New Brooch Design by Gustav Reyes

This month I have some free shop time since I don't have any shows! I'm excited to go in different directions with the work. Check out the new brooch.

Form & Function

I'm coming out of a short period of creators block and really getting into the rhythm. Pieces like this are satisfying. Not only is this piece beautiful and elegant, but also maintains a perfect balance of form and function.

The old design adage - KIS(S): Keep It Simple (Stupid)

WOOD at Velvet da Vinci

I am honored to have my work exhibited among the best in wood jewelry at San Francisco's Velvet da Vinci Gallery. The exhibit is called WOOD and features art jewelers from around the world who primarily work with wood.

Check out the gallery of work that will be presented in this exhibit at the Velvet da Vinci website.



Wood reminds us to live life with the knowledge that each day is a gift and that one day we will cease to exist in this world. As wood, we too, will eventually return to the Earth. 

Organic Trefoil Brooch

Ad Idem Ring I

The Held Ring

Walnut Cuff

Three Treasures Neckpiece

Ebonized Wood

Ebonized Wood Process

I have been experimenting with ebonizing the bent wood pieces. I am excited about the sleek and sophisticated look of the ebonized wood.

Ebonizing wood is a chemical process that occurs inside the wood. No pigment or colorant is added, it is an actual chemical reaction. What happens between vinegar and steel when Tannic acid is introduced changes the color of the wood to black. This process occurs naturally in nature to bog wood.

Ebonised White Oak Knot

March 29 Photoshoot

My assistant and I pulled a photo shoot together in one day last Thursday! I don't know how we did it! The results, however, are stunning!

I realized I have not been putting my work in context on the human body. I think seeing the work functioning as an object will help viewers to understand the extent of the work. 

I am extremely grateful to Tom Petroff and Carolina Reyes for being so flexible! A huge "Thank you!" to each of them for sharing their talents and working very hard to complete the project. 

Take a look at these beauties! 

Three Treasures Neckpiece

The Held Neckpiece

Trefoil Brooch Cherry

The Held Brooch

Outward Expression

I view adornments as being of the self. Adorning the self is a pure form of expression and I believe it to be a primitive instinct. The human desire to attach objects to the body that are beautiful, inspirational or symbolic is a way of taking the mind and expressing it outward. In doing so, we communicate with those around us.

The most rewarding aspect in creating is when those around me are deeply touched by what manifests from my own desire to express outwardly. When I stumbled upon this stunning image on Facebook, I felt instantly connected to the simplicity of the adornments and symbolism that it must contain. It parallels the philosophy that drives me each day to create art jewelry.

The image was posted on a Facebook page titled "Africa" - with a FB account you may view it here.  

to the wind & the stars...
Gustav

Trefoil Not Brooch for the James Renwick Alliance

I donated this Trefoil Not Brooch to the James Renwick Alliance for their annual Spring Craft Weekend and silent auction. The work will be introduced on March 24th at the Willard Hotel, next to the White House. What an honor!

Photos by Erin Beckman

Trefoil Not Brooch in Walnut with Sterling Silver

 

 

 

Any thoughts on men wearing brooches? I think it looks quite sharp!