Art Is The Process

July 3, 2014 Stephanie Schultz

Hi all! Now that I am able to work from home, I can create any ol' time. :) I am so grateful to my family and Rebecca Macomber for continually inspiring me on this journey. I have recently made more necklaces and want to continue evolving with my vintage button jewelry. I did another photoshoot with Caleb Foster; macrophotographer (and international man of mystery) who focuses mostly on nature. Luckily he's a good sport and is able to be creative with my jewelry. After the shoot I realized how seeing my pieces through the lens helps to complete my artistic process, before finally having it enjoyed by others. I once Instagramed a photo "the beginnings of a ring" and it made me want to blog about the process of creating. I found some old images and included recent ones from our shoot below. So here's a photo story of my creative process. :)

West Branch Gallery and Sculpture Park

June 16, 2014 Stephanie Schultz

My daughters class took a field trip to West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park in Stowe. (See my earlier blog about Stowe galleries here) How could I say no to this school trip?!? The gallery is an indoor/outdoor space of contemporary art. The staff was very patient having 4-6 year old visitors running around. I found the sculpture park to be a peaceful experience for adults and a world of magic and interaction for children. Here are a few pics from our time there.

Vermont Open Studio Weekend

June 1, 2014 Stephanie Schultz

Last weekend I explored Vermont Craft Council's Spring Open Studio Weekend. This is a statewide, behind the scenes look at some of Vermont's most talented artists in their own space. Artisan's open their studios, which are often times off the beaten path, in their personal homes. This self guided tour allows you to not only explore the beautiful state of Vermont but gives you a unique opportunity to connect with these artists on a more personal level. There are numerous artists involved but I focused on a few close, metal inspired artisan's. I began my adventure at Emile A. Gruppe Gallery to pick up a map plus enjoy the various artists showcased in this gallery. Hope you enjoy the pics and please visit some of the artists I have listed. :)

I'm obsessed with tree sketchings.  (check out my Instagram)  Harald Aksdal had beautiful pieces. — **I'm obsessed with tree sketchings. (check out my Instagram) Harald Aksdal had beautiful pieces.**

My next visit was to Lori Yarrow Designs.  A contemporary jeweler who works with silver, copper, brass and semi-precious stones.  AMAZING!  Her studio space was very inspirational, as was she.   Lori began beading much like I did… — My next visit was to Lori Yarrow Designs. A contemporary jeweler who works with silver, copper, brass and semi-precious stones. AMAZING! Her studio space was very inspirational, as was she. Lori began beading much like I did and now does amazing channel inlays, stone setting, and metal work. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Now THAT is a mandrel!  Lori hammering the beautiful cuff that I purchased. — **Now THAT is a mandrel! Lori hammering the beautiful cuff that I purchased.**

Farrier and Blacksmith Joe O'Leary and his wife Stephanie at Blue Moon Forge Vermont.  How awesome is this???   Joe's studio had sinister medieval looking tools, tons of horseshoes and great trinkets that he created.  I picked up a No… — Farrier and Blacksmith Joe O'Leary and his wife Stephanie at Blue Moon Forge Vermont. How awesome is this??? Joe's studio had sinister medieval looking tools, tons of horseshoes and great trinkets that he created. I picked up a Norwegian Troll Cross to ward off Trolls! ;)