The theme for the jewelry shown in this year's Exhibition in Print is as the title suggests - framing - both obvious and esoteric.
The current edition of Metalsmith magazine contains the annual Exhibition in Print (EiP) . This year the exhibition is curated by Ellen Lupton, curator of contemporary design at Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. The theme of the 2007 EiP is Framing - The Art of Jewelry. Over 40 artists are included in the exhibition.
The theme for the jewelry shown this year is as the title suggests – framing. Shown are pieces with obvious framing in the form of highly visible bezels and open faced lockets. Also shown are pieces of jewelry where the framing is esoteric, assumed or hidden. For example, jewelry made from a mold which is itself a frame. Also, it is the nature of the piece that necklaces frame the neck and bracelets provide a frame for the wrist.
Following with current trends there was quite a selection of charm bracelets and necklaces using all manner of gemstone, organic material and metal as charms.
Two Featured Jewelry Artists
Todd Reed - his forte is the artful combination of raw and cut diamonds. His contribution this year was a spectacular 18K yellow gold ring. The band of the ring is circled with small cubed raw diamonds. The center cluster of the ring is a mixture of cubed raw diamonds and princess cut diamonds.
The princess cut is a fairly new cut of diamond. Basically, it can be described as being a squared cut of a brilliant round cut. So, in essence, it is a square appearing diamond with flash.
Reed's trademark heavy, rough appearing karated gold bezels are used in this ring – presenting the viewer with an obvious framing effect.
Another impressive selection was the Kristine Bolhuis hinged jewelry. Her jewelry is constructed in a manner that allows the wearer to change the shape of the jewelry. There are three examples shown: earrings, a brooch and a bracelet.
Selected pieces of jewelry featured in this year's EiP will be on exhibit from January 19 to May 11, 2008 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Portland, Oregon.
This magazine is provided to all members of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG). However, the magazine also sold at many bookstores. If you can not find this edition of Metalsmith magazine (the edition cover is the image on this page) at your local Barnes and Noble or Borders bookstore, check the SNAG website for instructions on how to order a copy for the newstand price of $7.50 plus shipping.
There are 50 beautifully photographed pages of jewelry with text delving into the artist's motivation, making this a fantastic addition to any jewelry lover's collection. While a magazine, the level of photography and text rival that of a coffee table book.
