Holly Carter - Artist: Holly J Carter

Showing posts with label Holly J Carter. Show all posts

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Exhibition: Northern California Enamels presented by Lireille Gallery

'Century Agave Brooch' by Holly J Carter

Northern California Enamels presented by Lireille

Exhibition Date: July 12 - September 10, 2016

Reception Date: 6 -8pm July 22, 2016

Gallery Hours: Mon 12 – 6 Tue – Sat 10:30 – 6

3980 Piedmont Ave. Oakland, CA 94611

Phone: 510-547-3455

www.Lireille.com

Participating Artists:

Brooke Battles, Holly Carter, Collette, Christine Finch, Duane Fitzgerald, Ed Lay, Devon Matlock, Shirley Prini, Wei Lah Poh, Gail Reid,

Monica Schmidt, Olivia Shih, Judy Stone, Zhou Zoe Yuan,

Steve VanDyk, Iris Willow, Jiadai Katrina Wu

About the Exhibit:

Collectors and others interested in enamel art will find this summer particularly invigorating with all the options for seeing both historical and current enameling. Northern California Enamels overlaps with the traveling exhibit Little Dreams in Glass and Metal, a retrospective of American enameling, at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.

As an adjunct activity, The Center for Enamel Art will sponsor an all-day East Bay bus tour to enamelists’ studios and enamel exhibitions, a day designed for collectors and other lovers of the medium. Lireille and its enamels exhibition will be one of the exciting stops on that tour. The dates for Northern California Enamels at Lireille are July 12 to September 10, to coincide with not only the Little Dreams show, but the American Craft Council show in San Francisco.

Lireille is an jewelry gallery dedicated to promote art jewelry awareness and availability to the general public and push the creativity boundaries in art jewelry. A jewelry gallery located at 3980 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.

For additional information, please contact Yan Liu at info@lireille.com or 510.547.3455.

The Center for Enamel Art advances and preserves the art and technology of enameling by nourishing and expanding the enamel community and serving as a catalyst through education, economic development and partnerships. For information about the Center for Enamel Art, please contact Judy Stone at jstone@enamelcenter.org.

The Northern California Enamel Guild supports enamel artists and the art of enameling through encouragement, information, instruction, fellowship, and inspiration. NCEG is a charitable, not-for-profit, volunteer organization sponsored by membership fees, donations, and volunteers. Members are comprised of enamelists, teachers, students, galleries, and enamel patrons.

The Northern California Enamel Guild is made up of enamelists from a wide range of backgrounds, working to create community through sharing news and events, ideas, resources, techniques and questions about the enamel arts. Everyone is welcome to join, from the beginner to the master craftsperson, teachers and students, production enamel artists, hobbyists, enamel collectors and supporters. Each member serves a vital part in making the Guild work for our community. www.enamelguild.org

2007-2016

Holly Carter

Thursday, July 16, 2015

New Logo and Business Cards

So, I made a complete 180 from my previous designs for my new logo and chose to try out a different business card layout. I am very happy with the results. The flower for the logo was from an ink painting that I did. I completely drew and designed the font for letters of the HJC and found a great free font online to coordinate for the rest of my name. Now I have a hole suite of marketing products and had some hallmark stamps made finally. I am quite excited with my new branding!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Summer 2014 Metals Classes Richmond Art Center

Metals Classes at The Richmond Art Center
2540 Barrett Ave. Richmond, CA 94804
www.therac.org • (510) 620-6772
Instructor: Holly Carter

Beginning Jewelry - Monday Evening
Explore the basics of jewelry and small metals fabrication. Learn the use of tools, how to saw, file, sand, and high temp silver solder with silver, copper, and brass. Create pierced sawing samples, band rings, and a bezel set stone
pendant. Explore various finishing techniques and surface treatments including
polishing, rolling mill texture, patinas, and more. 9 weeks
Class # SU19J • Mon, Jun 16 – Aug 11, 2014, 6:30 – 9 pm
RAC Member $225 • Nonmember $250

Enameling Sampler
An introductory class. Learn the techniques of Vitreous Glass Enameling, fusing glass to metal. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the basics: sifting and wet packing, kiln firing, and knowledge of color interactions. $20 materials fee paid to instructor. 6 weeks
Class # SU7J • Tue, Jun 24 – Jul 29, 2014 6:30 pm – 9 pm
RAC Member $148 • Nonmember $165

Casting for Jewelry & Small Sculpture
Learn Centrifugal and Direct Pour methods of Casting molten metal. Will discuss the use of Cuttlefish, Tufa Stone, and Charcoal block to carve molds for direct pour casting. Learn to carve wax models for Lost Wax casting. Sprue, Invest, Cast in a centrifuge, and Finish your piece for Jewelry or Small Sculpture. Please come prepared to work the first day, some supplies will be available in class for purchase. Supply costs vary $50+. May also be used as independent study for experienced students. 8 weeks
Class # SU33J • Wed, Jun 25 – Aug 13, 2014 6:30 pm – 9 pm
RAC Member $198 • Nonmember $220

Intermediate Enameling
Focus on the enameling techniques of Basse Taille, Champlevé, and Cloisonné. Use various methods of texturing metal such as roller printing and acid etching to cover with glass for the Basse Taille. Create cavities to fill with glass by acid etching for Champlevé and small wire to create cloisons to fill for Cloisonné. Previous enameling experience preferred. 8 weeks (No Class July 4th)
Class # SU5J • Fri, Jun 13 – Aug 8, 2014 10 am – 12:30 pm
RAC Member $198 • Nonmember $220

Metals & Jewelry Camp
(ages 12 +)
Join us in the metals studio to create jewelry and works of art in this one-week camp!
Learn to saw, file, and sand a pendant or key chain fob.
Design and pattern an acid etched bracelet and roller printed earrings or decorative plaque.
Then use your newly learned skills to create a piece to be enameled with colored glass fused to metal.
Inspiration is endless!
Class# SU6YC, 4 classes, Instructor: Holly Carter
Tue – Fri, Aug 5 – Aug 8, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
RAC Member $135, Nonmember $150

Art in the Community 2nd Annual Student Show

Richmond Art Center invites you to the

Art in the Community

2nd Annual Student Show

Join us in admiring the creativity of Richmond’s children and teens!

The exhibit will feature art created by elementary, middle- and high-school students who have participated in our Art in the Community programs. Students created ceramics, mosaic, paintings, drawings, sculptures, fiber art, mural painting, metals, jewelry, and screen-printed pieces under the direction of experienced teaching artists. This year, we are excited to feature works by teens in one of our newest programs — a painting class held at the Richmond Art Center and in collaboration with the RYSE program.

Our Art in the Community programs are free to the students, and bring art to sites across Richmond including the Richmond Public Library Main Branch, community centers, Youth Enrichment Strategy Camps, Richmond and San Pablo’s public schools and the Richmond Art Center.

Exhibition dates: May 3 – May 30

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 10, 3 – 5pm; light refreshments will be served

Where: Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue (at 25th), Richmond

More info: 510-620-6772 or www.therac.org

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Branding - Final Two Logo Options

Well, the following is where I am at in the process. I have narrowed it down to two images and two fonts. I am now going to continue to make some adjustments to the design I am leaning more towards, to come of with a more fitting result.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Fall 2013 Classes at The Richmond Art Center

Fall classes will begin in a couple weeks at The Richmond Art Center

Casting Organics is back with another week added on!

If you like the casting classes you will want to take the Mold Making workshop

The Independent Studio is a great class if you need extra time to get those Holiday gifts completed

If you don't think you will have time for a full class this session, as long as you have completed a beginning jewelry class, consider doing some drop in day or nights. TheRAC.org

FYI, there were some discrepancies in the class codes for two of my classes in the printed catalog. The correct codes are below and what is on the website is correct.

Casting: Organics and Found Objects

Amazed by the world around you? Do you bring home objects every time you go for a walk? Want to preserve them for a lifetime? Learn an interesting twist on the Lost Wax method of casting molten metal. Use organic materials and found objects such as seed pods or plastic toy parts to convert to silver or bronze. 5 weeks

Class # FA23J • Mon, Oct 21 – Nov 18, 2013 10:30 am – 1 pm

RAC Member $126 • Nonmember $140

Beginning Jewelry - Monday Evening
Explore the basics of jewelry and small metals fabrication. Learn the use of tools, how to saw, file, sand, and high temp silver solder with silver, copper, and brass. Create pierced sawing samples, band rings, and a bezel set stone pendant. Explore various finishing techniques and surface treatments. 8 weeks

Class # FA19J • Mon, Sep 16– Nov 4, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $198 • Nonmember $220

Casting - Alternative Methods & Materials

An introduction to casting Cuttlefish and Organics for Jewelry or Small Sculpture. Learn to cast molten metal into Cuttlefish bone to achieve interesting textures. Explore a twist on the Lost Wax method of casting using organic materials and found objects such as seed pods or plastic toy parts to convert to silver or bronze. 5 weeks

Class # FA24J • Tue, Sep 17 – Oct 15, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $126 • Nonmember $140

Independent Studio - Instructor Guided

Practice already learned techniques on your own time with instructor guidance. This is a great opportunity to utilize the studio to work on those special projects you have in mind or Holiday gifts for your friends and family. As per class interest may learn intermediate techniques for working with jewelry and small metals fabrication. Beginning Jewelry or equivalent experience required. 5 weeks.

Class # FA25J • Tues, Oct 22 – Nov 19, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm

RAC Member $126 • Nonmember $140

Rubber Mold Making for Casting (Weekend Workshop)

Learn the process of making a rubber mold of your original cast metal pieces using Natural and Silicone Rubber. This workshop is for those who already have a cast piece of their own that they wish to make multiples of, such as a part for an earring or links for a chain. Students will also learn the process of injecting wax into a finished mold. 2 days

Class # FA14JW • Sat, Nov 9 – Sun, Nov 10, 2013, 11 am - 3 pm

RAC Member $108 • Nonmember $120

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Branding - Final Steps of Logo Design

This is where I am in the design process. Down to 3 image options and many font options. I took the advice of a friend and looked up some free font websites to find fonts similar to the ones I drew from graphic design books. I found a few options that may help, but I am still considering some of the ones I developed on my own. It was also advised that I take a break from the process at this point to absorb my choices in order to make some more decisions with a clearer mind later. And since, two friends recommended this, I suppose I had better listen.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Branding Logo Image - Final 4

This was my process for choosing the Final 4.
I began with 8 that I liked the best so far.

I chose to place the circle around each of the images to help me decide which ones would look best if they had a border. And, minified them to see which would translate better on a smaller scale for a charm or stamp.

These are the 4 that I felt were strong enough to consider in the final round of decision making.

I think I am leaning towards C & D. I will likely take the two I choose at this point, edit them, and try them with some of the fonts I have developed. I would appreciate some more opinions on these images.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Branding - Logo Preliminary Sketches part 2, Cont.

I definitely am leaning towards some of these. Getting closer to a decision, feels good.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Branding - Logo Preliminary Sketches part 2

I learned from this exercise that while some of my logo preliminary sketches may not be suitable for my finished logo design, they do make some pretty patterns that might work for some of my art work or jewelry. Especially enameled wall pieces.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Branding - Monogram options

I just wasn't satisfied with the previous options that I posted before and so I hunkered down and drew up some more. I think these are much better, more diverse and creative. The top ones I believe are unfortunately unrealistic for what I need, although I really like them. I will have to narrow them down to three or four. I will then ask opinions once I have narrowed down the logo image, the two will have to complement each other.

I don't think people really think much about the design process for the many images they see everyday. The ones that have been branded into their brains, that have been all over advertising for as long as they can remember. I believe when you make a choice like this it can be a very personal, stressful, and emotional process. You want to be sure you are represented accurately by your branding. It is who you are, what you do, and what you are capable of? As an artist I feel this is an important step, it is a representation of my signature, not just my style, but who I am as an individual, and the legacy I leave behind. Maybe that is why I have taken so long to reach the conclusion that I must start signing my pieces with a more professional monogram.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Branding - Logo Image Preliminary Sketches

In this step, I used tracing paper to trace sections of the images from my inspiration photo's. I chose areas that interested me the most. From here, I will choose the sketches that I find most pleasing and what I think could best translate into a logo image. I will then try variations on the sketches by cropping, copying, flipping, and enlarging. I may possibly create tessellations or maybe leave it in it's original state.
I have labeled with letters the images that I feel could use more logo exploration.

I think I am leaning towards A, B, G, H, I or K? I most like A, B, G, and I at this point just how they are, but I have not made any decisions yet and B sort of looks like Broccoli.
Hmm?

Monday, June 10, 2013

Branding - Logo Inspirations

Pretty Weed - Holly Carter

In order to create a logo image, my design background taught me to first find inspiration. I searched my own photos as well as photos on the web for the subjects that I believe inspire my work. Of course, I am enthralled with all things nature, mother nature is a wondrous beauty!
The intrinsic artistry, as well as the life and death of nature, it's ins and outs. I have an appreciation for patterns in nature, especially radial patterns that emanate from the center of an interesting life giving stamen or pod. The structure of it's life, it's bones and skeletal systems.

Image from supermachine.wordpress.com

An affinity for bones does not have to be morbid or sad, it can be an admiration for what evolution deemed right to fit the creatures of world with, to sustain their place on the earth. There is elegance in the structure that sustains life, the architecture of every bone, joint, and connection, the engineering that allows us all to grow and move.

Snake vertebrae, for instance, has amazing movement and I find exquisiteness in the repetition in pattern and the flawless gradation of each segment. There is much stigma in the lore of snakes, although in many cultures it has been of a positive nature, many people still may be put off by my appreciation for their bones. Wikipedia states "Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing."
But, I am not captivated with the symbology as much as the pure natural elements of a simple creature that once sustained it's life.

Link to Original Image

Like the snake, the turtle or tortoise have cultural symbolism throughout the world. Squidoo says "The Turtle is an ancient symbol that represents creation, endurance, strength, stability, longevity, fertility, and innocence. The Turtle also provides protection, good fortune, and brings happiness and good omens."
More over, they are amazing beings. Tortoises and turtles inhabit the soil and the sea, they are unique and similar, they carry their own homes and structures on their backs. Each shell itself has remarkable patterning that can be shed and re-grown. I was once enthralled with the skeleton of a giant sea turtle, what an awe inspiring animal it must have been, and it inspired the design for a table I am currently working on.

As of late I have been obsessed with the Agave, the 'Century Plant'. They have a splendid array of arms, that after 10 to 30 years bloom with a tall tuft of flowering pods filled with seeds. When the flowers die away, the pods fall off, and many tiny babies grown in their place. The baby agave's then fall from the mother plant in hopes if taking root, and the mother dies away.
How eloquent a death is that!
To live a long full life to bloom, give birth, sustain new life, and simply pass away. With death comes new life.

Some websites I found with great photo's for reference: http://micheleroohani.com/blog/2008/07/28/a-desert-garden-in-full-bloom/, and http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-agave-flower-image10646425.
The following are some of the photo's I used for inspiration and links to websites I found them on, if not my original photograph.