Woodworth Art

The Singing Bracelet - Draft

This statement piece was conceived a few weeks ago during a process of experimentation that occurred over several days.  It all started when I made a new friend who specializes in what I would call statement pieces.    There is no doubt that she is an artist when you see her – her jewelry lets you know right away.  I love these types of friends.

My new friend came by my studio to see what I’m up to.  We started pulling out bits of pieces of this and that . . . like magpies we set about collecting sparkly things to add to our creations.  Assembling.  Disassembling.  Assembling.  Disassembling.  Some cool things came out of it.  But my new friend had to leave, so we promised to get back together soon to do it again.

I was left to my studio now.  All kinds of little goodies laid out everywhere.  And I left them out.  For several days.  Assembling.  Disassembling.  Assembling.  Disassembling.  Some good material came of it.  Some laughable pieces came out of  it.  There’s even a piece I wouldn’t claim at a fashion backward festival.  Nevertheless, I set the ugly duckling aside and continued.

Ken and I are  involved in a black tie event coming up (more on that later).  A piece of my glass work will be auctioned off and I’d been thinking of a statement piece to wear.  And I think it was in the middle of the night when the idea struck me to combine my glass strips, gilded, with wire.

Draft Bracelet Showing the flexible shape.

When I woke up, it was all I could do to get through an entire day of work.  I could not wait to get to my studio.  I stopped off for some gilding supplies and I immediately began.  It was like weaving glass.

The Singing Bracelet Laying Flat showing how it's made.

After the glass pieces were melted and cooled, I gilded the backs of each strip with the variegated copper I use in my glass vessels.  I sealed them three times because I was concerned about the wire scratching the surface.  I laid my center piece in the middle – it’s about four inches long.  Then one by one, I wove each piece of glass to the next with wire.

The Singing Bracelet, Showing the Clasp when closed.

And this bracelet surprised me.  First, I can’t believe how comfortable it is to wear.  It’s about four inches wide at it’s longest point, so that was completely unexpected.  But second, this bracelet actually sings.  The small wires on the glass create a very faint chime.  You have to stop and listen for it, but it’s almost like putting your ear to a seashell — if you listen, it’s there.  Like wind chimes on a neighbor’s porch.

This bracelet is a draft.  I will eventually finish this in 24K gold leaf and gold-filled wire.  Also, I will use chain on the clasp.   I can’t wait to wear it — it definately makes a statement.  Until then, my new favorite Etsy search term is “statement jewelry.”

"Reproduction," 20 x 29," by Ken Woodworth

Ken’s piece, “Reproduction,” was selected by curator William Wilson from the Tracy Grand Theater for inclusion into a special show.  The theme of the show was carefully chosen by William.  He explained that each piece was selected for its ability to provoke an emotional response.  William did a great job with the show, but I was particularly impressed with the artist’s talk he put together.

William Wilson from Tracy Grand Theater

Each of the participating artists were invited to a symposium where the top of art was discussed.  In a question and answer format, artists discussed arts place in our society, art collectors, the process of making art, and so much more.  This was probably one of the very best art events I have ever had the pleasure of attending.  So often, we guess at what the artist is getting at.  But at this event, we really got to take a look inside the vision of the artist.

Artists giving talk. Ken is second from the right. Jarod Mays sitting next to Ken.

It was wonderful to listen to Ken from an outsider’s point of view.   It was even funner to listen to the comments from the audience, curious about why Ken uses koi in many of his pieces.

I need your help for an art project. I need one or two sentences about “Water” from you. It can be what ever the word “Water” brings to your mind — memories, concerns, places . . . Your impessions will be inscribed onto a sculpture dealing with water. Leave it as a comment or send me an email.