Summer 2013 Classes at The Richmond Art Center

Jewelry 1
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. 8 weeks
Class # SU19J • Jun 24 – Aug 12, 2013, 6:30 – 9 pm
RAC Member $189 • Nonmember $210

Jewelry Sampler
An introduction to special techniques. Jewelry I or equivalent experience
recommended, but not required. Learn the basic skills for jewelry and small
metals in Acid Etching, Lost Wax Casting, and Vitreous Glass Enameling. This class is fast paced and designed to demonstrate techniques, it will not necessarily result in completely finished projects. Each student will finish a sampling of each technique. 8 weeks
Class # SU20J • Wed, Jun 26 – Aug 14, 2013 6:30 – 9 pm
RAC Member $189 • Nonmember $210

Beginning Enameling
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 and torch firing, mark-making, and knowledge of color interactions. $15 materials fee paid to instructor. 8 weeks (No Class 7/5,7/12)
Class # SU5J • Fri, Jun 21 – Aug 16, 2013 10 am – 12:30 pm
RAC Member $168 • Nonmember $185

‘Summer Bling’ Teen Metals/Jewelry Sampler
Ages 12-17, Whether you like Shiny Metal Jewelry or Funky Metal Sculpture you can create your art using techniques such as forming, stamping, soldering, enameling, cuttlefish casting, and stained glass inlay. Make bracelets, pins, rings, earrings, mini-sculptures, or wall pieces, the inspiration is endless. 6 weeks
$20 Class supply fee.
Class # SU22J • Mon, Jun 24 – Jul 30, 2013 1 pm – 4 pm
RAC Member $162 • Nonmember $180

Classes are held at The Richmond Art Center 

2540 Barrett Ave. Richmond, CA 94804

www.therac.org • (510) 620-6772

What's in a name???

Since I up and moved to the Bay, I decided it was a good time to renew my self and branding as an artist. Start fresh as it were. I have been using the name Incognito Designs when I sell every day Jewelry, while using Holly Carter when I enter exhibitions with my sculptural art. After much thought and advise from some friends, I am going to just keep it simple and true. My name Holly J. Carter for the business name and as the artist.

What a novel idea, just use my name!

I went back and forth with different variations on my name paired with metal works, art works, designs, etc.. Branding can be a difficult thing, to be confident enough that one day just your name will have enough weight to be a brand is astounding and intimidating. I was also stuck on the fact that I had to end the business name with something that was descriptive. My good friend Adiel suggested thinking of it as simply a tag line that I use on advertising, but not part of the actual name. I was making it too complicated as I usually do!

So, Holly J. Carter, Metal and Jewelry Art. Plain and Simple.
(Or, maybe Holly J. Carter, Metalsmith, Sculptural and Wearable Art? Or Sculpture and Jewelry Art?
Oh boy, here I go again!)

I also have many ideas for a new line of supplies to sell on sites like Etsy for those people who like to buy bobbles and beads and what not. Therefore my current Incognito Designs will transition into Incognito Designs by Holly J. Carter, selling supplies and whatever random cool vintage stuff I pick up now and then.
I am then going to start a new Etsy site with my name for all of my Jewelry and Art. Of course I am also working on perfecting the shopping cart on my personal website as well.

Now that I have gotten through the difficult part, time to design a new logo for a stamp, jewelry charm, business cards, website banner, etc., etc..

Wow, there is lots to do!
When I finally get it all done, then I have to wait for the sales to come.

I will keep posting on my progress for those interested. I would love to get some feed back on the process. I just hope that I can get more than my one current follower for my blog so that I can get that feedback. Especially since that one follower is me! Hehe.

Workshop at Eden GardenHouse

Workshop

‘Make your own

Textured Copper Disk Earrings’

taught by

Metals Artist & Instructor

Holly Carter

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

                              1 p.m.- 3p.m.

Workshop Fee: $60.00

Learn how to texture copper disks with tools such as a hammer or sand paper and finish with a patina or polish. Make your own sterling silver ear wires and assemble your earrings with sterling silver jump rings. *The earrings each student completes may be different from those shown.

Class fee includes supplies for One pair of copper disk earrings with sterling silver earwires. Instructor will supply tools for student use during class.*Additional supplies may be available for purchase from instructor, please bring cash.

Please call Eden Gardenhouse to reserve & pay for your space in advance.

Instructor, Holly Carter is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Metals, Minor in Interior Design History. She is an internationally known artist and her work is currently shown in galleries across the Southwestern United States. Holly is an instructor for the Tempe Edna Vihel Center for the Arts, the Mesa Art Center, and The Phoenix Center for the Arts. Is a member of The Society of North American Goldsmiths, The Arizona Designer Craftsmen (ADC), and the coordinator for the ADC Metalink group.

Make sure to see ‘Organic Inspirations’

Art Showcase Featuring some of Holly’s work, open for the month of June

Eden GardenHouse

Home and Garden Inspired Boutique

2928 N. 7^th Avenue  Phoenix, Arizona 85013

602- 274-2470

 ~ www.edengardenhouse.com ~ info@edengardenhouse.com ~

Solo Showcase at Eden Gardenhouse

 ‘Organic Inspirations’

 Eden GardenHouse

 Features Artist

Holly Carter

June 1st - 30th, 2012

Art Showcase Featuring the Metalwork of Local Artist Holly Carter. 

A Focus on natural organic inspired wall art and jewelry.

Holly Carter is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Metals. She is an internationally known artist and her work is currently shown in galleries across the Southwestern United States. Holly is an instructor for the Tempe Edna Vihel Center for the Arts and the Mesa Art Center. Is a member of The Arizona Designer Craftsmen and The Society of North American Goldsmiths.

 Opening Reception

June 1st, 2012

6 p.m.- 9p.m.

Closing Reception
June 30th, 2012
4 p.m.- 8p.m.

Light Refreshments will be served at Opening and Closing Receptions

 Eden GardenHouse

Home and Garden Inspired Boutique

2928 N. 7^th Avenue  Phoenix, Arizona 85013

602- 274-2470

~ www.edengardenhouse.com ~ info@edengardenhouse.com ~

To Cut or Not to Cut?

I have been working on these two wall pieces and the recycled wood on which I plan to mount them, when I began to think of another way to mount them than originally planned. I had intended to cut the large piece of wood in half and mount them on each piece of wood individually, but then I thought 'how about mounting the enameled pieces on one large piece of wood?'. I started thinking that one large wall piece might be kind a cool!

It was then suggested to me that I cut down the larger piece of wood and then mount the two pieces together on a smaller piece of wood, but I am not sure I like that idea? So, I am still wondering, should I mount them on the larger piece together or cut it in half and mount them as two separate wall pieces that will be sold as a set?

My Very Busy Spring Months!

Sales Events Sunnyslope Art walk      April 14th, 2012     5 to 9pm    Central & Dunlap  Phoenix, AZ *Holly will be demonstrating torch fire enameling, Decorate your own glass enameled copper piece for $5.00* ‘SNAG’ Conference Trunk Show* (Society of North American Goldsmiths)             May 26th, 2012     12:30 to 2:30pm  Greenway Pkwy & Scottsdale Rd   Scottsdale, AZ Westin Kierland Resort Grand Ballroom *Open to the Public Exhibitions ‘Metals and More’       Feb 24th to Sept 30, 2012 Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Museum, terminal 3 level 2 ‘Crucible: 10 yrs of Metals at Mesa Art Center’ April 20th to Aug 12, 2012  Opening Reception May 25th,  7-10pm Mesa Contemporary Arts ‘ASU Metals Alumni Exhibition’ May 4th to May 27th, 2012    Opening Reception May 4th,  6-9pm Night Gallery  Tempe Marketplace Scheduled Classes for  Summer 2012 City of Tempe Edna Vihel Center for The Arts Jewelry 1                                 Intermediate Enameling                Intermediate Casting Open Studio Mesa Art Center Casting: Wax Carving, Organics, & Found Objects              Beginning Enameling Artist, Holly Carter has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Metals from Arizona State University with a Minor in Interior Design History. She currently Teaching for  the City of Tempe’s Edna Vihel Center for The Arts and The Mesa Art Center. Concentration on Fabrication , Casting, and Enameling. Learn the basics of metalworking to get you started on Jewelry making or small sculpture. Beginning to Advanced techniques in Fabrication  Casting, and Enameling or Customize a session to your specific interests. For more information on Classes & Events visit www.hollycarterart.com/Events. Private Lessons & Workshops also available.

Wall Pieces

I am finally getting my wall pieces listed for Sale!
Here are the first I have listed.
You can view them on My personal website:
http://www.hollycarterart.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=13
On my Etsy Site:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/96419008/ginkgo-leaves-glass-enameled-wall-pieces
And, they are actually currently on Display at Eden Gardenhouse in Phoenix, Az:
http://edengardenhouse.com/

‘Ginkgo Leaves’ 

Framed Wall Pieces/Set of 2 

Sea foam Green Vitreous Glass Enamel on Copper set in Recycled Wood Frames. Hand pierced Ginkgo Leaves, slightly domed and set from behind in wood frames made of recycled wood from a broken outdoor umbrella and a weather worn pine pallet.

Size: 7 1/2 " Sq.

*May be available in custom colors and sizes, contact for info.

Sold and Off to Japan!

 This piece is made of vitreous glass enamel and fine silver foil on copper, set in sterling silver. It was purchased by a generous student of mine and sent to his sister in Japan for a gift. I am now waiting for some pictures of her wearing it. It was one of my favorites and was hard to part with.

The Environmental Issue

11/04/2011
The other day I was driving and contemplating the effect of art processes on the environment when a bird flew toward my truck. The bird actually clipped my passenger side rear view mirror and seemed to keep flying, but I wasn't sure, I was on the freeway going 70! And, this wasn't the first time something like this had happened.So, then I started thinking about how human kind and urban sprawl have encroached on the natural environment and how sad it is that most people would have thought it was the birds fault.
Urban Sprawl is not a good thing!
As I kept driving toward the Mesa Art Center for work, I noticed a little white fluffy thing on the side of the freeway curve where the 202 merges into the 101 south. When I drove the same route the next day, it was still there. I have to say, I couldn't even tell what kind of animal it was, just small and very fuzzy white. It made me want to cry!
Here I was fretting over what we have done to nature and yet, there I was driving a pick up truck 45 minutes on the freeway to work. It makes me even sadder that I haven't figured out a way to be better about conserving or giving back. I'd like to have solar in my house, but unfortunately I can't afford the initial fees. I saved a tiny little kitten from the freeway that some cruel human had to have put there. And, people think I am a little crazy sometimes about recycling, but if that is the least I can do....
Somehow I have to do more!
Today, I was watching TV while getting ready to go to the grocery store and there was a story about a man, Chris Jordan, who was posting online the very sad videos he was taking of Albatross sea birds that have been feeding on nothing but trash on the Midway Atoll Island. They have been dying with full belly's of plastic. It was very difficult to watch, one moment you are seeing the beauty of nature, new furry bird baby's waiting for mommy and daddy to bring food, and the next minute you see a bird carcass that was filled with garbage.  See Chris Jordan's work here. http://www.midwayjourney.com/
Things like this are why I try to recycle so much and have been trying to find creative ways to include these items in my work. Below I have included some pictures of pieces that include recycled ingredients.

Here are some pictures that I took while in a photography class in college, my theme was urban sprawl and it's effects. They are 35mm Black and White, taken with my old Minolta SLR. I developed the photos and mounted them for project display, so they were not the easiest to scan in for this post, but I rather like the juxtaposition. I think it gives the viewer that uncomfortable feeling that one should get from seeing any attack on nature.

This photo is of a housing development being built out in the desert, far enough from the existing city that water and energy services would be difficult to get there. For me it was a perfect example of Urban Sprawl.

I know this is rather graphic and can be a bit disturbing, but I was very sad to find this poor bird with its guts spilled out in the middle of this dirt road. It was just at the edge of another new housing development that was encroaching on the desert. One side of the road was a neighborhood, the other side was the desert which contained a barbed wire fence, power line towers, and some sort of electrical outpost. While I was exploring this area there were people in fancy cars flying down the road, it's no wonder there were other animal carcasses there that day as well. And people wonder why coyotes and bobcats are eating their dogs and cats.

Garbage nestled into the bushes in the city.

An empty lot in the city that was quite an eyesore for years. Barrels with who knows what inside them rusting through. Nearby were various industrial business's and the river bed, but know this spot has been converted into a Mall, Tempe Marketplace that is. Before Tempe Town Lake was created. So many empty lots around the cities just waiting to be cleaned up and rebuilt, and yet developments still keep going up in the desert.

Just a little tid bit about some of my Art on the subject

My Water Droplet Box is a combination of turned wood and metal. I found the eucalyptus in an apartment complex that had cut down some of its trees. It represents my struggle between wanting to preserve the environment and my love of materials. Wood is such a beautiful material, as is metal, and unfortunately the processes required to bring us these materials have a lasting effect on the environment. The box represents the water needed to sustain life. As a box it contains a piece of metal shaped like a root, a precious root floating in water, preserved for when there are few left.

Salvaged Eucalyptus Wood, Nickel Silver, Glass, Cork, Water

             Size: 11”x6”

Recycled work for sale:

My friend Livia bought some of these earrings from me to sell on her website and a portion of her sales goes to American Forests.org.
Check these out on Livia's site: Seeds of Life.

Custom Commission Continued

This piece was time consuming because I had to stop and do some finishing work between adding the various stone settings. It would have been cumbersome to do the finishing after the settings were in the way.

A design challenge that I faced was how to attach the pearl settings.
The customer wanted a pearl to be placed between the round peridots, but the pearls could not be attached before the Gold plating was done. Her solutions was to solder the head pins that she wanted to use to the piece and then after the plating she would cut the head pins, slip on the pearls, and then glue the balled end of the head pin into the pearls. The problem, first of all, is that it was not a very strong connection to solder a small piece of wire to the side of the piece. The head pin could be just snapped off at any time, not to mention how difficult it would have been to set the stones around such a small wire without mangling it or breaking it off myself. Of course there is also the problem with having just a little bit of glue holding the pearls on in one small spot.
I experimented and tried to solder a wire with a soldering iron, in the hopes that maybe I could solder it on after the plating was done and with the pearls in place, so there would be no need for glue. Unfortunately, it didn't work, the soldering iron was just not hot enough to flow the gold filled solder that I had.
I finally came up with a solution by the time it came to solder on the head pin that I found satisfactory.
 My solution: to solder on small pieces of tubing with a tapered end. I nippled the end of the tubing in order to make the hole small enough for the head pin to be inserted with a tight fit. This way the head pin could be glued to the pearl and the tubing, hopefully creating a stronger bond. I also reamed out the pearls just enough to fit tightly on the head pin. I reamed a larger hole at one end of each pearl for them to slip slightly over the tube, thus being able to be glued directly to the tubing, again, creating a stronger bond. Another issue was that we were afraid the pearls she gave me might be a little too small in relation to the size of the piece. Adding the tubing pushed the pearls out further balancing the relationship of  size of the pearls with the layout of the whole piece giving the impression of a larger pearl.

More process photos to follow.
You can check out my original post to see where I started.
Original Post: http://hollycarter.blogspot.com/2011/11/custom-commission.html

The Launch of My Official Facebook Fan Page

Hand Felted Wool Hand bags