Apr 21, 2024

RECONNECTING THROUGH ART: MY JOURNEY BACK TO CONTEMPORARY WOOD ART JEWELRY

 




“Hello, everyone,

As I sit down to write this post, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been both challenging and deeply meaningful. For those who have known me, some of this may sound repetitive, but for others who may not be familiar with my background, I want to share a bit about where it all began.

I was born in Mexico and raised in the United States, but my path to where I am today has been far from straightforward. From late 2015 until now, I’ve grappled with questions of identity and purpose more intensely than ever before.

Immigrating to the United States wasn’t a simple process for me. I was brought over undocumented, and the experience of living in the shadows has left a lasting impact on me. While my older siblings were documented, I was not, which added another layer to the complexities of my upbringing. Additionally, the loss of my father at a young age further shaped my understanding of life and its challenges.

Through it all, art has been my anchor, providing solace and a means of expression during the most trying times. As I processed the effects of my immigration experience and navigated the complexities of loss, my artistic journey took on new meaning, evolving alongside my personal growth.

Now, after a hiatus of several years, I find myself returning to my artwork with renewed passion and purpose. The decision to relaunch my website and restart my artistic endeavors stems not from a desire for grandiosity, but from a deep-seated need to reconnect with my creative spirit and share my journey with others.

In conclusion, my journey as an artist is not about garnering attention or accolades. It’s about staying true to myself and allowing my work to evolve organically. By sharing my story, I hope to connect with others who may resonate with my experiences.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Warm regards,
gustav

Dec 15, 2014



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1wwNlpq

Dec 10, 2014

Different kind of creating



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Nov 15, 2014

Ring on!



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1sSTU08

Nov 3, 2014

Oct 26, 2014

Barcelona sidewalk patch



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1oLVncF

Oct 2, 2014

Oak Neckpiece



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1rzPwXW

Broochless



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1vddbv3

Oct 1, 2014

Gustav in Barcelona: LA JOYA BARCELONA ART JEWELLERY FAIR, 10/9/14 - 10/11/14


I'm so happy to be travelling to Barcelona at the end of this week to participate in the La Joya Barcelona international art jewellery fair. I've been hard at work these past few weeks, finishing show pieces and anticipating with great excitement the great embarrassment of  beautiful sights and fascinating people I'll encounter there.

I've been working on a handful of new pieces. As a sneak-peek, I'll share a couple of pictures of one that will be particularly surprising to those who follow my work...

COLOR! Here's one of my classic forms (The Knot) with a red wash that turned out a vibrant pink:



Time to get packing! Stay tuned -- I'll be live-posting from the event!



Sep 23, 2014

Scenes of a Move

I've moved studio to the Midland Building, just a bit north and west from the old location. Here's a taste; I'll post more when everything's set.










Sep 9, 2014

NEW WORK: 2 Bent Hickory Necklaces

Two bentwood hickory necklaces in two different forms, with magnetic closures.

Simplicity is an important challenge. 









Sep 4, 2014

NEW WORK: ARC SERIES Hickory & Walnut Pendant

"Who knows when first/aortic arches/registered/an ocean’s surge,/or slipped awake/or stirred asleep;/how many tides/had ebbed until/the tiny seahorse/heart could leap?"


This pendant is part of my ARC series: using bent wood segments as forms on their own terms. 




Sep 2, 2014

NEW WORK: Titanium & Shou Sugi Ban Oblong Hinge Cuff

“The urge to destroy is also a creative urge.” (Pablo Picasso)

When I use Shou Sugi Ban there is an element of burning away but also preserving what is underneath. It's a beautiful tension. 





Aug 26, 2014

NEW WORK: ARC + AD IDEM Pendant


ARC + AD IDEM 3-piece pendant on silver wire with magnetic closure.





Aug 12, 2014

Studio Visit: Dominique Bereiter

Last week, I had the great fortune of a visit from the jewelry artist Dominique Bereiter. Dominique has been following my work for some time, and invited me last spring to speak at the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG), where I had a wonderful time.

Dominique and a friend visiting from Baltimore voraciously and joyfully descended upon the studio and wanted to see and know about everything in it. We had a great conversation about the genius of primitive man and my recent experiments with shou sugi ban, the Japanese wood burning technique I recently blogged about.

Dominique's lively eyes lit upon a newly finished piece: a necklace made with AD IDEM (Norm Sartorius) wood and a piece of cold bent hickory. I was able to get a couple of pictures before she and her friend waltzed off to continue their Chicago artist touring.

I'll be working on this iteration of the collection, and will share as I finish more pieces. I love the marriage of the rough, colorful, hand-worked chunks, to the sleek, cool hickory. 
And I'll look forward to seeing Dominique at the next Baltimore American Craft Council show!