shopSCAD

Superstar Stylin' at the Savannah Film Festival

2011-11-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Actress Ellen Barkin wearing the Duffield St. necklace by SCAD grad BAZZdeGRANT

I was recently thrilled to be a part of the Savannah Film Festival working as stylist on guest portraits with two super awesome SCAD grads - the MAIN man -official SCAD photographer, Adam Kuehl, and his trusty right hand assistant for this endeavor, SCAD photography grad Brad Rankin. These two guys are sooo talented and, having been friends since their student days at SCAD, they provide an excellent two-man comedy show, (well at least they did for me--an audience of one--between takes). It was great fun setting up interesting backdrops using fine art and props from shopSCAD. Ellen Barkin and Lily Tomlin were even gracious enough to allow me to drape them in jewelry made by SCAD alums BazzdeGrant and Gogo Borgerding! SCAD brings such amazing talent to Savannah, in both its students and industry professionals. This was a real treat to participate in. What a thrill to meet Lily Tomlin! I am still smiling. Check out Adam Kuehl's incredible photographs below.

Actor James Cromwell sitting on old step ladder with lots of vintage books from shopSCAD

Actor James Cromwell

Actress Famke Janssen with SCAD student Liz Winnel "Shuuh" painting

Actor James Marsden with SCAD student Will Penny painting

Actress Lily Tomlin with SCAD grad Ryland Quillen chair and GOGO Borgerding cuff

Oliver Stone with SCAD grad Michael Porten "Dream Sequence" painting

Actor Ray Liotta with SCAD grad Russ Noto "Man's Understanding of Nature (Abjection towards the Unfamiliar)

Actor Aaron Eckhart with SCAD grad Julio Garcia painting

Beautifully Made, Sweetly Detailed

2011-09-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

Metallic Ribbon Linen Dress, $200

SCAD grad Emily McLaughlin made my day last week when she visited shopSCAD with her new clothing designs! Two seconds into reviewing her work, I was ready to sign up as an Emily clothing devotee! Her collection of sweetly detailed and beautifully made clothing gave way to oohs and aahs all about the shop. Even David, our in house shopSCAD man, was eying the yellow deer print dress. (Don't worry he won't take it for his own as Emily promised to make him a bowtie out of the same fabric.) Which leads me to this--if you are not familiar with Fabrika Fabrics in Savannah- you must go! This glorious fabric boutique was created by Emily and her friend Ashleigh Spurlock shortly after Emily graduated from SCAD with a B.F.A. in fashion design in 2009. If you love fabric, (and boy do I ever!) this place is heaven! Check out the cute dresses and separates below. The materials are all natural cotton, linen, wool cashmere and bamboo.

Cotton Cowl Deer Dress, $150

Detail, Cotton Cowl Deer Dress, $150

Green Floral Puff Skirt, $60

Japanese Print Scallop Skirt, $50

Vintage Print Puff Skirt, $60

Lace Top Silk Dress, $375

Beaded Bow Cowl Neck Top, $80

Black Bow Wool and Cashmere Turtle, $80

Dotted Silk Dress, $150

Tulle Dotted Dress, $120

Wool and Cashmere Coat, $375

Candy Colored Gems: Interview with Elizabeth Finn

2011-09-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Green Tourmaline Slice Ring, $1000

Amy: How would you describe your work?

Elizabeth: Elegant and concise.

Amy: What motivates you to make work?

Elizabeth: I am really enjoying the challenge of getting my work in as many stores as possible. That drives me so much—wanting to get my jewelry on as many people as possible without compromising my own personal style and sense of aesthetic.

Amy: What inspires you?

Elizabeth: My grandmother, texture, Jeff Koons. I recently saw the jewelry collection at the V&A and that was mind-blowingly inspirational.

Bright Red Tourmaline Ring, $1000

Amy: What are some “must haves” in your studio work space?

Elizabeth: Everything I have is an absolute “must have,” and I find I’m really lacking a lot of essential tools. Oh and GOOD LIGHTING... can’t stress this enough.

Amy: Are there any SCAD artists that you admire?

Elizabeth: Robert McIntosh, a great friend of mine who is a very talented and successful animator. Beyond his animation, though, he’s an excellent painter and visual artist.

Amy: What are you most proud of?

Elizabeth: My jewelry line!

Amy: What is your background?

Elizabeth: Born and raised in New Orleans by totally insane but very smart people.

Lapis Ring, $900

Amy: If you were not an artist, you would be a _________.

Elizabeth: Probably a curator or gallerist. I wish that I had traveled to France more. I had the opportunity to work with the Paris-based Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin in Miami with some amazing artists during Basel and if I weren’t a designer I would definitely follow that line of work. I also worked at Basel this past year helping coordinate Ryan McGinness’ show at a strip club and it was an incredible experience. I think working with artists to get their work out into the public has a very important role in society.

Amy: What challenges do you face when creating?

Elizabeth: Budgetary challenges are the worst. Gold is so expensive!

Amy: What is your design process? Does it start with a sketch? The stone? Or how?

Elizabeth: I never sketch. I start with either a concept or a stone but I work entirely in the material that I know the piece will be made from, and in this case that is gold...my mishaps tend to get very expensive. Every piece is handmade and I currently don’t use any castings in the line.

16ct Tourmaline Slice Ring, $1700

Amy: What blocks your creativity?

Elizabeth: Personal drama, either my own or someone else’s.

Amy: What is the most important thing to you in life?

Elizabeth: My autonomy.

Amy: What is the most important thing to you about your work?

Elizabeth: That I’m still able to make it in ten or twenty years.

Amy: What do you want people to take away?

Elizabeth: Something personal that they covet and can ultimately pass down to their children, or grandchildren.

Emerald Ring, $1500

Amy: How has your life or childhood influenced your work?

Elizabeth: My grandmother was a huge influence. She has amazing style and exposed me to such unique, strange and beautiful jewelry from very early on. And my brother Ryan who is an incredibly weird artist. He exposed me to a lot of artwork that shaped my development as an artist and a creative person. He too is SCAD alumni.

Tourmaline Drop Necklace, $640

Amy: Any SCAD professors that had a special impact on you?

Elizabeth: I suppose all of them. My favorite classes were taught by Taweesak Molsawat who is no longer teaching at SCAD. I loved casting, making my own molds. Also, another class was enameling (I think that was with Nell), I really got to go all out in there. The funny thing is that I don’t use either of those techniques in my work currently...but I’m sure I will soon.

Amy: As a successful jewelry designer what advice could you give current jewelry and metal students or other recent graduates?

Elizabeth: Get a job working for another designer... for a while, like at least a few years. Be creative, have fun, make it yourself and don’t sell out. But do listen, so many of my best selling items have developed because of really constructive criticism from friends and store owners.

Lapis Pendant Necklace, $700

Amy: How did you first get your jewelry to major markets?

Elizabeth: The same way I do now, I contacted the store with line sheets and a body of work. Tenacity was key.

Amy: Any big mistakes or pitfalls you could warn against?

Elizabeth: Do not make business personal and don’t take everything about your business personally.

Pink Tourmaline Drop Earrings, $800

Amy: Any notable stores that have carried your work?

Elizabeth: To be honest, they are all really great and each store I’m with has an amazing reputation, but yes... I’m currently with Fred Segal in Los Angeles. I’ve had Cindy Sherman buy something at one boutique, and then Liv Tyler at another. That’s the great thing about being in New York City, there’s constant exposure and the store owners are willing to take a risk on an unknown designer simply because they believe in the work.

Blue Lapis Drops, $950

Amy: If you could collaborate with any other artist (living or dead), who would that be (AND if you can think of anything, what would you be creating?)

Elizabeth: Oooooh, this is too difficult to answer. I love so many of the contemporary artists out now. I think it would be fun to be in a Ryan Trecartin video or something. Something performance-based where you really get to cut loose. I’ve done some modeling for Ryan McGinness and was photographed by Terry Richardson—that’s all participation at some capacity. But if I were to make something, it would be a performance or a performance-based image of some sort.

Turquoise Tourmaline Studs, $680

Amy: What skills do you use in your current business that you did not realize you might need when still in school?

Elizabeth: I’m much better at separating myself from my work than I ever thought I would be. In school I always was so effected by a critique or whatever, but now if I hear something negative about my work I’m able to shrug it off. I strongly believe in the jewelry that I make and have a lot of confidence in it... now if only I could apply that same line of thinking to my personal life, I’d be golden.

Elizabeth Finn graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2003 with a BFA in metals and jewelry.

American Art Collector- Russ Noto

2011-08-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to find a copy of American Art Collector magazine on my desk this morning! The August issue features the work of recent SCAD painting graduate Russ Noto. He has an upcoming show Aug. 27-Sept. 10 at the Richart J. Demato Fine Arts Gallery in Sag Harbor, New York. See below to read the article and also find work by Russ available at shopSCAD.

So excited for you Russ! Way to go!

These works by Russ Noto are currently available at shopSCAD.

Man's Understanding of Nature (Abjection towards the Unfamiliar)

Oil on canvas
6 ft. x 9 ft.
$11,000

Sheep Object (Imposed Meaning)

Oil on canvas
6 ft. x 4 ft.
$4,500

Empty Spectacle II

Oil on canvas
5 ft. x 3 ft.
$3,500

The Child, the Future, and the Unfamiliar

Oil on canvas
6 ft. x 6 ft.
$7,000

Tobia Makover: Encaustic Photographs

2011-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

In all bodies of work and in life, Tobia contemplates the physicality of our existence. She questions the importance of our being and the impact of our time here while she examines the tension between holding on and the desire to let go.

Samuel with Casts

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting with SCAD alumna Tobia Makover in her new studio. The new space she has created is divine! An offer to sit a spell and chat about her work was most eagerly accepted. This dedicated work space is so Zen-superabundant natural sunlight and white walls beautifully show off her work and all her materials and pieces are so harmoniously ordered.

shopSCAD has sold Tobia's encaustic photographs very well. We sold 7 to one collector just the other day! The one shown above is my favorite. I just love the composition and find it so engaging. The baby in this image is her first son. He was born with webbed fingers and had to have them surgically separated. Please continue on to see more of her hauntingly beautiful work along with some studio shots I snapped during my visit!

Last Woman Standing

Eldest Son and My Bear

Bottom Bunk

Sunset

David Gun

Dana School Chair

Myra Walking Through

Selfless

Sideview

Tobia in her studio

Studio

Studio (poolside....LOVE!)

Tobia Makover is an internationally award winning fine art photographer who has exhibited around the world, notably at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Les Ateliers de L’image in St. Remy, France, the Griffin Museum in Boston, and AIPAD in New York. She graduated from SCAD with an MFA in photography in 2001. She resides in Savannah with her husband and two sons.

Artist Tobia Makover

Tablescape of Ornaments

2011-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is a tablescape I completed this morning for a SCAD meeting. The main focus of the table was on the felt ornaments by SCAD fibers student Erica Dwyer that were originally made for the White House. If you don't know what I'm talking about you seriously need to click on this link to catch up on all the amazing adventures that have been happening around here! It was a challenge to figure out how to hold the ornaments upright without a Christmas tree but I really loved the final solution – rusted vintage bedsprings, so interesting and sculptural under antique glass cloches and more appropriate for display in June than a conifer! Each cloche was placed on a hand-turned wood cutting board by SCAD alumna Martha Enzmann and her husband Tom Sternal. Vintage thread spools acted as vases to fern fronds and little white flowers whose name I cannot remember. Another element recalling our Christmas trip to the White House were vintage books I had cut into thirds and then stayed up late folding and hand-stamping with words to "America the Beautiful," President Obama's favorite song. If you see the black electric cord strung throughout the pictures, please excuse – this was a real working meeting. I just love to share these tablescapes that show off the talent of SCAD artists!

Tim Wirth: My Favorite Artists Are Farmers

2011-05-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Heart 2009-2011", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

"I grew up on a family farm in rural Iowa. A year after finishing studies at SCAD, I returned to a small town (Buffalo Center) where I work full-time as a painter with my wife and two children. In the spring and fall I help my oldest brother with his farming operations (he owns and operates the family farm which is 10 miles from where I live.)" - Tim Wirth (M.F.A. painting, 2008)

Tim Wirth operating tractor on family farm in Iowa

I am not sure you can find a bigger fan of Tim Wirth than someone working at shopSCAD. With the exception of our newest staff members hired just two months ago, everyone at shopSCAD owns AT LEAST two Tim Wirth paintings. I don't give it long ’til our newbies will start their own Tim collection! Are we just crazy? No, his work is contagious – infectious, even – and delightfully so. The text and colors grab hold of you, pulling you in with their humble musings. Visitors to the shop seem to lock on to one at first sight, confused by how much they are drawn to it and how it seems to have been made just for them – like Tim sent them a personal message. More than one collector has expressed upon viewing his work that Tim's particular style of painting is not something they would normally be attracted to, how they are surprised by how taken they are with it, and is that wrong? I emphatically tell them no, this is soooo right and launch into a something near to a love sonnet about how much we all love his work at the shop and how many paintings we have sold over the years. Frequently, collectors at shopSCAD will buy two or three of his paintings at a time or travel home with one, only to call a short time later to request another. These paintings have charisma, I tell you! I am very excited to share that he will be featured in New American Paintings, #95 Midwest edition.

"God's Breath", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

This blog post is mainly about the interview I recently did with Tim. If you are not familiar with his work I have included some other background information below that was provided by the artist. Enjoy!

Excerpt from Tim:

In late 2008, Tim Wirth began organizing his studio practice around building square paintings that function as three-dimensional objects. Although they have an intended front display and are framed to hang on a wall, the backsides also feature a painted image consisting of date, location, title, and signature. Wirth's unique craftsmanship and his democratic approach to pricing and selling his work has attracted collectors and investors from across the United States as well as the UK.

"Untitled Machine", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

"The idea was to find a way to explore any visual terrain I wanted without getting lost. For the most part I painted on squares anyway, so it wasn't hard to limit myself to that format. A square is a fundamental shape – it’s got an inherent truth and logic about it. The formalist in me gravitates to it, requires it even... Many of the images and language in the work arrives through improvisation. Occasionally it's premeditated. Sometimes it's graceful and sometimes it's clumsy, but every individual painting belongs to that larger context – that family of squares. And each painting, regardless of whether it’s a hit or a miss, contributes to the whole and is interesting in its own way. I like that, both in painting and elsewhere... For these reasons it also made sense to make them attainable and price them all the same. I like the idea of someone being able to own more than one, or collecting them not as paintings to hang but as objects to store in an attic or basement, something to dust off and look at every few years when it's in the way. They are, first and foremost, objects. Not unlike baseball cards or muscle cars, but much better. And more fun and satisfying to own than savings bonds or gold coins." - Tim Wirth

"The Searchers", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Each Tim Wirth painting is constructed from premium pine, birch panel, and framed with 1/4" white pine that's sanded down to a smooth finish. The standard square size is 25"x 25"x 2". Current 2011 pricing is $595 each.

"Untitled (Abstract)", oil on panel, 17" x 17", $195

Amy: When did you know you were an artist?

Tim: I still think of myself as just somebody who makes paintings. If I’m asked, I usually say, “I’m a painter,” but most people think that means I paint walls, houses, and such. I don’t correct them unless I have to.

"Untitled (Diamond)", oil on panel, 17" x 17", $195

Amy: How would you describe your work?

Tim: Colorful, charming, and good.

"The Things I Know Best Are The Same Things I Don't", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: What motivates you to make work?

Tim: I like things that really exist. I like the way people go about doing things. I’m just as interested in watching a person try to put a dog in their car as I am in seeing a Matisse in person.

Tim's studio

Amy: What kind of person do you think buys your work?

Tim: I’m not very sure – I think it ranges greatly. Old and young. Men and women. I’m not sure there’s any consistent thread, though I'm sure I’d get along nicely with all of them.

"Invisible Man", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: What challenges do you face when creating?

Tim: For myself and where I live, the isolation can be challenging. I don’t live around people who make art. But I do get to be around farmers, who have always fascinated me. They’re an impressive breed. I think all my favorite artists are farmers.

"You Are My Sunshine", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: How do you know when a painting is finished?

Tim: When it has no use for me anymore. It’s a pretty definitive moment. The paintings starts to act like a rebellious teenager who wants out of the house. And to be honest, when it gets to that point I’m happy to kick it out the door and see how it handles itself.

"Big Cub, Little Cub", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: What is the most important thing to you about your work?

Tim: I’m not sure. If the total sum of what I do amounts to nothing more than reminding somebody that they’ve got more freedom than their using, then I'm happy. And I suppose the job of any artist is to remind people of that – that we've got more freedom than we think we do.

"Pretty Baby", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: How is your work different now than a year (or more) ago?

Tim: It's tightened up. I'm more fluent and comfortable. Making things is sort of like inventing a language and it takes time to build the vocabulary before you can start making sense of the subtext.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Chuck Berry", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: What music are you listening to?

Tim: I bought a Lefty Frizzell album recently which I've been enjoying. I like old blues, old country and early rock – old straightforward stuff that embraces its limitations. Recordings that give you the sense that the musician had to show up, play once, sing once, and let the chips fall as they may in order to get a record cut. I think that’s sort of the same approach I have to painting. Give it a good try and let it do as it does.

"George Jones Sings Country & Western Hits", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: Any advice you would give to current SCAD student and other aspiring artists?

Tim: You've got to make stuff you don't like in order to understand how to make things you do like. So make things whenever you can with whatever you have. Nobody has the right answers, so there’s no harm in following your own ideas. If you're happy with what you've done, then be proud. If not, fix it.

"Tombstone (The Sunshine Never Stops)", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

Amy: If you could collaborate with any other artist, who would that be (AND if you can think of anything, what would you be creating?)

Tim: I’d like to build a dinner table with a resurrected H.C. Westermann.

"Bob Feller, Old Yeller and Jesus Christ", oil on panel with hatchet, 45" x 45", $1800

Amy: You use a lot of text in your words, some seem to be urging viewer to take stock in themselves and other are humbling words – a recurring theme of working man blues pops up. Can you elaborate on this theme and the importance of text in your work?

Tim: I like the straightforwardness text offers. I like clarity and confidence. I don’t like art that tries to disguise itself. I like stuff that steps up to the plate spitting, ready to swing. Text lets me be clear in such an overt way that it kind of invites mystery back on itself.

"The Devils Work is Done in the Daylight", oil on plywood, 24" x 30", $595

Amy: Do current politics play a role in this?

Tim: I think so. Our political system is a fascinating thing to watch – the best and the worst of human nature on display like a carousel. I like seeing history unfold in real time, so I follow things closely, though I don’t feel political myself. I look for logic and grace – I don’t have any use for delusions and cynicism. And the same is true with art.

"Logic + Grace = Light", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

"Tombstone (Adios)", oil on panel, 25" x 25", $595

To fully appreciate Tim's work one must flip it to the other side. This is just one example of how Tim finishes off his pieces so well you hesitate to hang it up and never look upon the back.

My son Charlie's room made complete with a Tim Wirth "Rotating" painting!

shopSCAD staffer Kyle Millsap has an impressive collection of 4 Tim paintings.
Here is one with dog Bitsy.

Dorm Sweet Dorm, A Makeover Story

2011-04-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Turner House Sample Room Makeover

shopSCAD and Working Class Studio joined forces to makeover the Turner House sample dorm room. This room, located in Turner House, is the freshman dorm and is shown to prospective SCAD students and parents so they can get an idea of what residential life will be like on campus.

Jonathan Osborne and I had a ball infusing giant doses of color and pattern so characteristic to the aesthetic of both Working Class Studio and shopSCAD.

Rugs by SCAD alums Domestic Construction, Puffy Frames and Re-Gift Boxes by Working Class Studio

Formerly this room was decorated with a softer, more neutral palette that was decidedly feminine. Our desire was to make the room more inviting to both guys and gals so we went for a unisex-y approach and even made mail slots for hypothetical students with the gender-neutral names of Sam, Pat and Chris. Once we named our "prospective students" for this room, we thought of what their majors could be and decided designwise to show this through a cork mood board framed with a different color puffy frame by Working Class Studio at each student desk.

One was a fashion student with sketches, fabric swatches and sewing machine; another a graphic design student with a Pantone book, computer and magazine clips; and lastly we had an illustration student with paints, colored pencils, artist model and Working Class Studio sketchbook.

SCAD hoodie sweatshirts, Re-Gift Boxes, and Savannah Toile curtains and pillow by Working Class Studio. Rug by SCAD alums Domestic Construction

While we were still thinking up the arrangement we were glad to be interrupted by a SCAD tour coming through. The SCAD student giving the tour gave us the great space-saving idea to stack one of the three beds on top of the two student drawers.

For those of you who like to compare and contrast, go to the bottom of this post for before and after pictures! This room is packed with fabulous work made by shopSCAD artists and Working Class Studio, and much of what you see in the room is available at shopSCAD for purchase.

Please email or call us for more information 912.525.5180 or info@shopscad.com.

Totem and fabric tomatoes by SCAD alums Domestic Construction, ceramic piggy bank by SCAD alumna Yoshimi Hosoda

Puffy Frames, Kathleen Collection Record Lamp, Nicole Collection Cork planters, Savannah Toile curtains by Working Class Studio

Ceramic Skull Mugs by Yoshimi Hosoda, Vintage Trophy by Kyle Millsap, Puffy Frames, Kathleen Collection record lamp, Savannah Toile curtains by Working Class Studio

Good news! If you love this Savannah Toile fabric and would like to make some curtains for yourself it will soon be available at shopSCAD for purchase by the yard. The toile print was designed by SCAD fibers alumna Morena Guzman for Working Class Studio several years ago and features a scene typical of a Savannah square with SCAD student riding his bike. It is quite charming and very popular at the shop. We sell a whole lot of the tea towels and aprons! The toile is available as shown in burnt scarlet and also in teal, mustard and gecko.

The Kathleen Collection Lamp by Working Class Studio is made from vintage album covers and makes a cool unisex-y accessory in the dorm room. It has been featured in numerous magazines including Every Day with Rachael Ray!

Journals and Sketchbooks, Kathleen Collection Record Lamp, Savannah Toile Curtain, Nicole Collection Cork Planter by Working Class Studio

Journals and Sketchbooks, Kathleen Collection Record Lamp by Working Class Studio

Chair Pillow by SCAD alumna Laura Davis, Savannah Toile Pillow, Sarah Collection Pillows, and Re-Gift Box by Working Class Studio

I think we loved this desk area the most as Jonathan and I both have big love for all things fashion. Too bad I didn't get the desk level before snapping picture! The Working Class Studio Puffy Frame in slate showcases this student’s major of fashion design.

Puffy Frame by Working Class Studio, Rug by Domestic Construction

The rug by the girls at Domestic Construction was designed by laying out paper cut-outs in different patterns. The resulting image was then printed on the rugs. They are completely washable and can even be used outdoors!

Sketchbook by Working Class Studio

It was essential to include a classic SCAD book, the biography of André Leon Talley, a fashion icon, former editor-at-large at VOGUE magazine who also happens to be on SCAD's Board of Trustees. We love Andre!

It was awesome to have found this sketch in the room before starting the project! This designer is obviously not designing for just the size 2 customer.

Puffy Frame by Working Class Studio

Savannah Toile Tea Towel, SCAD Coffee Mug and Melamine Dinnerware by Working Class Studio, Rug by Domestic Construction

This is a busy area and space allocation is at a premium here with the vanity area and food prep station so close. We provided many snacks for Sam, Chris and Pat - not all healthy but colorful nonetheless.

Art prints by Benjamin Stanley, Courtney Shelton and Tim Degner, Magnets by Molly Evans and Working Class Studio, SCAD Coffee Mugs, Re-Gift Box, Charles Collection Clock, and Melamine By Working Class Studio

SCAD Coffee Mugs, Kay Collection Melamine, Re-Gift Box by Working Class Studio

Yummy! Cheese puffs, gumdrops, and Twizzlers washed down with Vitamin Water.

Prints by Courtney Shelton, Benjamin Stanley and Tim Degner. Charles Collection Clock and Nicole Collection Cork Planter by Working Class Studio.

Plushkills mounted above mirror by SCAD alumna Jessica Knapp

Ahhh, the bathroom was rather tight so we decided to purchase an over-the-commode storage area. It worked out beautifully to store lots of shopSCAD bath products goodies by SCAD alumna Kate Bethel. I like to think that Sam, Pat and Chris will just love Kate's fresh fig bath bombs, grapefruit and vanilla triple-milled soap, milk and sugar shampoo and conditioner, and Earl Grey perfume! The shower curtain was custom made by Working Class Studio in their lovely Savannah Toile fabric in teal. The artwork "$5.00 EVERY-THINGS" is a wood block print by SCAD alumna Jennifer Jenkins. The rug was made by SCAD alumnae Trish Andersen and Maureen Walsh of Domestic Construction.

Savannah Toile shower curtain by Working Class Studio, shopSCAD bath products by Kate Bethel, Rug by Domestic Construction, print by Jennifer Jenkins

shopSCAD bath products by Kate Bethel, print by Jennifer Jenkins

Rubber duckies are always a cozy addition to a bathroom, right?

Savannah Toile Curtains and SCAD t-shirts by Working Class Studio

The Savannah Toile Curtains in gecko really make the closet area seem more inviting.

Hypothetical student mail area

Jonathan did not scrimp on details, I must point out that this tube mailer is humorously addressed to "Pat C. Klein." Yay! Well, it made us happy anyway.

SCAD T-shirt and Savannah Toile Curtains by Working Class Studio

OK, so here are the before pictures. This is what the room looked like when we arrived! You can spy Jonathan and my handbag in a few of these as we were in the brainstorming process.

Stitchin' in the Kitchen

2011-04-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Rubi McGrory, "Would Not, Could Not", embroidery on linen, $200

Rubi McGrory, "135 Rare, 160 Medium", embroidery on linen, $120

Rubi McGrory, "Pea Soup For Tomorrow", embroidery on linen, $120

Rubi McGrory, "Bacon Makes Everything Better", embroidery on linen, $200

Rubi McGrory, "Nice Rack", embroidery on linen, $200

Rubi McGrory, "Great for Frying & Grilling", embroidery on linen, $120

Rubi is so sweet she brought us this apricot almond torte today!

Customer requesting recipe for torte.

Check out Rubi's Vanessa Boulton bag!

Just loved her self be-dazzled sandals- she covers all logos with rhinestones!

Will someone please make this woven cuff for shopSCAD?

Totally digging the purple eyeshadow and all the jewels!

Easter Treasury: A Hip Hop and It Don't Stop!

2011-04-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Kelly Walden, "Bartholomew B. Wilder" digital photograph, 8" x 12"

$50

Cuyler Hovey-King, "Bunny Bracelet" brass and vintage chain

$68

Emily Marie Cox, “Mr. and Mrs. Bunabun” hand-sewn fabric bunnies
$210

Cat Taylor, “Portrait of St. Luke” acrylic on canvas, 30” x 40”

$900

Cuyler Hovey-King, "Lovely Lamb Ring" vintage porcelain lamb, brass, stainless steel, Astroturf

$398

Caitlin Betsy Bell, "Baby Bunny" embroidered wool and baby llama yarn

$42

Teeny House Bunny, "Logo Bunny" gold-plated necklace,
$32

Laura Cherry, "Woodland Portrait Series" greeting card

$3.50

Cuyler Hovey-King, "Little Lamb" necklace, porcelain lamb, enameled chain

$98

Tiffani Taylor, “Ceramic Cross” hand-painted Italian bisque ware

$35

Alejandra Dunphy, "Bunny Mittens" hand-knit for children

$18

Christine Sajecki, "Easter Rabbit" original encaustic on panel

$80

Christine Sajecki, "Easter Rabbit" poetry book with cover image

$13.95

Kathryn Riechert, "Cross" post earrings and necklace, sterling silver

$22, $46

Jennifer Jenkins, "Portrait #4" etching, 14" x 17"

$90

Cuyler Hovey-

King, "Fancy Bunny" vintage porcelain, sterling silver ring

Megan Clark, "Run Rabbit Run" brooch, $200

Jessica Knapp, "Hot Cross Bunny" mounted plushkill

$95

Clint Zeagler, "Pecan Pie Couture Cross T-shirt" cotton

$68

Holly Sexton, “Crocheted Sheep” hand-crocheted doilies,

$160

Jay Schmetz, “The First Date” oil on canvas, 24” x 30”

$1,200

Megan Clark, "Birthday Bunny" anodized aluminum and sterling silver bracelet

$268

Halligan Norris, "Happy Day" needlepoint brooch

$134

Rubi McGrory: She's a Basket-case!

2011-04-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

"I'm not someone who buys into the idea of suffering for one's art, but I shed quite a few tears over these baskets"- Rubi McGrory

Animal, Vegetable, Mineral Baskets

Recently, I enjoyed visiting with SCAD fibers artist Rubi McGrory in her home/studio. Her wonderfully eccentric nature charmed me instantly as did her unusual artwork. Her awesomely unique character is naturally evident in her work and surroundings. Once inside her home, every place my eyes rested there was something to marvel over so much so that I forgot to drink the cup of tea she so graciously prepared. I was too busy making discoveries--propped up in an armchair rested Rubi's embroidered Mall of America floor plan, a silk dress emblazoned with her hand sewn logos hung near the mantle, a ruffled old softball rested on a curio shelf amongst other treasures such as her husbands snow-globe collection, a painstaking hand sequined truck still a work in progress was tucked behind a pillow, a stream of creative consciousness post it notes crawled up the wall, and she proudly pointed out the current "curated art show" on the refrigerator that is updated each month. Other curiosities included a spinning retail store worthy postcard rack filled with every postcard she has ever been given, a tiny pouch taken out of a drawer filled with her hand sewn dollar bills and my favorite--fiber works she made for the one she so sweetly and unfailingly calls "her handsome husband". Please read on to see some of these wonders and also her thoughts on the work and process.

Artist Rubi McGrory

I love the sculptural lines of Rubi's Animal, Vegetable, Mineral Baskets. They are so zen like, I imagine they would bring a organic and tranquil design element to almost any decor. Rubi was featured on HGTV's show "That's Clever" demonstrating the painstaking process of making them. Rubi was challenged by SCAD professor Cayewah Easley in a 3D fibers class to weave a basket based on the concept of either animal, vegetable or mineral. Rubi explains how she took this challenge to a whole other level.

Process that Rubi devised to make Animal, Vegetable, Mineral Baskets

"When I explained it to my husband he upped the ante and challenged me to use all three, hence the rock base, the rawhide spokes and the seagrass weavers. I wouldn't say physics is one of my strong suits, so these really pushed me. It took a lot of work not just to figure out how to create the basket on the rock, but to synthesize the technique so I could manipulate the dimensionality and create a basket shape complimentary to that of the rock. The two most important aspects of production control is that the whole structure must remain under tension, and to ensure that, the rawhide spokes must be wet and supple while hanging from a rod. Once dry, they are nearly impossible to re-saturate without risking the integrity of the seagrass weavers."

The artist hard at work. Her sign makes me laugh!
I had to censor it just a bit- sorry Rubi!

Antique lace on used softball

I have dreamed of this ruffled old softball ever since seeing it at Rubi's home. I just adore that she saw the potential in a discarded ball and added a decided bit feminity in the form of ruffled antique lace.

Detail, antique lace on used softball

"I was playing around with combining elements. I have a whole crate of vintage lace and trim and was trying to find to new contexts for them , including a fast food cheeseburger with purple lace. The softball literally fell into my lap one day at the park, where I was stitching something else. It was an old dead ball, so the coach let me keep it. I have a funny relationship with softball in that every year growing up I had to play little league softball. I hated it and was hands down the most terrible player ever. All I wanted to do instead of softball practice was take art classes. I guess they both won."

"Money Talks"

"Money Talks" is a collection of individual one dollar notes hand-stitched with cotton floss by the artist. I love the idea of tacking up a few of these on a small wall space at home in lieu of a more traditional form of art!

Rubi's artist statement for her MFA thesis solo exhibition, Art™:

"We are inundated with advertising not just through traditional media, but within our personal sphere as well. Almost every object and product we buy is emblazoned with logos and slogans. Ownership of said objects and products includes the constant advertising their presence in our private sphere constitutes."

Books in Rubi's studio that she used in researching thesis

"In time, we become inured to logos as agents of consumerism. They become part of our visual lexicon, defining and driving our ideals and ambitions, both as individuals and consumers. In our global economy, many of these symbols transcend political and national borders. Icons of our ideology, we subconsciously read logos as symbols and other visual motifs, not different from those of theology, cartography, politics, heraldry, sciences, etc.

"Mall of America Map Sampler™"

"For centuries, embroidery samplers were not only a means of education for girls and women; but a demonstration of their mastery of feminine arts, thus indicative of their worth as wives. In contemporary households, women make most of the day-to-day purchasing decisions, and thus are responsive to advertising."

"Social Networking Dress™"

"By re-creating contemporary consumer symbols through traditional techniques of hand embroidery, I facilitate a dialogue between maker or viewer and handmade object. The proliferation and repetition of manual stitches belies the mass-production and lack of human authorship attributed to these symbols. Through my references to domesticity, I ask the viewer to visit their personal relationship to logos and branding."

"Quilt™"

This is such a sweet piece, it is not for sale but I just had to share it. Rubi made this as a gift for her "handsome husband".

Wool thread on linen

Artist Bio: Rubi McGrory received her MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design in fibers. She has an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing from the University of Connecticut and has studied at the Culinary Institute of America and the Royal Thai School of Culinary Arts. When Rubi isn't making art, she might be making food, writing, marrying people, or conducting retreats for people who have lost their creative way. Never one to consider boredom an option, she will always have several embroidered art projects on the go. Rubi co-founded Stitch Spectacular with Karin Soderholm, to help bring attention to contemporary hand embroidery.

Notes in Rubi's studio

Emerging SCAD Fashion Designers

2011-03-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

I am excited to share a new book at shopSCAD with you! “Emerging Fashion Designers 1” by Sally Congdon-Martin features 10 SCAD graduates work. We even have bragging rights to the cover image of the book being a creation by SCAD graduate Caroline Mae Heidenreich (B.F.A. fashion, 2009). This book is a collection of innovative fashion design chosen from 16 of the most respected fashion design programs at colleges and universities in the United States. Each designer featured includes an image of their work and a brief dossier including their inspiration, materials, even the name of the professor who advised them. I have scanned each designer represented for your viewing pleasure. Big congratulations to Heidenreich and fellow B.F.A. fashion 2009 SCAD graduates Stefanie Dixon, Tara L. Kline, Ellen Creasy Ellis, Kevin Fogle, Allison Heyden, Kate Hundley, Andrea Lake, Aileen Lowe, Melody K. Oesterle and Manuela Pizarro Rodriguez, along with SCAD professors Anthony S. Miller, Denis Antoine, Jason Bunin, Marie Aja-Herrera, Carol Harris and John Bauernfeind. If you love fashion you ought to pick this book up for the coffee table. Mention this blog post and you’ll receive 10 percent off the purchase price of $39.99!

Stefanie Dixon & Tara L. Kline

Inspiration: Blouse (Stefanie Dixon) – Rockabilly chic with pop art; pants (Tara Kline) – “My inspiration came from my own personal sense of style. I was born in the 1980s and remember my favorite outfits included washed/bleached-out jeans and a little leather jacket I got when I was really young. I always thought the '80s were the best time. I wanted to refresh this image in my head as a newer '80s ‘blue jean queen’ meets a night out in L.A.”

Materials: Blouse – cotton twill with black patent trim; painted and printed by the designer; pants – denim

Advised by: Professor Jason Bunin (Stefanie Dixon) and Professor John Bauernfeind (Tara Kline)

Ellen Creasy Ellis

Inspiration: 1960s English mods

Materials: Cotton

Advised by: Professor Marie Aja-Herrera

Kevin Fogle

Inspiration: Geometric shapes; the body as sculpture

Materials: Black patent leather and black crocodile

Advised by: Professor Jason Bunin

Caroline Mae Heidenreich

Inspiration: Economic consciousness, recycling and reusing products that otherwise would go to waste

Materials: Mosquito net and luggage tackle

Advised by: Carol Harris

Allison Heyden

Inspiration: Dessert – cupcakes and cakes

Materials: Flocked silk

Advised by: Professor Anthony S. Miller

Kate Hundley

Inspiration: This collection was inspired by the couture techniques and corset details of 1950s Christian Dior eveningwear and the sporty silhouettes of Moncler ski jackets and today's active sportswear. These influences combine for modern eveningwear silhouettes with sheer fabrics and body-contouring seams and voluminous jackets with couture details.

Materials: Wool, silk jersey, leather

Advised by: Professor Anthony S. Miller

Andrea Lake

Inspiration: Alice in Wonderland

Materials: Silk crepe and silk georgette

Advised by: Professor Jason Bunin

Aileen Lowe

Inspiration: “My collection was about the past, men's empowerment over women. I wanted to demonstrate a masculine style in my very feminine designs, almost showing the breaking of the chains of the past's clutches. The outcome was to show women's equality with men. I researched the 1950s style of dress, where my theory was most present. I used women of that time as my muse, including my grandmother. I considered all aspects in my inspiration, including the current economic state. So, to achieve this I went the green route, using men's tailored garments. This allowed me to experiment with textures and details in a couture-constructed garment.”

Materials: Men's tailored jackets, with emphasis on the jackets’ insides

Advised by: Professor Denis Antoine

Melody K. Oesterle

Inspiration: “For my collection, I was inspired by the beautiful and festive era of the late 1920s. I experimented with the vast range of pleating techniques of the era to create a look for a modern woman that was elegant yet effortless and contained subtle details that would excite her.”

Materials: Two shades of 100 percent silk jersey

Advised by: Professor Denis Antoine

Manuella Pizarro Rodriguez

Inspiration: The inspiration for the collection was the Colombian civil war since the 1980s.

Materials: Blouse – silk and wool knit; skirt – cotton organdy

Advised by: Anthony S. Miller

All this talent coming out of SCAD is no surprise. SCAD offers one of the largest and most comprehensive fashion programs in the United States and is one of the few universities to offer an M.F.A. in fashion. Fashion mentors and special guests recently to visit SCAD make up a star-studded list of big name industry professionals such as Zac Posen, Catherine Malandrino, Bryan Bradley, Angel Sanchez, Lars Nilsson, Yigal Azrouël, Barneys New York Creative Director Simon Doonan, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Tracy Reese, Amy Astley, Teen Vogue editor-in-chief; Anne Slowey, ELLE fashion features editor; George Esquivel, shoe designer; Chris Benz, designer; Kelly Cutrone, PR mogul; and Marshal Cohen, author. Every year SCAD hosts SCAD Style, a week filled with exhibitions and events that culminates in a fabulous fashion show in which fashion guru André Leon Talley presents a Lifetime Achievement Award in his name to an icon of fashion. Past recipients include renowned international designers Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, Tom Ford, Vera Wang, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, and Diane Von Furstenburg.

Grounded by Domestic Construction

2011-03-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Trish and Maureen of Domestic Construction

I am SO excited to show off these new rugs by Domestic Construction! Trish Andersen and Maureen Walsh, both SCAD fibers grads, are the amazing design duo known as Domestic Construction, and they have done it again. My mind is blown, my heart is pounding over their most recent creations. I believe my initial response to their e-mail with images was, "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! THESE RUGS ARE FABULOUS!" or something like that.

The new collection of rugs is called Grounded. The designs were digitally dyed from original paper cut designs by the girls at Domestic Construction. Not familiar with them? You will soon be! They are climbing their way to the top of the design world fast! Read their artist statement below.

Maureen Walsh and Trish Andersen of Domestic Construction

That sound of scissors cutting through thick paper. The smell of the glue and feel of the fabric. Design that embraces the senses and, above all, sticks in the mind. That moment, the conception of an idea destined for fully realized fruition. Spaces filled with visual music and left changed by the existence of two artists: Trish Andersen and Maureen Walsh. They are Domestic Construction and they live for the process. Always working, always living for the sound of scissors cutting through thick paper.

They were one of Entrepreneurial Magazine's top 100 companies to watch in 2010. With a client list including Google, Bravo, Empire Entertainment and Anthropologie they will work on any project that they are inspired by.

Each rug is completely machine-washable and dryable, has skid-resistant rubber backing and can be used indoors or outdoors. They are best away from direct sunlight. Their low profile allows doors to pass over them easily. They are available in the two sizes and five prints. The large rug measures 46 inches by 66 inches and goes for $280; the small rug is 23 inches by 36 inches and sells for $98. Now look over the images below to find your favorite!

Wise Mountain

Detail, Wise Mountain

Moon Dance

Detail, Moon Dance

Road to Rico

Detail, Road to Rico

Sand Sweeper

Detail, Sand Sweeper

Wise Mountain

Detail, Wise Mountain

Domestic Construction studio shot with rugs

Bountiful but Blurry Babies

2011-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

Here is another SCAD tablescape that I did this week for a luncheon at the SCAD Museum of Art. The primary focus of the table was on plaster babies by noted SCAD alumnus Marcus Kenney. You might be have seen them before in shopSCAD or in his original installation at the Telfair Museum.

Marcus Kenney installation at Telfair's Jepson Center for the Arts, 2007

Babyscape- I love the wallpaper peeking out from the open doors

I adore these babies, and own one of my very own. I can be heard telling visitors at shopSCAD all the time "that baby packs a lot of art," as I describe how I notice mine almost daily sitting peacefully in the foyer at my home.

Marcus Kenney baby that lives at my house

So, it was a pleasure to do this tablescape. As I carefully unwrapped each one and exclaimed exuberantly that this one or another had freckles or, “oh, look...this one has painted toenails,” I believe I was starting to convince Lauren and Sam (co-conspirators in tablescape and SCAD event staff members) that yes, they, too, needed one for their home. I warned them it can be expensive to hang around me as I lovingly ramble on about SCAD artists’ work!

This tablescape is simple, with lots of Marcus Kenney babies all gathered together, some in clique-ish circles at each end of what I believe is perhaps the largest table I have ever seen and then others scattered about or perched atop bits of sawed-off logs.

The room I worked in was filled with the work of celebrated African American painter, mixed media sculptor, performance artist and illustrator, Faith Ringgold. Her exhibit, “The Art of Faith Ringgold: Story Quilts and Freedom Quests,” explores diverse art historical and cultural traditions as well as complex themes of freedom, feminism and race through her rich visual imagery. I have included pictures of this, and please forgive all images in this post for their blurriness – my camera battery was dying on this day.

Really large table at SCAD Museum of Art

Faith Ringgold exhibit at SCAD Museum of Art

Faith Ringgold

SCAD Museum of Art

deFINE Art Walk on Indian Street (sneak peek)

2011-02-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

Eduardo Ortiz

Have you heard about deFINE Art? It is a fast-paced and oh-so fantastic week at SCAD (Feb. 22-26) with a star-studded lineup of leading artists and art professionals. Something amazing is planned each day with lectures by prominent figures in the art world, special exhibitions, commissions, student showcases, performances and other events, which will be viewed at venues throughout the university’s locations in Savannah and Atlanta.

I make no secret of being partial to SCAD’s Alexander Hall and I started there this week taking pictures to share with you. This is a visual sneak peek tour of the deFINE Art Walk on Indian Street scheduled this Saturday in Savannah from 5:30-7:30 p.m. You can visit more than 65 artists’ studios and purchase original works of art, all while enjoying music and refreshments! There will be some student installations and work from printmaking and ceramics students on display as well. This is free and promises to be a great and inspiring time!

For more information on deFINE Art visit http://www.scad.edu/experience/events/define-art/schedule.cfm.

Eduardo Ortiz

Sam Bryer

Rob Rees

Shannon Moran

Britt Spencer

Elizabeth Winnel

Will Penny

Dan VanLandingham

JenMarie Zeleznak

Jonathan Yoerger

Salwa Aleryani

Honor Bowman

Lauren Coggins-Tuttle

Hannah Moore

Will Penny

Xialou Zhang

Russ Noto

Jose Ray

Steve Knudsen

Wan Hung Sun

Jose Ray

Michael Fulton

Rachel Perisho

Vincent Lardieri

Eduardo Ortiz

Chris Scarborough, New American Paintings

Caomin Xie, New American Paintings

Meredith Pardue Kennedy, New American Paintings

Katherine Sandoz, New American Paintings

Michael Porten, New American Paintings

Colleen Critcher

Carrie Johnson

Kim Salinas

Kevin O'Malley

Russ Noto

Emma Schmidt

Danielle Bishop

Greening a SCAD Tablescape

2011-02-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

I was flattered to be asked by the SCAD events department to come up with a creative tablescape idea for a luncheon this week. It is always a pleasure to work collaboratively with other departments at the college, and this occasion was no different!

Our intention was not to make a "green" table, but it came close to being the result.The starting points for this tablescape design were to use the new sustainable cork bookend planters by Nicole Runde from SCAD's Working Class Studio, and recycled beer bottle glasses by SCAD alumna Marissa Drake.

These were combined with repurposed vintage books from the shopSCAD prop room and borrowed vintage trophy cups. The cork planters were filled with Irish moss, and airy ferns were added to the trophy cups to soften things up a bit.

The recycled beer-bottle glasses were used for the guest’s water glass, and some others contained Billy Button flowers in groupings throughout the table.

The final additions were natural flax napkins, vintage sterling flatware, silver chargers, an eclectic mix of vintage silver and glass coasters, and a lovely printed menu with each guest’s name at the top.

A very last-minute decision was made to add a vintage kimono to the center of table.

Thanks to Erin Ham, SCAD's executive director of events; Sam Bloodworth McCormick, assistant director of events; and fab flower artiste Gaye Drummond for this opportunity to work with you and to showcase some shopSCAD artists’ work!

Nicole Collection Planter Set by Working Class Studio, $50

Marissa Drake Recycled Beer Bottle Etched Glasses, $12.50 each

There She Is: Rachel Evans

2011-02-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Detail, "Reflection Diptych", mixed media, 2011

With only a few days left before the end of the show, I was glad to finally make it to SCAD's Hall Street Gallery today to see Rachel Evans’ new work! Rachel is an M.F.A. painting candidate at SCAD and her thesis exhibition, “There She Is,” should not be missed. A former beauty pageant queen herself (Rachel was crowned Miss Atlanta 2009 ), her new work is focusing on the power and ephemeral nature of physical beauty, both individual and cultural. Exhibiting paintings, sculpture, and installation, Evans' new works explore beauty pageants through exposure of the psychology of the individual contestant and its influence on her personal identity.

Look closely at the work and the artist. You will see it is much more than just pretty. Did you notice the teeth that surround the mirrors? I love that she has cleverly incorporated these, so naturally growing out of the layers of roses.

Rachel Evans, Miss Atlanta 2009 photo

"Reflection Diptych", mixed media, 2011

"There She Is" thesis exhibition, Rachel Evans

Rachel Evans, (center) Miss Atlanta 2009

View of installation at SCAD's Hall Street Gallery

"Stage Curtains", Screen printed fabric, 2010

"Aged Out: 17-24", ceramic and wax, 2010

"American Ideal", mixed media, 2011

Detail, "Your Ideal", mixed media, 2011

"Your Ideal", mixed media, 2011

"The Original Miss America: 1921", screen print on oil, 2011

"Your Ideal", mixed media, 2011

"Unposed Self-Portrait", oil on canvas, mixed media frame, 2010

"All American Face and Form", cake, 2011

Prepare to Drool...Gems from Jennifer Hallsey

2011-02-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Today, it is with pleasure that I share a selection of fabulous jewels from one of our best-selling artists at shopSCAD, Jennifer Hallsey. She makes exceptionally beautiful hand-beaded jewelry that speaks lovely abundance in terms of layers, colors and textures. Jennifer graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a B.F.A. in painting and a minor in art history. Her talent for achieving perfect composition is evidence of this.

Flowering Lotus Earrings, $1,498

Oooh, the intense beauty of the Flowering Lotus Earrings, just kill me now! Jennifer was inspired by the glasswork of Louis Comfort Tiffany when she conspired to make this divine creation. I would always prefer earrings like these to a lamp, thank you very much!

Maharani Earrings $800, Occitania Earrings $2250, Lisle Necklace $1720, Ornella Brooch $728

Regal and ornate 18k gold shields make the Maharani Earrings a mighty classic in my book! I gasped (no kidding) when I first saw the Occitània Earrings in person. They are BEAUTIFUL and the blue is exactly the same as my friend Kyle’s eyes…too bad he can’t wear them! Just try wearing these and not feeling gorgeous, I dare you! I imagine the Lisle Necklace to become the heirloom piece in some lucky person’s family! This long, romantic necklace has the finest natural pearls and an antique brooch from the late Victorian era or Art Nouveau period. Hands down, a clear favorite would have to be the Ornella Brooch made with actual vintage butterfly wings. How cool is that? Real flying wings from long ago treasured forever under three large oval globes with the addition of opulent jewels – a keepsake indeed!

Georgiana Necklace $3800, Artemisia Earrings (sold), Georgiana Earrings $398

So, admittedly at times I am drawn to beautiful and creepy in almost the same proportion. This traditional 1800s Georgiana Mourning Necklace has a working locket made of onyx with a pearl cameo. The locket is to keep an image inside of a deceased loved one for sweet remembrance.

I want some fantastically bizarre-but-sophisticated rocker chick to wear Jennifer’s Artemisia Earrings. These earrings are jam-packed with tourmaline needles, gemstones and jumbo pear-shaped quartz drops. Now, on the other hand, I fancy the Georgiana Earrings as some kind of important period piece. So historical and romantic in feel, I love the subtle color and carved onyx ovals.

Vilma Flapper Earrings (sold), Genievre Brooch $270, Esme Earrings $770, Guirlande Necklace $2250

Really, any time the word “flapper” is used I am already 100% sold, now add to that Peruvian opals and fine 18k gold and well you know I want them really bad! Jennifer took her inspiration from the Art Deco period when creating her Vilma Flapper Earrings. Glowing milkglass, another personal fave, sets the Genièvre Brooch high on the list of coveted items. Lovely blue-green jumbles, moss aquamarine and rubies are sitting pretty on this antique pin. As if that is not enough, how about sapphires in green and color-changing violet on the Esme Earrings? The Guirlande Necklace is Old World beauty with garnets and vivid trillion-cut (whoa, that is a big number!) London and Swiss blue topaz.

Vinvella Earrings $470, Atlantis Necklace $720

Jennifer gives us a lesson in the power of complementary colors via her Vinvella Earrings with their rich violet step-faceted amethyst teardrops and sunshine-yellow sapphires. Could this name be anymore perfect? The Atlantis Necklace seems like a treasure found at the bottom of the sea. I have always been obsessed with fossils and adore the pendant made of ammonites, an extinct group of marine animals known for their spiral ram horns.

Stanwyck Earrings $238, Sur la Lune Necklace $2618, Ottone Necklace $940, Fonteyne Necklace $1000

Jennifer found inspiration in the film noir genre of the 1940s and 1950s for her Stanwyck Earrings. She named them after Barbara Stanwyck, one of the many actresses who starred in these dark-yet-stylish Hollywood crime dramas. Resplendent and striking, the Sur la Lune Necklace is comprised of the finest grade of pearls. I love the chunky boldness and asymmetry of this piece; it is definitely not your mother’s pearls.

A massive (100 carats!) heart of faceted rutile quartz anchors the Ottone Necklace. It is also quite appealing for its mix of metals – solid sterling silver, bright fine silver, solid 14k yellow, and pink 14k rose gold. The Fonteyne Necklace seems like this perfect talisman that was created over many years with each gemstone charm having significant meaning to the wearer. I imagine this is a delight to wear and would start many a conversation.

Gatsby Necklace $1398, Parisienne Earrings $700, Pavone Bracelet $398, La Boheme Earrings $424

One of my all-time favorite books – The Great Gatsby! Jennifer takes us back to a more glamorous time with the hand-knotted silk Gatsby Necklace. Smooth orbs of larimar with an antique bee pin. (We love our bees at SCAD!) The Parisienne Earrings are a knockout. The ruby red topaz sparkles like crazy, and then she amps it up further with sapphires and vintage 1970s Soviet rose gold. We do really well with Jennifer’s shaded bracelets like the Pavone at shopSCAD. The gradations of color from apatite, prehnite, peridot, kyanite and turquoise are hard to resist. I featured the La Bohème Earrings in a shopSCAD treasury I did for etsy a few months ago. To say I like this color combination is an understatement. I live for pink and green things as evidenced by my ensemble today – a vintage 1980s hot pink silk dress with green suede booties!

Bette Necklace $398, Ruby Throat Earrings (sold), Fane Necklace $708, Thistle Earrings $428

Bette Necklace is eccentric and wonderful with tiny details, large gems and mixed metals. Look close at the Ruby Throat (Hummingbird) Earrings to see the bright white coral branches peeking out from ruby red garnets and aquamarines – they make these unusual earrings even more spectacular. For something softer and subtler, you might prefer the gem-encrusted Fane Necklace. This would be so pretty for spring. Oh, when will that day ever come? This ombré effect in the Thistle Earrings is achieved through careful selection and arrangement of rainbow moonstone, white chalcedony, gray moonstone, gem-grade labradorite and tourmalated quartz.

M Noir Earrings $448, Aubert Necklace $1080

These M Noir Earrings would seem at home in a smoke-filled jazz lounge in the 1950s. They almost seem like sequins with the combination of glittering quartz and akoya pearls. Totally befitting a queen, the Aubert Necklace features a gorgeous baroque-like marcasite pendant with an extraordinary piece of tourmalinated quartz.

Bonamie Earrings $928, Zinnia Bracelet $948, Christadora Earrings $528, Athena Earrings $758

I have a growing appreciation of tourmalines, especially the slices, thanks to Jennifer’s work. The way the light shines through the large slices of watermelon tourmaline in her Bonamie Earrings is quite captivating. The epitome of luxury is a stack of Jennifer Hallsey bracelets as shown in the shopSCAD catalog but I would feel luxurious even for this one alone. The Zinnia Bracelet is set off by an insanely fuchsia tourmaline with a center diamond. I envision a mermaid in the Christadora Earrings, or at least think that must have been some source of inspiration for Jennifer when creating this lovely combo of shimmering Oregon sunstone and saltwater pearls. The Athena Earrings are fierce! This pair of earrings boasts large baroque pearls, Australian opal, peach moonstone, garnets and Oregon sunstone atop antique Miriam Haskell-inspired posts.

shopSCAD

Superstar Stylin' at the Savannah Film Festival

Beautifully Made, Sweetly Detailed

Candy Colored Gems: Interview with Elizabeth Finn

American Art Collector- Russ Noto

Man's Understanding of Nature (Abjection towards the Unfamiliar)

Sheep Object (Imposed Meaning)

Empty Spectacle II

The Child, the Future, and the Unfamiliar

Tobia Makover: Encaustic Photographs

Tablescape of Ornaments

Tim Wirth: My Favorite Artists Are Farmers

Dorm Sweet Dorm, A Makeover Story

Stitchin' in the Kitchen

Easter Treasury: A Hip Hop and It Don't Stop!

Emily Marie Cox, “Mr. and Mrs. Bunabun” hand-sewn fabric bunnies$210

Rubi McGrory: She's a Basket-case!

Emerging SCAD Fashion Designers

Grounded by Domestic Construction

Bountiful but Blurry Babies

deFINE Art Walk on Indian Street (sneak peek)

Greening a SCAD Tablescape

There She Is: Rachel Evans

Prepare to Drool...Gems from Jennifer Hallsey

Emily Marie Cox, “Mr. and Mrs. Bunabun” hand-sewn fabric bunnies
$210