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Sue's Studio News

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There are plans brewing for an open studio event this summer for Sue's work. If you would like to receive an invite to this special event please inquire. Space will be limited.
Two dazzling sculptural forms are en route to Gallery 1871...if you are in the Chicago area please stop in!
Find these pieces of Sue's in Gallery 1871 (Chicago Art Source Gallery) this summer!

Pictured above, "Forma 2" woven sculpture.

Pictured above "Forma Interior Exterior" woven sculpture.

 

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Sue's Studio News

Posted by Susan Freda on

There are plans brewing for an open studio event this summer for Sue's work. If you would like to receive an invite to this special event please inquire. Space will be limited.
Two dazzling sculptural forms are en route to Gallery 1871...if you are in the Chicago area please stop in!
Find these pieces of Sue's in Gallery 1871 (Chicago Art Source Gallery) this summer!

Pictured above, "Forma 2" woven sculpture.

Pictured above "Forma Interior Exterior" woven sculpture.

 

Read more

The Guri Bori Pattern

Posted by Susan Freda on

 Guri Bori is one of Arn's signature patterns, inspired by the beautiful landforms and patterns found in the western US, where he grew up. The name of the pattern actually comes from further back in history and is related to the origin of Mokume Gane itself, from the metalsmithing technique involving alternating many different color metals and carving curves and spiral patterns inspired by lacquer work in China.
 They explained the history of Guri Bori in this published text which we will link to here: © Hiroko Sato Pijanowski & Gene Michael Pijanowski
 Arn's Guri Bori is a carved style pattern, executed in a similar way as the Woodgrain pattern, but with emphasis on creating a 3-D surface and texture.
One of the most unique aspects of this pattern is how customizable it is! Arn is able to create many different variations with his carving.
 
For example, this ring was carved specifically to resemble a topographic map of a trail very sentimental to the customers! This was a very subtle way to add a personal touch and make the pattern feel special just for them. 
This bypass style ring is another great example of how one can customize the Guri Bori pattern, this ring's pattern has been made to be reminiscent of oceanic textures and forms. It turned out feeling very much like the shell of an oyster where this pearl would have come from!

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The Guri Bori Pattern

Posted by Arn Krebs on

 Guri Bori is one of Arn's signature patterns, inspired by the beautiful landforms and patterns found in the western US, where he grew up. The name of the pattern actually comes from further back in history and is related to the origin of Mokume Gane itself, from the metalsmithing technique involving alternating many different color metals and carving curves and spiral patterns inspired by lacquer work in China.
 They explained the history of Guri Bori in this published text which we will link to here: © Hiroko Sato Pijanowski & Gene Michael Pijanowski
 Arn's Guri Bori is a carved style pattern, executed in a similar way as the Woodgrain pattern, but with emphasis on creating a 3-D surface and texture.
One of the most unique aspects of this pattern is how customizable it is! Arn is able to create many different variations with his carving.
 
For example, this ring was carved specifically to resemble a topographic map of a trail very sentimental to the customers! This was a very subtle way to add a personal touch and make the pattern feel special just for them. 
This bypass style ring is another great example of how one can customize the Guri Bori pattern, this ring's pattern has been made to be reminiscent of oceanic textures and forms. It turned out feeling very much like the shell of an oyster where this pearl would have come from!

Read more

News from the Studio!

Posted by Arn Krebs on

Find Sue's Work at These Galleries This Summer


You can find Sue's work at Patricia Rovzar Gallery in beautiful downtown Seattle, WA. At home at the gorgeous and beachy Charlestown Gallery, in Florida at Rosenbaum Contemporary, Art Source in Chicago, Jules Place in Boston, and at the Shayne Gallery in Montreal.



Sue will be exhibiting by invitation in a summer Fiber Art Show "Tensions: New Directions in the Fiber Art World" at the Bristol Art Museum. Reception Monday August 7th, 6-8pm.

If you are local we hope you will pop in!


Sue recently had an interview with Canvas Rebel Magazine on the process of becoming an Artist. Here's a link to that interview.

 

Pictured below: Ocean Front Dress;"Mare Frons" and above, Glowing Glass;"Candenti Vitro"

 Watch the process here as Sue adds resin and metal powders to her latest dress!

Read more

News from the Studio!

Posted by Susan Freda on

Find Sue's Work at These Galleries This Summer


You can find Sue's work at Patricia Rovzar Gallery in beautiful downtown Seattle, WA. At home at the gorgeous and beachy Charlestown Gallery, in Florida at Rosenbaum Contemporary, Art Source in Chicago, Jules Place in Boston, and at the Shayne Gallery in Montreal.



Sue will be exhibiting by invitation in a summer Fiber Art Show "Tensions: New Directions in the Fiber Art World" at the Bristol Art Museum. Reception Monday August 7th, 6-8pm.

If you are local we hope you will pop in!


Sue recently had an interview with Canvas Rebel Magazine on the process of becoming an Artist. Here's a link to that interview.

 

Pictured below: Ocean Front Dress;"Mare Frons" and above, Glowing Glass;"Candenti Vitro"

 Watch the process here as Sue adds resin and metal powders to her latest dress!

Read more

Arn's Latest Mokume Work!

Posted by Susan Freda on

Arn recently completed some beautiful custom orders featuring stones, so we wanted to share these and talk about different options for stone setting and showing off a statement stone!

When we think of a "traditional" engagement/wedding style, the prong setting easily comes to mind. While this is indeed a classic look, there are some downsides to a prong setting. One thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be higher profile and more vulnerable, making it more likely to get snagged or bumped. Prongs can also weaken over time, and usually require re-tipping to keep a stone secure. Considering this, we'd like to show you a few more hardy and unique (but still elegant) bezel setting styles that can be made to last just like the mokume itself!

A great option for larger and uniquely shaped stones is a bezel setting! Here we have a few different takes on that style that complement the aesthetic of the mokume while also providing protection and support for these stones.


This is a partial mokume bezel, it can also be done as a full bezel, surrounding the stone on all sides. It is created from a piece of mokume stock just like the main ring, and helps the setting feel like an extension of the band with the continuation of mokume patterning!
Here is an example of another partial bezel, but shown in a solid metal that complements the palette of the band. Bezels are also great for more unique stone shapes such as this elongated hexagon shaped sapphire! They can be custom made to wrap around different stones, and as shown here they can be done in the partial style to still show off more of the stone if desired.
Lastly, shown here is an example of our Mesa style setting. This is an excellent option if you are wanting something similar to a flush setting but with a larger stone! We can flush set stones up to 3mm wide, as any larger are usually too deep for the thickness of our bands. This setting looks great with our Guri Bori pattern as shown here, inspired by natural landforms of the western US.

Read more

Arn's Latest Mokume Work!

Posted by Susan Freda on

Arn recently completed some beautiful custom orders featuring stones, so we wanted to share these and talk about different options for stone setting and showing off a statement stone!

When we think of a "traditional" engagement/wedding style, the prong setting easily comes to mind. While this is indeed a classic look, there are some downsides to a prong setting. One thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be higher profile and more vulnerable, making it more likely to get snagged or bumped. Prongs can also weaken over time, and usually require re-tipping to keep a stone secure. Considering this, we'd like to show you a few more hardy and unique (but still elegant) bezel setting styles that can be made to last just like the mokume itself!

A great option for larger and uniquely shaped stones is a bezel setting! Here we have a few different takes on that style that complement the aesthetic of the mokume while also providing protection and support for these stones.


This is a partial mokume bezel, it can also be done as a full bezel, surrounding the stone on all sides. It is created from a piece of mokume stock just like the main ring, and helps the setting feel like an extension of the band with the continuation of mokume patterning!
Here is an example of another partial bezel, but shown in a solid metal that complements the palette of the band. Bezels are also great for more unique stone shapes such as this elongated hexagon shaped sapphire! They can be custom made to wrap around different stones, and as shown here they can be done in the partial style to still show off more of the stone if desired.
Lastly, shown here is an example of our Mesa style setting. This is an excellent option if you are wanting something similar to a flush setting but with a larger stone! We can flush set stones up to 3mm wide, as any larger are usually too deep for the thickness of our bands. This setting looks great with our Guri Bori pattern as shown here, inspired by natural landforms of the western US.

Read more

A Healing Garden

Posted by Susan Freda on

Sue's collaboration with WBNA has begun to bear fruit. The WBNA was given a grant for the "Healing Garden Sanctuary" from the Garden Foundation of RI.
Sue plans to incorporate sculptural pieces into the garden over time, like this outdoor dress sculpture and other woven forms created in collaboration with local nonprofits and schools.
Plans are underway to break ground soon and to stay posted for events and how to participate.  

Read more

A Healing Garden

Posted by Susan Freda on

Sue's collaboration with WBNA has begun to bear fruit. The WBNA was given a grant for the "Healing Garden Sanctuary" from the Garden Foundation of RI.
Sue plans to incorporate sculptural pieces into the garden over time, like this outdoor dress sculpture and other woven forms created in collaboration with local nonprofits and schools.
Plans are underway to break ground soon and to stay posted for events and how to participate.  

Read more