The Artist's Place
Sterling Silver and Bronze Vase
of Buds and Leaves
Alfard James
Silversmith and Lampwork Artist
Information For Showcasing
Your Work and Your Talent
at The Artist's Place
Land of Odds - Jewelry Design Center
RETURN
TO: HOME
The Artist's
Place - Alfard James
The Artist's Place
|
Alfard JamesSilversmith and Lampwork Artist
|
| The most important thing to me about silver-smithing is creative expression.
Art!
I like to integrate different materials into a new coherent whole. Sterling silver, gemstones, old glass, twisted wire, bronze, copper, beads. I like to embellish most of my pieces in the Victorian way -- a 3-dimensional collage of "pieces at hand". The coherency in my pieces is not that of "telling a story with symbols", but rather of juxtaposing textures and colors within an "emotional whole." I craft rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and the like, and have custom-designed pieces for several country music stars. I like doing custom-work (as opposed to speculative-work) best. It's a challenge translating someone's particular needs and expectations into a successful and satisfying piece. I come from a very craft-oriented family. From woodwork to country crafts, my parents and siblings did it all. I originally worked with leather-craft, and had developed a successful business doing that. I pursued another career for awhile, then picked up jewelry-making. I began with bead-work and also making collage pins out of beads and jewelry findings. I took some silver-smithing classes and some wire-wrapping classes. I liked silver-smithing the best, though I still do some beadwork. As I was able to acquire silver-smithing tools and supplies, I did. My career as a silver-smith evolved. At first, I experimented with different techniques and materials. Trial and error. I looked at fashion magazines and Lapidary Journal for ideas. After awhile, things become more intuitive. And this allowed me to be more creative. My advice for others: Just keep working at it. Don't be afraid to try things, even if they don't work. I have one blind spot -- functionality. For example, I might begin making a beautiful, wonderful ring, but the size of the ring I initially select might be too small for the decorative top. So I always bounce off my design ideas against others to make sure "form coordinates with function." I can be reached at my jewelry studio during the week. phone: 615-292-0610 My lampwork gallery: |
Detail from Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet Carnelian, ruby, moonstone, some bronze accents |
|
Sterling Silver Comb Moonstones, twisted sterling wire filigree |
LAND OF ODDS - Jewelry Design Center
Want to reach us right now?
CLICK
COPYRIGHT 2002 Warren S. Feld
