Nov 19, 2012

Coming Full Circle with Dark Rye


Coming Full Circle from Dark Rye on Vimeo.


I've never felt like more of a rockstar than during this project with Dark Rye - an online magazine and division of Whole Foods.


In early October, I was whisked away to Brooklyn to enjoy a beautiful evening of amazing food, drinks and the coolest people. The festivities were followed by four days of intense filming for a video that highlights my company Simply Wood Rings and how I became a wood jeweler.  

The experience was rewarding in many ways. I feel extremely honored to have my art acknowledged by creative and thoughtful people. (ie. Caitlin and Kelly of Dark Rye - Thank you!). Each of us came from different perspectives but are working towards the same fundamental existence. 

An existence where our passions are an integral part of our lives. As a society we've moved so far away from creating our own existence. We are shuffled into a routine that doesn't enrich our lives, but only feeds the machine. I have been there in my life and now I see the importance of rejecting those ideas of how we should live and live in a way that feeds the soul. 

Below are a few examples of the salvaged wood rings I have created over the years. I incorporate found materials as a way of giving new life to discarded objects and imbedding meaning into each ring I create. I've used wood from such things as xylophone keys, baseball bats, childhood swings and dino bone.
Available at SimplyWoodRings.com





Oct 23, 2012

Aubergine Brooch for Italian Soiree


Earlier this year I had the pleasure of creating a special brooch for an event in Milan. I was approached by Mark Daniel of Mark Daniel Interior Design based in San Francisco. He explained to me that he was working with a client to plan an event at the Armani Hotel. Few details were given about the event, however, I ended up creating over 30 custom brooches that would be given to each guest to wear during the black tie (and gown) event. 

Today, I received an email from Mark with a link to an article written about the event! What an honor to be a part of this beautiful event. 


Guests were greeted with flowers, pastries and a detailed itinerary. An informal Italian aperitivo party Friday night put everyone at ease. Saturday offered a relaxed agenda of sightseeing, spa treatments and hairdressing. In the late afternoon, Daniel and the hotel's Eva Mazi visited each guest room to present a brooch specially commissioned from American craft designer Gustav Reyes as an endless knot of aubergine-colored wood. A note specified it was to be worn over the heart. The shape echoed the grooms' Cartier Trinity bands in diamond, platinum and black ceramic. Dress code for the evening was strictly black tie, with black gowns requested for the women.

Article
http://www.sfgate.com/style/unionsquared/article/Armani-Hotel-well-suited-for-couple-s-reception-3961857.php#photo-3566700
Mark Daniel Interior Design http://www.markdanielid.com/

Sep 10, 2012

Exchange of Energy

I've been gearing up for the JAWA Chic show in Bridgeport (Chicago) next month (Oct. 19-30) at the Zhou B Arts Center. I'm excited for the show. The idea of the show is to present art jewelry at an elevated level. The pieces will be displayed on the wall as if in a gallery. I have also considered my pieces to be miniature sculptures, especially the rings. I create with this always in mind. Art jewelers put as much time and thought as traditional artists and therefore I believe they should be given the same respect.

The Held Neckpiece - $350, handmade in Chicago. 
At a recent street festival in Chicago, I noticed many bulging eyes after checking out the price of the work. It's ok, I'm used to this reaction. I am confident in the craftsmanship with which my work is created and I believe in a balanced exchange of energy. Those who connect to that energy understand. Later, a lady came up to the booth, and said, "I'm happy to see that you've priced your work according to the amount of time and energy you put into it." Wow! I was so pleased. She happened to be a maker herself. She understood that it takes time, energy, focus and dedication to create. It's hard to place a value on that.

Check out the JAWAChic Website for more information: http://www.jawachic.com/
Good friend and fellow artist David Forlano will be displaying his work as well.

... to the wind and the stars
Gustav

Photo by Tom Petroff
Modeled by Carolina I. Reyes


Jul 30, 2012

Some ideas at the ACC St Paul Show

Check out this video from the ACC St. Paul Show. Thanks to the ACC folks for taking an interest in me and my work. 



Jul 25, 2012

Wearable Art Events in Chicago

Excited to share my work in my own hometown twice this year!

Chicago is an amazing cross section of art, food, industry and diverse cultures which makes it the perfect backdrop to shows featuring forward thinking art jewelers.

On October 20 and 21 I will participate in JAWAChic, a new show aimed at featuring art jewelers who create unique handmade works. Take a look at the video from last year!



Get ready for the One of a Kind Show in Chicago in early December, 6-9. The last time I participated was in 2006. How much life has evolved since then. Excited to participate for the second time this year.   For more information on the One of a Kind Show visit their website, here.

Jun 12, 2012

Brick & Mortar Representation

Lay your eyes and hands on my wooden jewelry at various locations around the United States.




My pieces photograph like sculpture, but it can be difficult to imagine the work as a functional piece of jewelry. Nothing beats sliding the coiling pieces of wood onto your wrist. Here I've listed a few brick and mortar options where you can get your hands on the work. For more locations, view my website under Gallery Representation.

San Francisco
MARCH
3075 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115



Merion, Pennslyvania
Barnes Foundation
300 N Latch's Lane
Merion, PA 19066-1729


Santa Fe
Patina Gallery
131 West Palace Avenue
Santa Fe, NM 87501


New York City
A Uno Tribeca
123 W Broadway
NY, NY 10013


St. Louis
Craft Alliance
6640 Delmar Blvd. 
St. Louis, MO 63130