Sea Glass Art

When I was at the recent sea glass festival, a couple of people stopped by my table and said they were painters (artists) .  After looking at my designs, they complimented them saying I was an artist, unlike some of the more commonly seen designs.

This got me to thinking-- what makes my work artistic?  Well, I walked around the festival and saw some beautful sea glass mosaic wall hangings and picture frames, but few interesting  ( artistic?) jewelry designs.  Most simply drilled a hole and placed a bail or made a simple wire wrap, on many pieces over and over.  So maybe art involves creating something new and different each time.  Even if an artist has a certain style of her own, she should always be creative, not robotic don't you think?

Ironically, the less expensive, less artistic pieces sold a lot faster than my designs. But,  I am not changing the way I create sea glass jewelry.  I know there are people out there who appreciate my art.  Thank you all!

The Joys of Sea Glass and Art

Recently, I was talking with a dear friend who is a terrific sculptor, in many galleries and shows, about creating art.  She understands the joy of creating an object from raw material, into something that is unique and special.  Also, the pleasure of seeing someone want to buy the piece she has created.  But, she also noted that, unlike her, I have been creating sea glass jewelry for only about eight years now, since I retired as a psychologist.  Who would have thought I would have another whole career and passion?  I feel so lucky to have found this gift of designing and creating jewelry with sea glass I have beachcombed around the world!  I am grateful to all my fans and customers and look forward to creating new designs, seeing new places, and finding more genuine sea glass around the world this year!  Already, have plans to go to South America and Africa!!

Why I Create Sea Glass Jewelry and Thanks

I have been creating jewelry with sea glass for about seven years, and I am still enjoying the artistic challenge.  In fact,  when I am away from my studio,  I really miss the creative "high" I get when I discover a new design!  Customers have asked me where do my design ideas come from, and I have to say Everywhere!  Whether it's a friend who loves angels or my daughter's pet dachsund or Alexander Calder's mobile,  I am inspired by it all.  Of course, the actual piece of sea glass adds its own demands and where it was found is very important to me. I am just thinking about this topic since I have been away from my studio and can hardly wait to get back to creating.:)

December's sales have been amazing and thanks to all.  Please keep in mind I can send items after Dec 19 and there will be an extra charge if you want expedited shipping.  Facebook fans always get 15% off if you buy from the Store on facebook and use the code that comes up.  http://www.facebook.com/LuckySeaGlass

Inspiration from spirals

I came across information about spirals on the internet.  The spiral is an ancient symbol that was even used in cave paintings.  I have often used variations of spirals in my designs, not realizing that they can represent growth and change.  Perhaps, the spiral can be a symbol for someone who is taking that first small step toward greatness.  Spirals begin with tiny circles and can expand forever!  Here's one of my  spiral designs --  with glass I found in Mongolia.

What is Art Jewelry?

Lately, I've been reading and thinking about what is artistic jewelry as opposed to the jewelry that is mass produced, machine made in some factory.  Handmade jewelry artists have written that the difference is the passion and the technical skill of the individual artist, and I agree.  The passion to create something unique and beautiful for a special buyer is one of my main motivators.

  But, even more than that might  be the desire to improve my skills, become better with each new design so the design is simple and unique  and well made all at the same time.

The downside of all this, of course, is that often handmade, artistic jewelry costs more than the mass produced kind (although not always).  Sometimes, the popular brand names are pricey for the materials they use and the brand name is what raises the price.  Individual jewelry artists must finance all the equipment,  materials, shipping, etc. so their costs for each item may be higher than for huge numbers of items made in some factory in Asia.

I hope when you considering buying a piece of Lucky Sea Glass Jewelry you will see that it is a special, one of a kind item that is handmade with care and with artistic intent.  Thank you, and I would like to hear your comments!