findings, so I simply made things up along the way. Surprisingly, my sister and friends were happy to wear my designs over the years.

Q: What inspired you to begin creating and what inspires you to continue crafting?

I’ve been creating things for so long, and it started at such a young age, that I wouldn’t be able to identify what inspired me. It’s simply always been in me to create. I remember hand-sewing outfits for my Barbie Dolls, sketching portraits of my favourite teen heartthrobs, the many years writing and playing music with my band, and also creative writing. When it comes to jewellery, I am inspired by the notion that I have the ability to create pieces that can, and hopefully will, outlive me.

Q: What is special about Toronto's jewellery arts community and the work they create?

The broad spectrum of work that’s produced has always impressed me. You can find anything from rock’n’roll jewellery to delicately crocheted pieces, and found object jewellery to classic gold wedding bands. There isn’t one overarching influence or style in this city, and that’s why it’s great.

Q: Why do you love jewellery?

My reaction to jewellery is visceral – it continues to give me a rush of excitement every time I see it, read about it, touch it, and make it. I’m fascinated by the fact that humans have such an intense love affair with jewellery despite the fact that it will never be a necessity in life.

Q: Do you think jewellery is different from other art forms?

Jewellery is different from other art forms as it must combine form with function. I was taught to always keep in mind that good jewellery design is not just about the way it looks, but also about how it will react to the movements of the wearer.

Q: Do you think artists play a special role in the community?

Yes. My way of explaining what artists provide to members of a community, or to people in general, is by asking questions. Can you imagine riding the subway, or driving your car with no music to listen to? What if there were no films and movie theaters in the world? What would your apartment look like without any of the paintings or photos on the walls? Would you feel bare without your favourite ring on your finger? I rarely have to explain myself after that.

Q: What attracted you to this project and why do you think it is important to support events like Boldly?

As a woman, it’s important to me to support and contribute to the well-being of fellow women in my community in the ways that I can. Being a part of Boldly was an excellent opportunity to do that.

It was fulfilling to create a piece that manifests the strength and courage that exists within the women who have enlisted the help of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, and to know that we are raising awareness around the seriousness of domestic abuse at the same time.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Boldly - Featured Artists ERIC PETERSEN


A sneak peak at Boldly artist Eric Petersen and his piece 'Shattered Heart'.


Q:
How did you get started creating jewellery?


After working multiple dead-end jobs after high school I decided that it was time to go back to school. I stumbled upon the Jewellery Arts program offered at George Brown College and was surprised that a program like that even existed. At the time, I believed that jewellery was something passed on as family tradition. It intrigued me because I have an attraction to jewellery and shiny things and as a child I had a semi-precious gemstone/rock collection. I applied and was accepted to the 3 year design program and as I continued on with my studies I realized that jewellery is a great way for me to work with my hands while still being able to utilize my creativity.

Q: What inspired you to begin creating and what inspires you to continue crafting?

The idea of a brighter future is what inspired me to begin creating and is also one of the reasons for continuing. Plus it’s fun, and I enjoy the reactions of clients when they see their new piece of jewellery for the first time.

Q: What is special about Toronto's jewellery arts community and the work they create?

The Toronto jewellery community is a small one but continues to grow and grow. I like the fact that we have so many talented individuals who all have such a broad range of design styles. Toronto also offers a Jewellery Social that happens on the 1st of every month and is an excellent way for industry people from all walks to connect with each other.

Q: Why do you love jewellery?

Like I said earlier, I like shiny things and yellow gold gives me a feeling that I can’t really explain. Maybe it’s a regal feeling, I dunno. And I love how deeply rooted in history jewellery is. It can represent spirituality, status, accomplishment and success. Plus I love fashion and jewellery is just one more accessory. It’s crazy how personal and a part of you your jewellery becomes. When I forget to wear my ring/earrings/necklace I don’t feel the same. And it has nothing to do with self-esteem either, I just feel like I’m not all there - as do most artists. Also, when I travel I always check out the local jewellery galleries because I really love art jewellery. I appreciate the thought process and time that went into the design and the craftsmanship and techniques that it took to execute it.

Q: Do you think jewellery is different from other art forms?

Jewellery is very different and is one of the most challenging art forms to master. For one I feel that artists of other mediums don’t fully except jewellery artists as artists. A good example is this: I was out for lunch with a good friend and fellow artist and the gentleman serving us laughed at my request and said, “Is he an artist to?” My friend laughed and responded, “No, he’s a jeweller.” So my work may not stray too far off the beaten path but I’d like to think that the pages I fill in my sketchbook and the countless hours I spend at my jewellery bench creating something beautiful is still considered art. It’s my art. Jewellery is so complex in so many different ways and I feel that people/artists outside of the jewellery community will never fully understand its true complexity. Jewellery is technically challenging, expensive, risky, time consuming, dangerous, hazardous to one’s health and mentally straining just to name a few. Not to slander other mediums but there is a big difference between the slip of a paintbrush and accidentally damaging someone’s un-replaceable gemstone. There is value to our work before its even made and I feel that Jewellery is one of the most understated art forms.

Q: Do you think artists play a special role in the community?

A sign that I saw at the AGO came to mind when I read this question. The sign stated: “What would we know of history if it were not for the arts?” I think that sentence sums up our role in the community. We make history. Be it dance, music, theatre or visual, the arts brings communities together. I feel that artists are living proof of freedom, especially if you can make a decent living from your craft. Although often broke and sometimes crazy, it’s not to often that you’ll find an artist who is unhappy. More importantly, when a youth is introduced to the arts it encourages them to use their imagination and to think outside the conventional box. The arts can contribute to things like passion and dedication and we need that more and more in these forever changing, gadget-happy, (anti-) social media days. We need more passion and fewer distractions.


Q: What attracted you to this project and why do you think it is important to support events like Boldly?

I was first attracted to this project because I believe in community and helping out when I can. To be a part of an event such as Boldly is an honour and is one of the many rewards my craft has to offer. Publicity at the cost of materials and labour is one thing but the real reward is knowing that you’ve made a contribution for the greater good of society; no matter the size. I donated a piece for a charity event called Designed 2 Give, a benefit for The Canadian Cancer society and the woman who won the pendant said to me, “Thank you so much, you just made my year.” Not only did I make her year but I also helped raise a lot of money for a worthy cause. Events like these are important because they have a lasting effect on people. That single act of kindness and generosity can change a life. And as a sign in my shop says; Think Globally, Act Locally.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Boldly - Featured Artists GILLIAN BATCHER

Featured Artist - Gillian Batcher

A sneak peak at Boldly artist Gillian Batcher and her piece 'What Lies Beneath'.


Q:
How did you get started creating jewellery?


When I was about 11 I found “The Bead Boutique” which was located near my dad’s office. I immediately became a loyal customer and after a year of frequenting the store wearing what I had made I was hired to work in the store making samples of jewellery and teaching classes. Beading was a hobby of mine for years and after my undergraduate degree I decided to pursue it full time by enrolling in the Jewellery Arts program at George Brown College.


Q: What inspired you to begin creating and what inspires you to continue crafting?

I was originally attracted to the idea of miniature worlds within art pieces of all kinds. This attraction has strengthened as I learned how to convey layers of meaning beyond the strictly visual in art.

Q: What is special about Toronto's jewellery arts community and the work they create?

The Toronto community is special because of how close knit it is. There are so many cooperative spaces and opportunities to work with others which works to reduce the feeling of isolation this career can facilitate.

Q: Why do you love jewellery?

I love the scale of jewellery as it takes me back to my original love of miniatures.

Q: Do you think jewellery is different from other art forms?

Yes! Jewellery allows you to wear a piece of art so that it is with you throughout the day and not only enjoyed while relaxing at home.

Q: Do you think artists play a special role in the community?

Of course we do. We comment on different aspects of society and make work that sparks a conversation. It does not even matter if people like what we do. What is important is that they feel something and that causes debate and interaction.

Q: What attracted you to this project and why do you think it is important to support events like Boldly?

Helping the Assaulted Women’s Helpline is an important cause and falls in line with charities that I support. I strongly believe that assisting battered women to cope and survive not only helps them have a better life but plays an important role in stopping the chain of violence and abuse. Designing a piece of jewellery for the event allowed me to put a piece of me into the work which will hopefully be cherished and contribute to this worthy cause.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Boldly - Celebrating Strength and Courage

The Boldly site has launched!

Boldly - celebrating strength and courage is an evening event (April 28th, 2011) that seeks to not only raise funds for an important Ontario-wide charity, but to also promote Toronto's burgeoning jewellery arts community.

Ten jewellery artists have created ten jewellery pieces inspired by their personal interpretations of what strength and courage are.

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Visit www.thinkboldly.ca for more information.
 

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