Put a Skull on it!

click on image to go to listing for this Skull pendant

It's the end of summer, and around Tucson the creative community begins to conjure up their creations for the annual All Souls procession for Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead, a Mexican holiday honoring loved ones who have passed away) It's a big deal in Tucson- and it also marks the time of year when we are finally able to enjoy cooler weather- essentially, Late October is our "Spring is sprung" time- when everyone rejoices in being able to spend some time outside after a very long scalding hot summer.

While NYC is the "Big Apple", Boston has chowder, and Portlandia creates "put a bird on it!", Tucson is a Skull town, with a rich Mexican traditions that permeate the hardened dusty soil..... Put a Skull on it Tucson! :-)

In Vino Veritas

click on image to be taken to the shop listing for this piece

Perfect gift for wine enthusiasts! Sterling silver Sommelier's adornment- depicts a bottle pouring into a goblet with the words "In Vino Veritas" (In Wine Truth) engraved in the silver surfaces. This piece is a whimsical and elegant necklace that conveys your passion for fine wine and food. New design for Fall 2011

Measurements-
pendant Bottle- 1 3/4" x 1/2" Goblet 1" x 1/2"
strung on a beautiful 17" stainless steel mesh chain that is adjustable to 16" (Longer chain can be special ordered- please contact me vie Etsy for details)

I currently have only 2 of these on hand, and will be also posting a pair of earrings (mismatched, one bottle one goblet) later this week. This piece will also be available in other metals,I'm hoping to have them in stock for the holidays in brass and gold (gold is by special order only)

"In Vino Veritas" - "In wine, truth"- click here to read more about this ancient saying

Salute!- Maureen

Arizona Designer Craftsmen and SNAG conference 2012

This is an AZ Metal Artist Call for Entries In conjunction with the Society of North American Goldsmith's (SNAG) 2012 conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Airport Museum is presenting the exhibition, Metals and More
February 24, 2012 – September 30, 2012 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

To the Artist: Phoenix Airport Museum is seeking artworks crafted of metal or alternative materials from artists working in metalsmithing and/or jewelry. The artworks may include but are not limited to jewelry, vessels, sculptures and wall pieces. Artworks will be chosen by Phoenix Airport Museum curatorial staff based on how well the piece shows an understanding of the medium and mastery of techniques used.

Eligibility: Arizona artists working in the metal arts field that are members of Arizona Designer Craftsmen (ADC) and/or SNAG may submit a maximum of four artworks for consideration. Completed and/or proposed works may be entered. Original artworks by artists working in the metal arts field will be considered.

Submission: Submissions must be received by Friday, October 14, 2011 and include the following:
A cover letter of intent listing artworks for consideration along with descriptions, dates, dimensions and materials Artist contact information including name, address, phone number and email address Images of completed and/or proposed artworks (on a CD and printed out) Brief artist statement about the particular work

Questions may be directed to airport.museum@phoenix.gov or 602-273-2105
Images: A maximum of 12 images may be submitted – four artworks plus two details per artwork. Images must be digital; on a CD in JPEG format, 200 dpi and sized approximately 4 x 6”. Include a print out of all the images. Digital images must contain artist’s last name and title of artwork in the file name.

Transportation/Shipping: Artists are responsible for transportation of work to Phoenix Airport Museum. Artworks may be hand-delivered to the Museum’s off-site facility or shipped. Work being shipped must be packed in a re-usable shipping container. Artists are responsible for checking with their shipper regarding insurance and correct packing procedures. Phoenix Airport Museum will not be responsible for breakage because of incorrect packing or insufficient container. Artists will be notified of work that arrives in damaged condition. Cost of shipping artwork to the exhibition is the artist’s responsibility; Phoenix Airport Museum will pay for return shipping via FedEx unless otherwise indicated by the artist at time of acceptance.

Liability: Insurance will be carried by the City of Phoenix on all works while in possession of Phoenix Airport Museum.
Agreement: The artist agrees to maintain entry for the duration of the exhibition. Submission of an entry constitutes permission to photograph work for publicity and educational purposes. All entries must be of original design and personal execution. Phoenix Airport Museum reserves the right to refuse an entry if upon arrival the work is found to be poorly executed or inappropriate for public display.

October 14, 2011 November 18, 2011 February 3, 2012 February, 24 – September 30, 2012 October 1 – October 12, 2012

Calendar
All submissions must be received Artists will be notified by email of acceptance/non-acceptance Accepted works must be received Duration of exhibition Return of artwork
Send submissions to: Phoenix Airport Museum 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
T-3, L-3, west mezz. Phoenix, AZ 85034

Arcosanti

A few weekends ago we took a trip to Arcosanti Arizona. Arcosanti is a remarkable living laboratory project that was conceived by Italian architect and sculptor Paolo Soleri (b 1919). In this blog post I will give a short review of our stay and point anyone interested to the Arcosanti website for information about this inspiring project.

A view of the main building holding the Bakery, Cafe, Gallery and Reception area

The most simple way to describe Arcosanti would be that it is an experimental city being constructed by volunteers from around the world (most often architects, artists and free thinkers). It is currently housing between 20-100 residents, who live and work there year round as volunteers and students of the philosophies of Arcology http://www.arcosanti.org/theory/arcology/main.html .The Website for Arcosanti will also tell you about their beautiful silt cast bells and has a detailed schedule of their exciting performances and events .

a selection of bronze silt cast bells available in the shop

A short history:
 "In 1970, the Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix. When complete, Arcosanti will house 5000 people, demonstrating ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Its large, compact structures and large-scale solar greenhouses will occupy only 25 acres of a 4060 acre land preserve, keeping the natural countryside in close proximity to urban dwellers." (from the Arcosanti Website http://www.arcosanti.org)

We decided to visit Arcosanti after hearing about the incredible performances that are held there on a regular basis.Not being a huge fan of crowds I thought it would be interesting to go there during a "down time"- in the heat of the summer- to simply experience the setting (and to "cambiare aria" (change air) before settling into our school routine for the year. )

Daisy by the pool. Note the "pod like" artist studio with circle windows in the distance

I think it was a good choice, because we had a peaceful few days, however, the heat was quite oppressive so I'm thinking that we would not go in August again. I really have a hard time dealing with extreme heat (though I live in Arizona) so I did more reading than hiking. (Cosmo and his Dad hiked in the early mornings).

There is also a pool on site that we very much enjoyed at the end of the long hot days. I look forward to going back in the cooler months to experience the trails and landscape more completely. I could even see going by myself for a few days in order to retreat and work on a project.

MBZ in the "vaults" - the largest performance/meeting space at Arcosanti

One idea I have is for interested participants of next year's SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) conference to take a field trip to Arcosanti to observe their foundry and daily silt cast bell production. At the very least, I would recommend a visit to the Cosanti foundation (closer to the conference, in Scottsdale) which is Paolo Soleri's home and sculpture studio. (Cosanti is also open to the public and has daily tours.)

Arcosanti Arizona is located about 35 miles east of Prescott and a little over an hour north of Phoenix. (It took us about 3 1/2 hours to drive there from Tucson) For more information see http://arcosanti.org
and you can also find the Arcosanti project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1069939853 .