Erica Stankwytch Bailey

Seeing and the Relevance of the Smallest Things, Solo Exhibition

2011-06-09T15:14:00.004-04:00

This exhibition is 1 year in the making, with over 70 individual pieces on display. The show consists of 8 vignettes, each of which are centered around a single photograph taken while I was in the canyon. I hope to upload images of the individual works in the weeks to come.

Image left- reception, image right "Boulder" vignette

Solo Exhibition

2011-05-18T22:14:00.002-04:00

Cape Fear Studios presents:

Seeing and the Relevance of the Smallest Things

solo exhibition by

Erica Stankwytch Bailey

June 2011

Reception

Thursday, June 2

6:00- 8:00

I am going back!!!!!!

2011-04-08T09:57:00.003-04:00

One week from today I am heading out west- back to the Grand Canyon! WOO HOO!!!! It has been over a year since I left Arizona and I am so eager to get back. My experience there had such a profound effect on me and my work, I just can't wait to be flooded with the overwhelming magnificence of that place again. I will be spending 5 nights in the hole, just enough time to reconnect before returning home to put the finishing touches on a solo show of my Canyon inspired work in Fayetteville, NC.

Handmade Market in Dowtown Raleigh

2010-11-12T08:36:00.004-05:00

Join me and 50 other artists tomorrow at the Handmade Market in Downtown Raleigh. This is a one day event put on by the Handmaidens and it sounds like tons of fun! With proceeds from a raffle benefiting Meals on Wheels.

Show at Emerge

2010-11-05T11:35:00.002-04:00

If you are near Greenville, NC please stop by Emerge Gallery to view an exhibition of my Grand Canyon works through November 2010. Also in this show are the amazing works of ceramic artist Gillian Parke and the mixed media works of Will Goodyear .

Exhibition of Work

2010-10-13T15:38:00.005-04:00

My Grand Canyon works will be on exhibit at Pullen Art Center in Raleigh, North Carolina during October, 2010 and at Emerge Gallery in Greenville, North Carolina during November, 2010.

Grand Canyon Studies

2010-10-13T14:49:00.006-04:00

I have been working for some time now on pieces inspired by my artist residency at the Grand Canyon earlier this year. It has been an interesting journey trying to decipher all of the phenomenal imagery that I witnessed at the canyon. I realized quickly that I would not be able to create one object that defined my experience so I decided to do studies. These individual objects may represent a single object or a significant event experienced while there. Below are just a few of my canyon studies...

This piece represents the human hand in the canyon. People have called the grand canyon home for a very long time and it was absolutely amazing to see evidence of some of those original dwellings.

This piece is a part of the modern petroglyph series. Throughout time native cultures have left thier stories all over the canyon walls. I was not bale to leave a permanent record of my time there but saw these silhoette/shadows as my temporary petroglyphs.

Walking on the canyon floor I discovered some of the most amazing textures, this piece is inspired by the remains of a decaying cactus.

This is one of many pieces that I will do about my hike into and out of the "big hole". The rock formations are examples from the beginning and end of my hike and the silhoette in the center represents that moment that I was the farthest from my life and it's normalities than I have ever been.

Seeing and the relevance of the smallest things

2010-04-14T10:03:00.001-04:00

Date: Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
Place: The Arts Council, 301 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC

In Early 2010 I took a journey to the Grand Canyon to live and work for three weeks as an Artist-in-Residence, and the experience was truly profound. Please join me as I share my adventure! Through photographs and stories I will discuss the artistic journey, the personal journey, the phenomenal beauty of Grand Canyon and the significance of the smallest things.

Video Short, Erica Stankwytch Bailey

2010-03-18T16:55:00.001-04:00

http://vimeo.com/10162589

Click the link above to see a short film about my work and recent adventures.

Grand Canyon Podcast

2010-02-26T16:21:00.003-05:00

http://www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/inside-look-31.htm

This is a link to a podcast created by Ranger Pat Gammon, it lasts a little short of 12 minutes. During my artist residency Pat interviewed me about how I was experiencing the Canyon, he used our interview and some of my photos to create this podcast.

Hope you enjoy it!

Grand Canyon Jeweler's Bench Time Lapse Video

2010-02-20T18:05:00.003-05:00

I did do some metalwork while in Grand Canyon with I very limited set of tools, it was definitely a challenge. I think of the work that I did as preliminary objects, sketches to help my hands have a memory of my thoughts and inspirations.

The Canyon- Clouds and Light

2010-02-20T16:58:00.002-05:00

It has now been several weeks since my hike into the canyon, but I can still remember distinctly how differently I saw things on the rim...

I was pretty sure that I would wake up the morning following the ascent and be unable to walk, but surprisingly I felt great! I threw on my boots and headed outside to reacquaint myself with the view. Hiking to the bottom truly changed my perspective on the canyon and allowed me to see it in such new ways. I first noticed the amazing play of light and shadows on the buttes and side canyons- brilliant sun beams highlighting the intense texture of the landscape.

Next I realized that I could actually locate landmarks in the canyon. I gazed upon spots I had stared at for hours in the days before my hike and immediately saw things that had previously alluded me. I could see Bright Angel Trail, Indian Gardens and other significant stops along the way- and it was pretty shocking to see how far into the canyon I had actually been!

For me, taking the time to hike into the canyon truly allowed me to see it. I am so grateful for the experience and all of the inspiration inherent in it.

This is a Raven on the South Rim- The contrast of the tree/raven silhouette against the beautiful sky really caught my eye.

Elk munching on yucca- Wow! This guy was really huge. I watched him for some time before snapping this photo. Prior to the yucca he was eating juniper berries, using his antlers to rip branches from the tree or standing on his hind legs to reach higher limbs- again WOW!

Hiking out, The South Kaibab trail

2010-01-31T20:54:00.009-05:00

Part 4: South Kaibab trail, 7+ miles, 1/28/2010, 7hrs and 15 minutes

It's 6:30 am and the adventure begins- I step out into the pitch black of the grand canyon floor, turn my head lamp on high and wait for the girls (Karen and Cyndee) to arrive. I sit for several moments in the darkness with the sound of the rushing Colorado just behind me and remind myself that just because something will be hard does not make it impossible. "you can do this Erica!"

This was the view as we started our ascent, the sun had just begun to rise. It was almost like seeing the canyon in black and white or grey tones, a different view, and one I am grateful for.

And then suddenly the colors were brilliant again as the sun climbed higher in the sky. I wondered if we might catch up with it (this trail is REALLY steep).

As we hiked up it was refreshing to look back and see things getting smaller, the Colorado seems very different from here.

Looking past the desert landscape to the snow covered peaks shrouded in clouds- it is truly easy to forget how difficult this hike will be and to remember that I would not be awarded these amazing sights had I not taken on this challenge.

Peering down into the canyon it is hard to believe that we have climbed high enough to have such an expansive view of the "big ditch" and we are not yet half way up.

We are approaching the 4,000 foot mark where the snow will begin, so we stop to put on our crampons (Yak traks) to help with gripping in the snow. I thought this wooden portion of the trail was amazing- a beautiful piece of engineering in a place that often doesn't seem to be touched by human hands.

WOW! Notice the agave shooting up through the center of the photograph- these amazing plants seem to defy gravity and prior to their death the top blooms with brilliant yellow flowers.

The condition of the trails as we continued our climb- steep and now snow covered. There were times that the foot path had been laid on the very edge of the sloping snow bank (pretty precarious hiking, hence, no photographs). I imagine that if I were to go back in warmer times I would find that the trail was actually much closer to the rock face and that in following other human paths we had been led slightly astray.

Taking photographs turned out to be a great little break from the up hill climb. The intensity of the hike was so much that we had to stop in intervals to catch our breath ( I will attribute at least some of that to the thin air and not wholly to my lack of physical endurance).

This photo is from a point of the trail called Cedar Ridge.

And now the hardest part of the trail begins- the challenging thing about the South Kaibab trail is that the top two miles are the most difficult part of the hick. In that moment, standing at Cedar ridge, it was hard to believe that this trail could get any steeper or more challenging. (The trail is just to the right of the rock wall in the photograph below.)

Notice how the clouds seem to be a mirror image of the snow on the trail.

And here it is, the last set of switchbacks( a way of cutting the trail in a zigzag pattern on a rock face that is otherwise to steep to traverse). In this photo you can see Cyndee ahead at the base of the switchbacks, each diagonal line of snow and rock represents a different leg of the trail. About half way up and to the right you can see a section where the snow gets thicker- when we arrived to this point there was a 6 foot drop down a snow embankment that we had to jump(!)to continue on the trail ( funny enough- this was the only moment in the hike when my fear of heights kicked in), I opted for sliding down on my tush.

And then we were at the top, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming! Here is a photo of me in front of the south Kaibab trail head sign and I am smiling (not weeping as I thought I might be)!

And here are the girls, Cyndee and Karen.

Hiking the Grand Canyon is by far the most physically challenging thing that I have ever done, but I expected it to be. I am so grateful that I met Cyndee and Karen at the ranch, hiking out alone would have been far more difficult. Just the day before we were total strangers who were suddenly and serendipitously connected by a common challenge, and I know we have made a lasting impression on each others lives. I have been rolling around in my mind a list of Grand Canyon life lessons (sometimes a bit cliche, but never the less relevant) and high on that list would be the inherent need for community/ human interaction.

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to hike here, the experience brought me back to myself and the revelation (or remembering) that life is indeed about the journey. And that we should remember to stop and be a part of a place, to truly see and feel it. There were two words/thoughts that surfaced at many moments during my time in the canyon- journey and momentum(self imposed or otherwise). I have mentioned the journey, but now to momentum. As I hiked down I found that I was being forced forward by the momentum of the canyon, a power that seemed much stronger than my own ability to stop at times. And then when hiking up I found that the momentum/forward movement all rested on the shoulders of my own ambition/desire. Canyon life lesson #....- When you follow the push of an external force you may find yourself at the end feeling battered and I little unsure of where you have been, but when you follow your own dreams/ambitions you may have struggled but you are fully aware of every step of the journey, and proud to call it done.

Clear Creek and River Loop Trails, still in the canyon

2010-01-31T19:15:00.005-05:00

Part 3: Clear Creek Trail To Phantom Lookout and River Loop Trail, 1/27/10

Today it is snowing on the rim, but down in the canyon it is just a bit overcast, and at moments the clouds seem to be drifting below the rim. I decided to hike the two shorter trails that lead out from Phantom Ranch today. I head out tomorrow and I want to be sure to see as much of the wonderful place as possible.

Clear creek trail is just a short distance up the North Kaibab trail and leads up to a beautiful overlook point. The colors were so different because of the cloud cover, it was as if everything was darker and deeper.

Once I made it to the overlook the snow capped peaks seemed so much closer than they had been in days. Already I had begun to forget that the world up there was completely covered in snow ( 4 feet when I left and then about 8 more inches while I was in the "big hole").

Cyndee and Karen, my new hiking partners, were kind enough to take a photo of me from the lookout. The views were panoramic.

Clouds drifting into the canyon.

I thought the gradient of colors created by the low clouds was truly spectacular.

The Colorado river. Colorado means red, and it turns out that I was very lucky to actually see it in it's natural state of rusty red. Dams have stopped the flow of sediment down the Colorado which causes the water to be clear most of the time. This is pretty significant because the River cut the canyon by carrying sediment, which slowly cut down through the canyon floor.

Another view of the Colorado. The sound of the rushing waters was truly intense.

Look at the photograph below in the lower right quadrant and you can see a stone building ( to give perspective- that is a large two story building ) just beyond it is a small group of trees, if you look very closely into that grouping you can see my temporary abode at the River Ranger Station.

And here is a closer look. The River Ranger Station was a really quaint place with a full kitchen and separate bedroom. And look to the far left, there is an anvil on the front porch, a significant symbol for me.

This last photo is of Bright Angel Creek running just between Phantom Ranch and the Bright Angel Campground.

This is my last night in the canyon and my emotions are truly mixed, I am sad that my time here is ending, excited that I will be able to talk to Brian and the boys tomorrow and pretty darn overwhelmed by the idea of hiking out in the morning. We have decided to take the South Kaibab trail out to the rim, it is shorter than The Bright Angel trail by almost 2 miles, but much steeper. I have learned many things in my short time at grand canyon and one is that when someone here says it is steep, they REALLY mean it.

I spent the evening taking in the sights in and around phantom ranch, did some sketches and had a few conversations with some of the amazing folks I had the privilege to meet. And as dark fell I was off to the ranger station for miso soup and an early bedtime, we were scheduled to leave at 6:30 am (still dark).

North Kaibab Trail to Ribbon Falls

2010-01-30T11:13:00.007-05:00

1/26/2010 I woke up this morning with the canyon shuffle in full swing-just imagine me sliding my feet, not really picking them up at all, in about 6 inch movements- really funny to watch. I know this because as I shuffled along I was able to observe my fellow hikers in the same situation, we all laughed as we tried to make our way up the stairs to the canteen. But, talk of a waterfall was too much to resist so I headed up the North Kaibab to Ribbon Falls.

Part 2: North Kaibab to Ribbon Falls , 12.5 miles round trip, approx. 6 hours

At the trail head were at least 30 mule deer, what a way to start the hike. They just slowly step out of your way, well, until this guy- he just stood on the trail, I bet I waited about 5 minutes, just watching him and then finally he strolled away. They are called mule deer because of the large ears that move independently.

Bright Angel Creek runs through Phantom Ranch and along the North Kaibab trail, it is a beautiful stream with rushing waters, the sound was wonderful as I walked. The trail is over to the right of the stream in my photograph.

This section of the trail is called the box because the canyon walls are so close together.

Even within the vast expanses of the canyon there were so many intimate textures and objects that caught my eye. I found it so amazing that in such an enormous place the little things still had so much visual power. I thought the textures of this decaying wood were absolutely beautiful, I took several photos but this was my favorite.

Petroglyphs and pictographs are not uncommon at Grand Canyon- this is a place steeped with history and the lives of people. On my hike I found a modern day petroglyph- left recently by I hiker like myself- though only days old it still seemed like an interesting human mark on billion year old rock.

This portion of the trail was actually a man made bridge over low rushing water- it was beautiful with the tall yellow rods growing on either side. I was able to walk the path and run both hands along the growth, which was much taller than me.

This is Bright Angel Creek rushing over rocks, brilliant in the middle of this dry canyon. There was a sense of safety in being able to hear the the rushing waters, I never felt lost as long as I could here that sound.

Walking along in a world of reds, browns and greys and suddenly I see this brilliant green growing on the shade side of a large boulder. Green, rust and mint colors covered just one side of this large rock, so beautifully designed that it could have been a painting.

OH! and then there was Ribbon Falls. I could see it from a distance and it was spectacular, a thin "ribbon" of water cascading into open air over the cliff's edge. I was mesmerized as I got closer, but then suddenly the trail seemed to end. Ranger Steve was telling me just the night before to be sure that I took the trail behind the falls so I felt certain that I was missing something. I looked for several minutes and still couldn't find it, so I climbed I tall rock (to get a better view) and had lunch. As I sat there alone, in the midst of a beautiful waterfall, 6+miles from the last person I had seen, reading a topographic map, I realized that I was truly as far from my day to day life as I have probably ever been- and I felt suddenly very motivated to find my way to the edge of the falls. I climbed down from my rock and found a way through water and over boulders to the edge of Ribbon falls and the beauty of it took my breath away an yet again grand canyon brought tears to my eyes. You can't see it in this photo but there was a rainbow in front of the lower portion of the falls- the falling waters and the brilliant colors were even more amazing in the rigid rock landscape.

The trail behind the falls was easy to find once I made my way to the waters edge. the view looking through the falling water was profound in such a dry landscape.

Still behind the falls I was enamored by the large moss/algae covered rock that the waters first landed on. It was the enormous living, bright green mass in the midst of all the red rock, talk about complementary colors.

Silhouette/Shadow portrait at the falls. I started to think of these as my own temporary/digital petroglyphs ( like the modern petroglyph pictured earlier), a digital mark in this prehistoric landscape. What you can't see in the photograph is that the shadow of the waterfall was rushing by me to the right, a constantly moving shadow.

View from the far side of ribbon falls.

Heading Back to Phantom Ranch. You can see the path of the trail by following the creek through the canyon.

Another intimate path, within the wide canyon floor, surrounded by growth- I was taken by how rough/hard/abrasive the plant life was- it would have to be to survive in such a harsh environment.

This last photo is of Phantom Ranch, sitting in front of the Canteen (were I stopped to get fresh drinking water)looking out through grass and trees at some of the cabins, a beautiful place.

The hike to Ribbon Falls was phenomenal and I would do it a thousand times more, even with the calves of fire! In that 12+ mile hike I only saw one person, but I also saw mule deer, a big horn sheep (a lucky glance to the right), ravens and a variety of other birds. There were all variety of plants that I have never seen to include the Agave, which I am now a smidge obsessed with.

I had dinner in the canteen that night- yummy veggie chili and delicious salad ( I had been eating food I hiked in, good, but nothing like real cooked food and fresh green stuff). I was so hungry that I am pretty sure I was eating with two hands, I don't think I elbowed anyone in my flailing attempts to cram food in my mouth. Met some really great people at the dinner table- all of us in the same state of awe, exhaustion, canyon shuffle and sense of community and instant friendship- some pretty spectacular folks. It is at dinner that I met Karen and Cyndee and they became I big part of the rest of my time in the canyon.

I had to walk a half a mile or so to my new home at the River Ranger Station after dinner, and let me tell you- Grand Canyon Dark is really different than the dark at home. I carried my head lamp which illuminated approx. 10 feet in front of me and thought awfully hard about the cougar sighting in the area a couple of nights before- I realized quite abruptly that I have never been trained in the art of dealing with a cougar-WHEW! I have probably never been so happy to get inside.

Down into the Canyon 1/25/2010

2010-01-29T19:07:00.006-05:00

When I found out that I was coming to Grand Canyon I knew that part of my journey had to include a hike down to the bottom. One of the many things that amazes me about this place are all of the biotic communities represented here, and the only way you can experience that diversity is to go down in the canyon. I am not a hiker so it took a lot of planning, preparation and research to get ready for this adventure- and then the day came. I plan to write about the hike and my time at Phantom Ranch in several different installments, so here goes.

Part 1: Bright Angel Trail, 9+ miles, 1/25/2010

I was so geared up with all kind of stuff(crampons, gaiters, walking sticks) that I was not familiar with until the sky dumped four feet of snow on Grand Canyon. I was actually supposed to leave two days earlier but the trails were so covered in snow that it wasn't safe. So I took a picture in all of my gear, while still in the apartment at Verkamps, to make memory of the beginning of my career as a hiker.

As I walked along the rim trail I was taken by how beautiful the Canyon was covered in snow, and honestly a little terrified that I was about to embark on my adventure alone. I paused for a moment, took this picture and reminded myself that there was a whole other world for me to see below the rim.

This is the trail head, check out the snow. I am not sure if you can tell from the photo but the narrow trail was flanked by snow that was up to my knees in some spots and as high as my thighs in others.Wow!

As I walked down the trail I was immediately taken by how textural it all was, the view from the rim is so expansive that it can be hard to see the subtleties of the rocks and trees. This site of this red rock jutting out from the snow over the trail was amazing.

Then I turned my head to the right and this is what I saw.

The trail travels down through several switch backs, helping you to gradually (still felt pretty steep to me) get down in elevation. At about 4,000 feet suddenly the snow is gone and soon you enter the oasis that is Indian Garden (about 4.5 miles down). Indian garden is a beautiful area with trees and plants and little streams passing over the trail. I stopped there and sat on a lovely bench to have a snack, slightly overwhelmed that I was not yet half way down. As I was leaving Indian Gardens I saw this tree, it was beautiful all on its own but then look at the view behind it.

It is hard to imagine that I was in a landscape covered in three to four feet of snow just an hour earlier.

I am very far from where I started. Standing in this spot it is crazy to think that I have come this far down and still have a far way to go.

My shadow in the sand. For now these are my versions of self portraits in Grand Canyon. feeling tall and strong and firmly planted in the earth.

These are natural patterns in the rocks. I could not believe how clear and crisp the black/grey lines were. The markings could not have been more beautiful had someone painted them.

Finally, the Colorado River and silver bridge, I was getting really close. When hiking down the Bright Angel trail you do not see the Colorado until you are close to the end- what a joyful sight.

The hike to Phantom Ranch took me just over 6 hours, it was beautiful and challenging and even at the bottom when my calves were so tight that I was walking more like John Wayne than myself (they call this the canyon shuffle, and everyone is doing it) I was so glad to be there. I cannot explain in words how phenomenal the transition is from rim to canyon floor, it is as if you are entering different worlds, one after the other. When I finally arrived at the main ranger station (my home for the first night), I just sat and soaked in all that was there, the beauty, the aching calves and the satisfaction that I had completed the first part of my canyon adventure.

Views from the South Rim

2010-01-24T23:52:00.004-05:00

The sun setting on the canyon- the reds are so brilliant.

Silhouette in the snow

The canyon is so expansive, deep and wide, that even while standing right on the edge it all seems unreal. I walked about 7 miles along the rim to a place called Mather point. The trails were so deeply covered in snow that for the majority of the walk I was knee deep. The views at every step will absolutely take your breath away.

Tomorrow I begin my hike into the canyon!!

The Journey to Grand Canyon

2010-01-24T21:25:00.003-05:00

I have gone back and forth in my mind about how much I would share with you about my travels and tribulations to get here- but I decided that it is all part of the journey and therefore relevant (and a bit funny). So here goes- what it took to get to Grand Canyon:

Departure from Raleigh, NC was a breeze despite the fact that TSA didn't allow me to bring some of my tools. I boarded the plane to Phoenix, we sat in the the plane at the gate for over two hours- not a problem, we eventually took off and that is truly all that mattered. The flight was seven hours including the two hour delay but I had great neighbors and the flight went well. Yey! I was in Phoenix! I jumped off the plane running, my next flight into Flagstaff-Canceled. After several cancellations into Flagstaff (they were under 4 feet of snow) the airlines decided not to travel into Flagstaff at all, they advised all passengers to get a hotel room and re-assigned flights for the following day. My re-assignment was for 8:30 pm- Yikes! In the meantime I met Gloria and Bob, a wonderful couple from Australia, we had great conversations and yummy dinner.

I woke up Saturday morning , rushed to the airport and got on the standby list for the am flights. And they actually called my name( I really wanted to kiss the flight attendant)- I got on the flight to Flagstaff, which was absolutely amazing I was seventh on the stand by list. As we waited for the plane to depart the pilot announced that this would be the last flight of the day- wow was I feeling lucky. The view from the plane was astonishing! We arrived in Flagstaff to find a landscape blanketed in white- Beautiful.

The last leg of my journey required that I get to the Amtrak station in downtown Flagstaff to catch a shuttle to Grand Canyon. I called Friendly Cab, and they were there within minutes. Myself and another fellow (Jordan) hopped in the cab and started off, through streets lined with 6 foot snow drifts. The cab driver said "Oh, that's not good" and then black smoke began to fill the cab of the car. This poor car was in bad shape, we had to open our doors, as we rolled down the street, to allow the black smoke to escape. We pulled into a gas station and filled the car with oil, then took off again. We made it about a block and the car died again. This happened four times, four different gas stations until finally we had to push the car to its final resting place (at least for that day). I new cab came to our rescue and we were off to the station. I dropped off my bags and found a fantastic restaurant called Macy's in downtown, the food was delicious and affordable.

The shuttle ride from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon was amazing, as the sun began to set it seemed to be below us, radiating out from the snow covered trees and rock formations. I finally arrived at "The Hole" in the last moments of light- it made me cry, it was so spectacular! That moment made all of my traveling tribulations obsolete.

I am honored to be here.

P.S. next post will have lots of pictures

Preparing for departure- WOOHOOO!!!!!

2010-01-21T10:43:00.004-05:00

The adventure begins!

I leave early( 4:00 am) tomorrow morning to catch my flight to Arizona. I have everything packed ( I think) in two suitcases- tools, clothes, the works!

So, here is the interesting news- Flagstaff, AZ (where I am scheduled to land) is expecting 4-7 feet of snow by late friday, that is taller than me. At this point it looks like I may be in Pheonix for a few days until things clear up- we will see!

Though sad that there are delays in my plans I am eager to see the canyon covered in snow- sounds pretty spectacular.

Enjoy this photo by Kaldoon.

Exhibition Schedule January - April 2010

2010-01-08T16:42:00.006-05:00

WITHIN, Wearable Objects by Erica Stankwytch Bailey, Piedmont Craftsmen, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
http://www.piedmontcraftsmen.org/

Materials: Hard and Soft, Greater Denton Arts Council, Denton ,Texas

http://www.dentonarts.com/gdac99/about_gdac/programs/materials_hard_and_soft.htm

CHARMED, Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA

http://www.contemporarycraft.org/The_Store/Splash.html

The Ring Show, Pullen Arts Center, Raleigh, North Carolina

A.I.R at Grand Canyon- The Countdown

2010-01-03T14:43:00.006-05:00

There are only 20 days until my departure to Grand Canyon! This whole opportunity still seems so surreal to me- I can't believe it is actually happening and yet I am so excited. As an artist I am sure that the experience will have a profound affect on my work and my ways of seeing.

So much of my work is about the small within the large- the cell within the larger organism, a shell in an enormous sea- and now I will represent the miniscule being within the vastness of Grand Canyon.

This is were I will be staying!!! Look above the Verkamps sign and you can imagine me standing there looking out over the Canyon.

I plan to blog frequently while I am there as a means to document my experience. I have a lot of fun things planned so I hope you will join me (via my blog) on this amazing adventure! You can subscribe to my blog by clicking a link in the upper right hand corner of this page.

Meeting Gloria Steinem

2009-11-15T22:17:00.005-05:00

It began like this-

I old freind called a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would be willing to donate a piece to be presented to Gloria Steinem- I said YES!!! What a great chance to give a small token of gratitude to a woman who has given so much to humanity for almost half a century. Shaking in my boots with excitement I began to plan what I might create for her.

The next phone call went something like this:

There is a chance that you will get to meet her in person if you are able to be here. The East Carolina Women's Studies Department is planning a breakfast and would like for you to present the piece to Gloria yourself. WHAT? OH MY? that would be amazing!!!!!!!!!!

Next call:

The breakfast was cancelled, her schedule is too full. (Bummer)

Next call:

Great news you will get to meet her after all, be here next Friday at 4:45 with the piece.

_____________

So last Friday I drove to Greenville to meet Gloria Steinem. The whole week builidng up to the trip I was so excited and worked feverishly on several brooches not sure which would make the final cut. I included an excerpt from a poem by Alice Walker about Gloria Steinem written in the mid 90's and updated on Gloria's 75th birthday, this year. The lines are simple but seemed to say so much:

SHE IS THE ONE

WHO IS THERE
This brooch was inspired by icons, that people who are icons have an effect that radiates out across many groups and generations.

Late Friday afternoon I met Gloria Steinem. She was amazing, gracious and kind. I was struck by how interested she was in the small group of women that were there to meet her. She seemed genuinely interested in each of us. She is thoughtful and funny, intelligent and everything that I imagined she would be.

I am grateful that I had the chance to meet her, to say thank you and be inspired!

Artist Residency at the Grand Canyon

2009-10-04T12:55:00.002-04:00

YIPPEE!!!!!! I am going to have the most amazing experience in early 2010. I have been given the opportunity to do a 3 week artist residency at the Grand Canyon. The National Park Service offers the residencies to help promote the various national parks. I will live in a building that is over 100 years old and looks out over the Grand Canyon - the views will be spectacular.

During my residency I will offer three programs to the public visiting the park. I will lead a scenic sketching walk, a drawing with wire workshop and a residency conclusion discussion/presentation. I will be free to spend the remainder of my time in Arizona exploring and creating works inspired by my discoveries.

When I return home I will give a presentation to my local community, sharing with them my experience with the wonders of the Grand Canyon. I see this experience as having so many possibilities!!!

I plan to blog about the experience while I am there, if I have access to the Internet that is!

New Jewelry

2009-08-14T10:43:00.007-04:00

Photographs taken by Taylor Dabney of Richmond, VA.

Images from Buyers Market of American Craft

2009-08-01T13:30:00.006-04:00

The Booth

Some new work

The Happy Artist

Things are going well in Philadelphia! My new work is being well received which is so exciting!

THE JEWELRY DESIGN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANT

2009-07-27T06:33:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Jewelry Designer Receives Top Honor in National Competition

Fayetteville, North Carolina – July 27, 2009 - Local jewelry designer Erica Stankwytch Bailey was recently honored as a Top 5 Silver Circle Finalist in a national annual competition for emerging designers. The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant program sponsored by industry supplier Halstead Bead Inc. awards cash grants and valuable business plan assistance to jewelry entrepreneurs. Stankwytch Bailey will be paired with an established jewelry design mentor through the award’s business development program. You can visit her website at www.EricaStankwytchBailey.com.

Erica creates contemporary sterling silver jewelry with a focus on texture and form. Her work is inspired by the textures of the earth. “I inspect the world in great detail and have always collected shells, seed pods, stones and interesting organic elements”.

Stankwytch Bailey began making jewelry while in school at East Carolina University, where she received her BFA in Metal Design. She maintains a full-time metalsmithing career while teaching jewelry fabrication and metalsmithing courses in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Stankwytch Bailey was chosen as a finalist out of a highly competitive field of submissions from all over the United States. “Erica is an extremely talented metalsmith who crafts distinctive art jewelry pieces. She has an ambitious business plan and I am certain she will become a very well-known designer in the industry within the next few years,” said competition judge Hilary Scott.

Entrants in the competition were required to submit a design portfolio, a full business plan, and written answers to several specific questions. The program is designed to support the dreams of talented jewelry artisans and encourage sound business practices as they build their small businesses. Detailed results and more information on the award are available at www.HalsteadBead.com/Grant.

Contact:
Erica Stankwytch Bailey
910.489.3869
Erica@ericastankwtchbailey.cm
www.ericastankwytchbailey.com

Business of Art Workshops

2009-06-18T08:51:00.003-04:00

Business of Art Series
Summer 2009
Hosted by Cape Fear Studios, Please contact Cape Fear Studios for registration, 910.433.2986

Pricing- the Right Equation
Thursday, July 30, 7:00-9:00pm,$25

Pricing your artwork can be very difficult. Erica will teach several pricing strategies and equations to help individual artists make sound and consistent pricing choices. From limited production items to one-of-a-kind works we will discuss which pricing strategies work best! Feel free to bring a piece of your original artwork to be discussed.

Creating a Low Cost Online Presence
Thursday, August 13, 7:00-9:00pm, $25

There are so many amazing options available for online marketing. As an artist you must make yourself available to the consumer. I have some low cost and free strategies for creating an online artist presence that will make you truly accessible to potential customers, collectors, museums and galleries. Come join us as we talk about many exciting online marketing options.
Building and Writing an Artist’s Resume, Artist Statement and Bio
Thursday, August 27, 7:00-9:00pm, $25

Your artist’s resume, artist statement and bio are often the first bits of information that galleries, collectors and potential customers get about you as an artist. These documents should be jam packed with relevant and exciting information about you as an artist and individual. In this 2 hour workshop we will discuss ways to build that artist’s resume as well as right it. We will also work on creating appropriate and relevant artist statements and bios. Your artwork along with these tools can help get you noticed in the competitive world of the visual arts.

Digital Tips for Artists

Thursday, September 10th, 7:00-9:00, $25

As an artist it has become almost impossible to avoid computers and the digital age. More and more organizations are requiring digital images for their submissions and some have turned to online application programs. In this workshop we will discuss the basics of image resizing (several options will be covered), image organization (re-naming files, burning CDs, etc.), file types, image resolution (dpi), and online applications (zapplication and juried art services).

Buyers Market of American Craft Merit Award Winner

2009-06-18T08:37:00.002-04:00

I am delighted to announce that I was selected as a Merit Award winner for the Buyers Market of American Craft, August 2009.

Below is the press release from BMAC:

PRIZE GIVES 8 ARTISTS a BIG BREAK in the WHOLESALE TRADE
Merit Award Helps Young and Emerging Artists Learn the Business
BALTIMORE, Md., June 5, 2009 -- Eight promising artists, including jewelry designer Erica Stankwytch Bailey of Fayetteville, N.C., have won a prize that enables them to introduce their work to the nation’s gift and art retailers this summer.
Ms. Bailey is a contemporary metalsmith whose textured sterling silver jewelry has been shown in museums and at retail shows. She is dedicated to her craftsmanship: “My hands touch every piece that I sell,” she explained in her application for the annual Merit Award given by the Buyers Market of American Craft.
Ms. Bailey’s chance at national exposure will come August 1-3, 2009, when the Buyers Market opens in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center . As one of eight Merit Award winners announced this week, she will show her earrings and necklaces to hundreds of professional buyers from museum gift stores, art and craft galleries, home décor boutiques and jewelry stores. Ms. Bailey can be found in booth #409. The Buyers Market is the nation’s largest wholesale tradeshow of fine craft by U.S. and Canadian artists.
“Our goal is to help emerging artists bring their creations to market successfully,” said Christine Kloostra , director of the Buyers Market, which is produced by The Rosen Group, based in Baltimore. “Many artists have fresh ideas and unique products, but lack the capital to attend shows where they can sell their creations to the nation’s galleries and gift shops. Our Merit Award program helps beginners make their tradeshow debut.”
Winners receive tradeshow exhibit space at a fraction of cost, plus assistance with marketing their designs to handcraft retailers.
The 2009 Merit Award winners of the Buyers Market of American Craft are:
· Curviture, the handcrafted furniture studio of Jason Green, Boone , N.C.
· Delias Thompson, jewelry designer, Atlanta , Ga.
· Dovetail, the printed ceramics studio of Josh and Margaret Smith, Lexington , Ky.
· Erica Stankwytch Bailey, contemporary metalsmith and jewelry designer, Fayetteville , N.C.
· Jon Goldberg, East Falls Glassworks, Philadelphia , Pa.
· Gallery Blue/Michelle Mardis, original paintings, Tarpon Springs , Fla.
· Nora Dougherty, jewelry designer, Santa Cruz , Calif.
· Pamela Lauz Jewellery, jewelry designer, Ontario , Canada

Artsplosure

2009-05-15T09:02:00.003-04:00

Come visit me this weekend at Artsplosure 2009. I will be selling my jewelry on Saturday and Sunday in downtown Raleigh, NC. To get more detailed information visit www.artsplosure.org .

American Craft Council- St. Paul, MN

2009-04-14T08:18:00.002-04:00

Off again- this time to St. Paul ,MN. The American Craft Council is holding their annual event there this weekend. Some of the most amazing fine craft in the country will be displayed.

I have really been working hard in the studio creating new work. I am actually incorporating some color ( mostly yellows)- I had this nagging image in my mind of yellow components combined with my metalsmithing, I fought it for quite some time and just recently I gave in. I am enjoying the new stuff- it goes to show that following those gut inspirations can often pay off. I previewed this new work a couple of weeks ago in Boston and had a positive response. It is so comforting to know that customers and fans are appreciative of new directions.

BMAC

2009-02-22T09:41:00.002-05:00

Whew- that was an interesting experience. I just returned from the Buyer's Market of American Craft in Philadelphia. I saw lots of amazing jewelry, met even more amazing people, but sadly didn't see a decent number of buyers. But, you know, I went expecting low buyer turn-out so I was able to come home with my head up, having learned a TON about the wholesale environment and that my creative peers are some of the most uplifting, supportive, positive people on the planet.

I was on the 1400 row at the show and found myself surrounded by some really talented metalsmiths, over the next several weeks I plan to introduce you to some of them.

I leave early in the morning for my next big journey!

ISGB- Convergence

2009-01-26T08:31:00.004-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with glass bead artist Lisa St. Martin on a collaborative project. Bead and Button magazine along with ISGB (International Society of Glass Bead Makers) are having an Exhibition later the year called Convergence. In our case ISGB put Lisa and I together, she made 15 fantastic beads and I did my best to do them justice within the contests theme of Earth, Wind, Fire and/or Water.

This has been a really interesting challenge for me. Creating this piece with glass beads has been a huge departure from what I typically do.

So I received the beads from Lisa on a Friday, they were inspired by ice. I played with them all weekend trying to figure out what I wanted to do. On Tuesday morning a awoke to a wonderful snow covered landscape (I live in eastern NC, so this is a truly rare sight) and it was beautiful. I instantly found my inspiration. In my typical geeky way I grabbed my macro lense and started taking photographs of snow mounded on leaves, icicles and snowballs. I went into the studio and our Collaborative piece "Snow Day" was born.

New Year

2009-01-08T11:41:00.002-05:00

WHEW! The holidays can sure make life crazy. I have been busy!!! Custom orders, christmas gifts, readying myself for new adventures in 2009- I have big plans: wholesale and retail shows all over the U.S., increased web presence, better marketing, better business practices, more professional blogging (I have been eagerly spreading the word about blogging while not actively doing so myself- as is my teaching mantra at times- Do as I say, not as I do.),getting better and more frequent images of my work. OKay, so yes, I could write a book with my list of professional new year resolutions- I won't even touch on the personal goals. I have this philosophy that you can't succeed if you don't try, SO, I try a lot- not always with success but I keep trying.

I have been spending a ton of time in the studio- creating new work and trying new things- can't wait to debut new stuff at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft in Feb.

Happy New Year- 2009 will be great!!

Acc Charlotte- Huge Success

2008-11-05T15:03:00.003-05:00

I am just getting back into the swing of things since my trip to Charlotte, NC for the ACC show. I went with an optimistic attitude (well, cause that's my style) but in all honesty I was a bit apprehensive. With all the talk of the economy I wasn't sure what to expect and this was my first time attending this show as an artist- wow- lots of variables! Well the show was an absolute success!!! I had great sale volume even though the crowds were a little thin. The buyers were educated and seemed to know what they were looking for. I feel confident that I have picked up some lifetime supporters, WHEW- I needed this!

The show was beautiful, the artists as always were kind and generous folks!

Thanks to all who came out (especially Kim, Sherry and Rachel- who traveled from Fayetteville)

Geting Ready for the Show

2008-10-29T15:17:00.002-04:00

My studio is absolute chaos right now! It got to the point this weekend that I had about a six inch square of clean counter space on which I could work-WOW! I kinda like it when it gets this way- it's like my mind is moving so quickly from design to design that I can't take the time to re-adjust before I move to the next piece. This is a whole lot better than those days where the creative juices are all dried up.

I have really enjoyed working on some of my production work in the last several weeks. Doing production really amps up my technical skills- reminds me to do things the right way- it really bites to ruin 15 pieces just because you thought that really lame shortcut was going to work. I was reading a time management article the other day and it said that we often create more work by trying to take shortcuts- I have done that one too many times- and then spent hours un-doing the "short-cut". Funny thing about that article is that i can't seem to find the time to finish reading is- as is life!

I am heading out to ACC Charlotte in the morning- can't wait!

Producing for shows

2008-10-17T08:35:00.002-04:00

I am in super production mode trying to get ready for ACC Charlotte and Piedmont Craftsmen. I absolutely love this time- working in the studio everyday, creating new work, constantly rethinking my booth (probably not the most productive thing I do), and planning my marketing strategies.

The hardest thing for me is creating my production pieces because I really want to just keep making new work. I have my bench set up so that some of my production earrings are surrounding me and the rule is that I have to work on them beteen each new piece. It is working pretty well so far.

I cannot wait to debut my new work at ACC Charlotte- it is such a great feeling to get new pieces into the public eye.

ACC Shows

2008-09-26T14:50:00.003-04:00

I found out this week that I will be attending the ACC Charlotte retail show in late October 2008 and the ACC Baltimore Wholesale Show in February 2009- WOW!! This is great.

American Craft Council Shows are truly high quality shows and I am so excited to participating in some of their events.

This is just the motivation I needed to amp up my productivity!!! Time in the studio is more valuable than ever!

New Jewelry Fabrication Beginning class at FTCC

2008-09-14T19:42:00.003-04:00

Due to the overflow from the Jewelry Fabrication Beginning Part I class at FTCC last Monday we are creating a new section. The class will begin Wednesday, September 17, 4:00-7:00. If you are interested please come to class the first day to register.

Champleve Workshop

2008-09-14T19:37:00.002-04:00

The Champleve Workshop at the Fayetteville Museum of Art went really well on Saturday. The group was enthusiastic and willing to work hard to get the entire process completed in one day. We did torch-fired champleve enamels, they were beautiful. The line quality that can be achieved using the champleve technique is truly inspiring. I hope to have some photos from the workshop posted soon.

Jewelry fabrication classes at FTCC also stared last week- the classes are full and I am eager to start demonstrating.

2008-08-18T19:10:00.000-04:00

Verbalizing my thoughts

2008-07-29T20:50:00.003-04:00

I had a great conversation with a friend today about the duality of my work. It was one of those fantastically energetic conversations that go all over the map, leaping from one seemingly disconnected topic to another. We talked a lot about my work, where it has been and where it is going. What I love about this type of discussion is that invariably I learn something about myself, at minimum I verbalize something that has been stuck in my brain for sometime but other times I find connections in my work that I was not fully aware of. As an artist I am often making subtle transitions without even really realizing the changes have occurred. Then one day I look back and feel like maybe I have left something behind. But what I realize on days like today during conversations-energetic and open that I have not left anything behind, my work is simply evolving, the concepts are becoming more refined.

Using the hydraulic press

2008-07-29T20:37:00.002-04:00

I have had my hydraulic press for several years and use it regularly. This week for the first time I have been experimenting with the possibilities(you know breaking the rules and really pushing the limits),and having a blast. It is always a good idea to revisit tools and techniques, there is always room to grow and we can sometimes grow stagnant in our use of familiar things. The times that I am being experimental I really grow in my technical skills and often find myself heading in new and really exciting directions. New work doesn't come often enough and images seem to come even more infrequently but I intend to get some images of new stuff here really soon.

Time in my studio

2008-07-25T15:47:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I have so little time to truly dedicate to my work and I find that when I am in the studio I rush and make tons of errors, things I don't normally do. I spent all day Monday cleaning out my studio, making things function more efficiently, and organizing my tools. Wow it is amazing what that does for the creative spirit. I worked all day Tuesday and Thursday feeling motivated, driven and creative- these are the days that I cherish. Having the time to do things right. I spend a whole morning making new dies for my hydraulic press, and enjoyed it, really enjoyed it.

Fresh

2008-07-15T09:34:00.003-04:00

Coming home from vacation is always a mixed feeling- an eagerness to return to familiar things but a sadness for the end of a time void of daily routine. I have come home refreshed and ready to get back into the studio. But first things first - it's time for some purging. I have got to get out there in my studio and really get things worked out, it is a MESS. For me this is the best way to start a new season- fresh, new, void of the burdens of too much stuff. I do have this huge junk of semi truck tire that I just can't bear to part with, too much exciting potential. Wish me luck.

Calm after the storm

2008-07-03T08:53:00.002-04:00

Whew! I have decided I am an adrenaline junkie,of sorts. The Creative Metalsmiths show just went up last week and I am ready for the next big thing. All of the work and stress and lack of sleep is pretty exhilerating, a friend told me once that runners are really addicts seeking that next big rush of endorphins, well I am not a runner but I defintely like the rush of a deadline and the feeling of accomplishment when it all comes together. I must admit that a couple of days of quiet were nice but now I am formulating the next big plan. Hope it's a good one.

Creative Metalsmiths Exhibition

2008-06-28T09:47:00.002-04:00

Gallery shots before the opening.

The opening reception was fantastic, we had huge crowds and overwhelmingly positive response. Thank you to all who participated and shared in this exciting night with us.
Kathy, Dale, Connie, Lee, Nancy, Jennifer, Wendy,Pandy, Kim and Terri- Thank you- you all did an amazing job!

Hanging the show

2008-06-27T08:27:00.002-04:00

The Creative Metalsmiths exhibition went up yesterday, it looks fantastic. The opening is tonight- I am excited, nervous all of the normal pre-show jitters- WOW! I love this life.

Creative Metalsmiths

2008-06-16T08:10:00.002-04:00

Creative Metalsmiths

The Works of Erica Stankwytch Bailey and Students

June 27 -July 23, 2008

Opening Reception- Friday June 27th, 6:00-9:00

Cape Fear Studios

Maxwell Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina

Participating artists:

Erica Stankwytch Bailey, Kathy Moore, Nancy Tiska, Wendy Marsh, KIm Howell, Lee McMillan, Dale Parker, Pandy Autry, Jennifer Grocer, Connie Bennett, Terri Milliken

Pin Swap

2008-06-16T07:48:00.004-04:00

Forge Pin Swap 2008
My Pins

Friday we held the 1st annual FORGE Pin Swap, it was fantastic! Twelve of us spent this last semester creating pins for the event, which was inspired by the SNAG conference pin swap. What was truly fantastic about the group that particiapted was the diversity, some students have been with me for several years while others were taking their first class. The results were exciting.

The great food, amazing friends and opportunity to see what they had all created combined to make a great night. I had a blast!! Thanks Girls.

Magnolia

2008-06-03T20:57:00.003-04:00

I took these photgraphs in my backyard, it is nice to find such beautiful things so close to home.

Amazing things

2008-06-03T09:00:00.004-04:00

Sanddollars, coral and corkscrew shells from my student Cathi- she found them 40 years ago and then shared them with me today. There was a basket full of amazing things.
Anomite?, Ammonite?, fossiled ocean creature- absolutely beautiful- Pandy picked these up at Metalliferous. Fossilized things really blow my mind- just the idea of something being intact for so long.
The coral peanut-New Class Mascot!-thanks Pandy
These are amazing-tumbled ceramic tile from the beach on a small island in Italy- My friend and student Nancy found these as she strolled down the beach- they are beautiful-textural, color and pattern.

Yesterday was like a feast of amazing things for me. I am obsessed with the ocean- what it creates, houses and yields. All of these gifts come from the same place- the sea- look how diverse, simple and beautiful they are.

Share with the people that you know the things that inspire you- it is amazing how much we have to share with each other.

Purge

2008-05-27T17:23:00.001-04:00

It feels so good to get rid of excessive stuff- makes my mind feel a little less cloudy. YEPEE!

Enamel Workshop

2008-05-27T06:40:00.006-04:00

The Enamel Cluster workshop at Fayetteville Museum of Art went really well on Saturday. We had a great group- everyone's pieces turned out beautifully and remarkably unique.The time flew by and before we knew it- it was 5:00. The technique was fun and was a non-traditional approach to enameling, sometimes it is really nice to break the rules.

Thank you to artist-Leslie Pearson for the photographs. And thank you to- Connie, Lee, Nancy, Leslie, Melissa, Kim, Gail, Kathy and Lise- I cannot think of a better way to spend my Saturday.

Texture, Repetition, Asymmetry, Form

2008-05-20T13:37:00.003-04:00

I am constantly defining myself as an artist, trying to get that artist statement just right. It seems like every time I think I've got it nailed down something really remarkable will happen, an epiphany perhaps, or just the realization that nailing myself down, defining what moves me is really hard.

So lately I am obsessed with some new things-birds, flight, decay, the ocean (creatures, the reef, fossilized stuff, the unknown) and bugs (macro-photography)- just to name a few.How does all of this play into me-the artist?

This is how I see it today- Texture, Repetition, Asymmetry and Form are the things that truly move me/ inspire me. And it is through all of these things- a piece of reef, broken shell, decaying rose, etc. that I find moments that for me are profound.

My conceptual work comes from somewhere completely different- I guess I will save that for another day.

2008-05-15T15:41:00.003-04:00

I went back to the rose in my front yard thinking that it would be nice to have some photos of its various stages (full bloom, decay)- and look who I found, this little fellow was less than a centimeter long.

Form and Texture-Seaside

2008-05-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

Our trip to Ocean Isle was fantastic. I spent a tremendous amount of time combing the sand and found some truly amazing things. I will guess that my bag of seaside finds would probably weigh in at about 10 lbs. I found that walking at different times of the day yielded vastly different finds. In the mornings I saw creatures- jellyfish, crabs, and even a shark (about 4' long) but in the late evening I would find fossils and urchins (my favorites). As always the experience has inspired me to get in my studio and make new things. Form and texture have always been my focus and a good trip to the shore just fills my head with possibilities.

The shore

2008-05-02T15:57:00.002-04:00

This sunny Friday afternoon finds me readying myself for a trip to Ocean Isle. I am absolutely beside myself with excitement about this adventure. Time spent with my family and the opportunity to let the tides inspire me. I am always profoundly moved when I take a trip to the shore. On one of my many walks along the coast searching for something new I am inevitably stopped in my tracks- by a piece of reef or broken shell- the texture and form always evoke rapid fire jewelry designs- my mind just goes nuts, and I absolutely love it. I hope to come back with some amazing finds and great memories of real time spent with my family.

Natural Beauty

2008-05-01T13:59:00.004-04:00

A blue bird on the streets of Greenville, South Carolina- so vibrant, each feather like a gem.She/he was a welcome sight in the hustle of the city.

I am constantly inspired by things that I see. The intense color of this rose, the delicacy and it is right in my front yard. I am so grateful for this amazing surprise every spring.

Workshop Preparation

2008-04-29T22:30:00.002-04:00

Creating projects for workshops is always an interesting task. Choosing techniques that will challenge yet are able to be completed in a strictly defined time limit, various experience levels, a design that is ambiguous enough to interest a wide range of people, etc.. I really love it, it challenges me, makes me think differently about metalsmithing. I have to get out of my own design aesthetic as well as work with techniques that may not be present in my own work.

2008-04-20T22:15:00.001-04:00

WOW! What an amazing weekend. Thank you girls. More to come on our trip to Greenville, SC......

off to Greenville, SC

2008-04-18T08:52:00.002-04:00

I am leaving this morning for a weekend trip to Greenville, South Carolina. Artisphere- an outdoor fine art/fine craft festival is going on there this weekend and we (my students and I ) are excited to check out what we hope will be amazing work and to discuss the dynamics of good and bad booth design.. I did my first craft show about three years ago and WOW was that an interesting experience- a lot has changed since then, mostly the fact that I am armed with much more knowledge and I have gone through ,oh, about four booths-atleast. I am eager to talk wth my students about booth design and display, there is so much to be said.

The weekend will be fantastic- days spent with friends, viewing the work of amazing artists and then Saturday night- dinner at the Lazy Goat (Chef Lindsay is ure to wow us!)

Photos of my Jewelry

2008-04-17T08:42:00.002-04:00

I spent yesterday afternoon taking photographs of my work. For years now I have been trying to perfect the art of taking jewelry slides/images, it is hard and by no means have I gotten it right just yet. Traditional layout and lighting is very minimal and when done well it is gorgeous and the work truly comes alive but it is hard to achieve this outcome (well, it has been for me). So, I recently joined Etsy and have been really impressed with many of the photographs- natural light, textural backdrops, props- in the well conceived photographs the work does not get lost at all, a warmth is created, familiarity. So I tried this more laid back approach and I liked it. The photos may still need some work but I really like the textural feel of the photo and the soft, natural light. The process was enjoyable- no aching backs and ridiculously hot light bulbs. New adventures are good- my next will be shots of my work on live models.

Pin Swap

2008-04-16T08:18:00.002-04:00

I have decided to do a pin swap with my higher level students. I teach so many new techniques in my jewelry fabrication courses that I thought it would be fun to do a project that gave the students an opportunity to show off some of their favorite techniques. The premise is simple- if there are 20 artists participating then you make 20 pins and at the end of the semester we will trade. I can not wait to see what they will bring, it will be exciting and diverse.I am sure there will be some amazing surprises.

Alt Craft?

2008-04-04T15:45:00.001-04:00

Is alt-craft defined by what you make are how/where/when you market it?

What a dork

2008-04-04T10:15:00.002-04:00

I am leaving tonight for a short trip to DC (yeah!!) So I find myself being really excited about the possibility of returning to the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum where upon my last visit I spent an embarrassingly long time drooling over the fossilized shells and ocean creatures (oh yeah! i am an uber dork, and proud). The collection was amazing and as always I was really inspired to create jewelry with textures and forms reminiscent of these creatures. I am sure the trip will be fantastic, time with family and good friends can be pretty priceless.

New Website

2008-04-01T21:47:00.001-04:00

I just launched my new website this week -www.ericastankwytchbailey.com - I am really excited, it is long over due!

Teaching Workshops

2008-03-30T10:56:00.000-04:00

I have been teaching metalsmithing and jewelry making workshops and classes for almost seven years. It seems like just yesterday that I was walking into my first class, scared to the bone, wondering if I could possibly impart upon these strangers then passoin that I have for metalsmithing. Those first classes were riddled with overwhelming stage fright complicated by that which can only be called the demo disaster- a phenomenon that occurs when you are demonstrating a technique you have done a thousand times and crazy things go wrong. Well, I have grown, learned to plan, and though the occasional demo disaster still occurs I have now learned to use it as a learning opportunity with a couple of laughs. I love teaching, for me it is an obvious extension of my life as a maker. The solitude I experience in my studio works as a compliment to the intense interactions that occur in the classroom and vice versa. My students keep me on my toes and I cannot thank them enough for that. I taught a workshop yesterday on Torch-fired Enamels, it went really well, we had a blast and the work was truly amazing!

My first

2008-03-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

Wow- this is the first time for me. Blogging has existed as an abstract, undefined concept for me until very recently (I REALLY drag my toes when it comes to new things). While at the SNAG conference in early March I attended a lecture/talk given by Megan Auman, it was fantastic. I was truly inspired by her complete embrace of the opportunities available on the internet as well as her willingness to share her strategies, Thank you Megan. This is all very interesting for me- communicating in this way. On the surface it seemed so impersonal to me but after reading several blogs I realize that it can be intimate and revealing, offering an insight into an artist or friend that one might not normally have. I am excited!