January 25-March 2, 2019
Opening Reception: January 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jewelry artist demonstration: February 13, 1 p.m.
Curated by Kelsey Nagy and Melissa Yungbluth
It’s the 21st century, and if you want to be forward-thinking and wear jewelry that reflects contemporary life, the exhibition “Offbeat Bijou” at Florida CraftArt is for you. Independent curators Kelsey Nagy and Melissa Yungbluth invited artists from across the country who make jewelry using nontraditional methods, materials or concepts.
Daytona Beach-based artist Zach Mellman–Carsey integrates Bluetooth speakers and sound in 3D-printed necklaces and brooches intended for the wearer or viewer to participate in auditory expression. He says, “Music brings people together in better ways than verbal speak. Having the ability to play music out of the pieces can be used a celebration.”
Inspired by haute couture, art history, New Wave/Pop Music and everything Bowie, San Francisco artist Emiko Oye creates colorful, bold jewelry from conceptual art statements to urban ready-to-wear. She uses LEGO® and semi-precious materials. Her jewelry universally tugs on the nostalgic heartstrings, and artfully interweaves memories into conversation-sparking adornment.
The recent body of work by St. Petersburg artist Kim Tatalick combines the past and present to create contemporary metaphors. “These sets of earrings are stylized interpretations of ancient Greek jewelry,” Ms. Tatalick says. “This work was made from vibrant gold with stylized flowers, swirls and seed pods reflecting the abundant nature and water that surrounded ancient Greece. By utilizing technology, I am able to create comparisons in color and materials to change the feeling of a piece. The earrings are made from printed PLA plastic, sterling silver and fresh water pearls.”
Technology has been essential in the creative process of Miami-based Venezuelan-born architect/artist Saul Galavis as he expands his work into jewelry by using 3D-printing. He has a passion for descriptive geometry, sections and planes, and folds that take place in tridimensional spaces. He couples white volumes and forms, with positives and negatives spaces, in a style that he christened ‘Constructivist Geometry,’ blending materials and creating self-produced shadows.
Programming includes docent tours every Wednesday at 1:15 p.m. and a jewelry-making demonstration by ArtLofts artist Julie Dye on February 13 at 1p.m.
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Kelsey Nagy is the Assistant Curator of Exhibitions at the Morean Arts Center. A former artist in residence at the Morean Center for Clay, she is a practicing artist in addition to her curatorial work.
Melissa Yungbluth is the Gallery Director for Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. She is the former Assistant Curator of Exhibitions for the Morean Arts Center. Melissa is a freelance curator, art educator and nationally exhibiting artist.
