#robsartchallenge

Day 14 of #robsartchallenge #gettoknowme is #imasellout! Because I make a lot of one of a kind work, I only have a few designs that I make multiples of, but of all of them these bubble earrings are definitely the most popular! I guess I should make myself a pair one of these days!? 😅 ... #sterlingsilver #bubblehoops #bubbles #mostpopulardesign #jewelryaddict #etsysellersofinstagram #favourites #studearrings #hoopearrings #everydayjewelry #showmeyourearrings #sundayfunday #weekendvibes #minimalism #ladysmith #silversmith #madebyhand https://www.instagram.com/p/BnzH-nIH9n_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pg74x9caqq9l

Day 13 of #robsartchallenge #gettoknowme is #read (or if not what you’re reading, then something #red instead.) Well, here’s something green instead. I always have a few books on the go, but I’ve been taking my time savouring this one. If you love stones, jewellery and history, or are very interested in marketing and the power of persuasion, you will love Stoned by Aja Raden @ajaraden. Also, that emerald on the cover... 😳😱😍 #holyshit ... #artisanjewelry #stoned #bookreview #whatimreading #emerald #ajaraden #history #jewelleryhistory #gemstones #currentread #ladysmith #emeraldcut #gemlore #gemhistory #intrigue #luxury #exploitation #bookworm https://www.instagram.com/p/BnzGKOyHtdE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1808e0vflup70

I’m still chasing the #robsartchallenge #gettoknowme dragon - day 12’s (😂) theme was #experimental, so I dug through my photos for a few shots of some experimental builds that I was trying using sterling wire and garnet beads. Because I’m largely self-taught as a silversmith, I’ve learned a lot by accidentally fucking stuff up, or deliberately fucking stuff up so that I can learn the limitations of the materials that I use. Garnets can bear heat from a direct torch a little better than most stones, so these photos document a few tries at balling up headpins with stones in place, using various heat-sinks like Kool Jool gel and wet paper towel to mitigate the explosive factor. I made a few tries with mystery stones from my stash (with the limited success that one would expect...) ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ... #silversmith #experiments #garnets #peridot #ladysmith #sterlingsilver #benchshot #breakthingstomakethings #artisanjewelry #jewelryaddict #learningprocess #sundayfunday #killitwithfire #kooljool #heatsink #soldering #practice #fail https://www.instagram.com/p/BnzEr1dn7uK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=is0an1klyb2

Day 12!! Of @robcroxford #robsartchallenge #day12. Experiments! #experimental A couple of years ago i began exploring #decay and #transformation within painting. I painted, on metal panels, objects that I grew up with. I then treated the panels with chemicals to begin the decaying process. As the decomposition effects the substructure and paint by way of pure chance, the resulting unpredictable decay can be directly interpreted as the destruction of memories from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some of the paintings are then transformed with the addition of resin, which arrests the decaying process and preserving the memory. #alzheimers #alzheimersawareness #noblankbrains #robsartchallenge #gettoknowme #memories #metal #artistsoninstagram #rust #muralsbymarg (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnsX4g3nKqD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16linewymo63g

Yup, still late with these. Super late. Moving on... day 10 of #robsartchallenge #gettoknowme is #materialgirl, aka, my favourite creative materials. I started out as a painter, became a printmaker, and am now a silversmith (although painting and printmaking are still very important creative outlets for me!) Creating with silver and stones is the perfect blend of infuriatingly challenging and beautiful flow that keeps me super inspired! ⚒💎 ... #silver #silversmith #ladysmith #makersgonnamake #stones #rockhound #rockcollector #favourite #art #material #materialgirl #artisanjewelry #artjewellery #handmade #ooak https://www.instagram.com/p/BnpbJ1yHPza/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ka9zrd9upd5e

Still catching up!! Day 9 was #lessonslearned! Wow there have been so many #lessonslearnedinlife but it seems these are the only two that stick for me. #robsartchallenge #day9 #goodcheapfast #neverallthree #gettoknowme #gettoknowmechallenge #iwillneverlearn #iwillnevergiveup (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkW2Lmndif/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9bpthc3jjwa1

So tonight i play catchup!! The #robsartchallenge is challenging alright! Day eight was #studioforreals ! Now i work mostly on site so i have included some of my on site “studios” from the summer. Also my studio at home with preparatory assistant Lenny! And of course the perfect cup for libation at anytime of day! #dayeight #gettoknowme #robsartchallenge #paintingforreal #insitustudio #yellowbox #yesitisgin #notalwayscoffee #stanleytools (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnkVtvdHKat/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q6aqlap0evkf

A fun evening with friends last night meant that Day 9 of #robsartchallenge #gettoknowme is getting posted this morning! Day 9 is #lessonlearned, and I didn’t have to think too hard on an example for this one. The lesson I’ve learned this year is the value of finding my niche. I applied to 8 Toronto-area craft shows early in the year, spending lots of time (and a little money) to create solid applications. And I wasn’t accepted to any of them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I was pretty disappointed (especially after seeing the kinds of “craft” on display at one of them - imported items made by slave labour are a.) terrible for so many reasons, and b.) not actually handmade by the “artisan” representing them! 🤬) but I can honestly say that all the rejections this year helped me focus more on the story I want my work to tell, the type of customer that I design for, and the types of (legitimate, artistic) shows I actually want to do going forward. Lesson learned! ✅ ... #ladysmith #artshow #applicationprocess #stateofcraft #handmade #forreal #craftshows #torontoarea #artisanjewelry #learningmoments #lifelessons #mondaymotivation https://www.instagram.com/p/BnjMsSuHyJL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uz4sysj2pq59