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

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. 

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.

chicago

Organic Coil Cherry

gustavreyes.com

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

http://www.marchsf.com/

Merion, Pennslyvania

Barnes Foundation

300 N Latch's Lane

Merion, PA 19066-1729

http://www.barnesfoundation.org/visit/

Santa Fe

Patina Gallery

131 West Palace Avenue

Santa Fe, NM 87501

http://www.patina-gallery.com/

New York City

A Uno Tribeca

123 W Broadway

NY, NY 10013

St. Louis

Craft Alliance

6640 Delmar Blvd. 

St. Louis, MO 63130

http://craftalliance.org/

Aubergine Brooch for Men (or Women)

I just finished a prototype for a commission order brooch and I am very happy with the way it turned out. The client led me away from the status quo and requested an Aubergine stain on a cherry wood. Also, in order to avoid making holes in fine Italian suits, I designed the brooch using magnets! The pieces will be for a private party in Milan.

Anna Frient

five years of pure devotion

Last Friday I had two pleasantly surprising visits from some folks looking to purchase wood gifts for their significant others. Coincidentally, both couples were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

I had a lovely conversation with one of the happily married customer whose wife was 39 weeks pregnant with their second child. Five years is an accomplishment when almost half of marriages these days are ending in divorce. What it boils down to is devotion.

devotion (diˈvōSHən)

noun

love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause:

I came a across the idea of planting a tree in commemoration of the 5th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful way to symbolize the ways you have to nurture a marriage (or any relationship) in order for it to grow and flourish and the devotion it takes to pull through tougher times when all you want to do is give up. Great idea!

Of course... you could always purchase a beautiful undulating bracelet of wood to adorn your love's wrist.  

to the wind and the stars... 

Gustav

Below: Organic Coil and Organic Coil Narrow in Cherry, Walnut and Hickory

Available at GustavReyes.com