For 25 years I have wanted to attend the Annual Smithsonian Craft Show at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. This year, the show’s 33rd, I fulfilled that wish! And a drool fest it was-they should have handed out cups at the door.
And I must say, as someone who attempts to live a creative life, the show is quite humbling. In fact, if you want to feel like a 2 bit player in the world of craft –attend the show next year!!! And don’t attend sans your drool cup!
This year’s show represented the works of 121 artisans from around the country. They are considered to be the best in their fields and being part of this show is a distinguished honor. The show, an amazing event in itself, is actually an all volunteer run event with the proceeds going to provide money for grants and endowments of the Smithsonian.
Now, if money were no object I would have walked out of the show with many items under my arm. Here are a few of my favorite pieces and their makers.
I know it is hard to tell, but the above image is a PAPER CUT!!!!! I KNOW!!!!!!
I was floored by Lucrezia Bieler’s work. This piece is about 2 x 2 1/2 feet and it took her six months to cut from one sheet of paper with teeny tiny scissors (and George says I am OCD!). I want it – but its $30,000 –and worth every penny!
John Iversen is an iconic figure in the word of ornamentation. Last year an image of this bracelet graced the cover of Ornament Magazine. I usually devour the journal from cover to cover, but I was particularly amazed by this creation-the entire bracelet is hinged on the back!!!
While he did not have this piece out in his display case, after we got to talking he graciously offered to show it to me. Out of a very secure little chest filled with precious boxes, he brought out this masterpiece and I got to see it first hand. Of course, I wanted to see the back most of all!
I was also quite honored to meet another artist whose work I have long admired. Carolyn Morris Bach’s jewelry is instantly recognizable by her unique imagery and use of materials. This pendant with the little owl-like figure is delightful. Her work is so impeccably made, it really was an honor to linger over her work.
While I was naturally drawn to the jewelry work, there were several artists working in other mediums that were incredibly fresh and new.
This sewn “quilt” was made by Leah Evans. Her work is inspired by aerial photography, maps, satellite imagery and the microbial world. Often her works explore the impact of humans on our landscapes. Her work was so intriguing to me that after returning home from the show I regretted that I did not purchase one of her pieces. So I went back and bought one the last day of the show (thanks for giving me the incentive to return Maria!!!) Mine is very small (= affordable) and I can’t wait to add it to my gallery at home!
Little “things” intrigue me, so you can imagine how excited I was to see the work of Janel Jacobson. This little kitty is a mere 2 inches long! And it is just so fabulous!!!! Janel is inspired by nature and her pieces truly celebrate the small gems in our world. There was not a piece of hers that I would not be honored to own!
Now, this work is a marvel of craftsmanship. Yes it is a beautiful image, and yes it is a good composition but…it is a FLIPPING EMBROIDERY!! It is roughly 5 inches by 5 inches!!!! Oh to have eyes that can see so well. For obvious reasons, this photo does not even begin to do justice to Mical Aloni’s work. Thankfully she had magnifying glasses beside each piece for all to admire her great skill.
An unconventional use of materials drew me to the work of this artist. Tara Locklear repurposes old skateboards to create her collection of unique jewelry pieces. The way she cuts and sands them to reveal interior layers makes the wood feel gem-like. The asymmetry of material use in many of her pieces is refreshing and fun. She has a great eye and a unique artistic vision.
All in all, as stated above, the show was humbling. However, it was also invigorating. I did not want to leave the show because it was so wonderful to be surrounded by beautiful objects made with purpose, vision and great intention that were completely removed from the mass produced items that so often visually (and literally) pollute our world!!!
If you are interested in viewing more work by the artists listed above, here are their website addresses:
carolynmorrisbach.com
micalaloni.com
taralocklear.com
There and Back Again: A Monkey's Tale 