The Artist's Place
Sterling Silver and Bronze Vase
of Buds and Leaves
Alfard James
Silversmith and Lampwork Artist
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The Artist's
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The Artist's Place
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Alfard JamesSilversmith and Lampwork Artist
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| 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 |
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Sterling Silver Comb Moonstones, twisted sterling wire filigree |
LAND OF ODDS - The South's Most Unusual Shop
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