March 2nd, 2010 by jgrimes

• Featured craftsman, Stephen Walker is a metalsmith designer out of New York.  Walker’s pieces are individually designed and hand crafted by him .  What makes his work truly unique is his vast collection of different, yet traditional, Celtic designer rings.

Here is one of my favorite pieces of his.  What I love about it is how piece, is how it embodies the strong Celtic tradition, with influential romantic flare.   He uses diamonds and Tsavorite gems to enhance the raised metalwork.

You can clearly see the quality of his work, and the extra effort he puts forth, in these richly detailed pieces of jewelry.  He embraces its natural ability, to represent all those of Irish decent.  Stephan Walker can custom design this piece, and others like it, to specially fit your individual needs and desires.

Another one of Stephen Walker’s strong looks, is his portrayal of the Celtic Knot, commonly found on his unique Kilt Pin Collection.

Not only that, but I have also enjoyed his version of Scottish symbolism, found on many of his interesting bracelet designs.  Stephen currently owns and operates a couple Celtic jewelry stores in New York, with his wife Susan.  If you are a lover of anything Celtic or Irish, I highly recommend you order his free catalog or visit his website.

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February 20th, 2010 by jgrimes

Beth Cavener Stitcher

“There are primitive animal instincts lurking in our own depths, waiting for the chance to slide past a conscious moment. The sculptures I create focus on human psychology, stripped of context and rationalization, and articulated through animal and human forms. On the surface, these figures are simply feral and domestic individuals suspended in a moment of tension. Beneath the surface they embody the impacts of aggression, territorial desires, isolation, and pack mentality.

Both human and animal interactions show patterns of intricate, subliminal gestures that betray intent and motivation. The things we leave unsaid are far more important than the words we speak out-loud to one another. I have learned to read meaning in the subtler signs; a look, the way one holds one’s hands, the tightening of muscles in the shoulders, the incline of the head, the rhythm of a walk, and the slightest unconscious gestures. I rely on animal body language in my work as a metaphor for these underlying patterns, transforming the animal subjects into human psychological portraits.

I want to pry at those uncomfortable, awkward edges between animal and human. The figures are feral and uneasy, expressing frustration for the human tendency towards cruelty and lack of understanding. Entangled in their own internal and external struggles, the figures are engaged with the subjects of fear, apathy, violence and powerlessness.

Something conscious and knowing is captured in their gestures and expressions. An invitation and a rebuke.” —Beth Cavener Stitcher

From time to time, I like to feature a favorite artist of mine.  This artist is a virtual unknown artist, in my neck of the woods, but, it’s my goal to change all that.  Therefore, I’m hoping this article will help do just that, and get people looking at her and her amazing talent.  I simply love her.

What you see today, is just a tiny glimpse, at Beth’s exquisite collection of bronze and ceramic sculptures.  Her talent exceeds her own beauty, as a designer and master craftsman. What drives me wild, about her particular pieces, is the human emotional embodiment, that literally exhumes from each one of her individual pieces.

Beth and her husband Matt, currently live in Washington State.  She enjoys traveling aboard, and inspiring young, talented, art students to expand their abilities.  I highly recommend exploring her pieces further, and you can do this by simply clicking on www.followtherabbit.com. You won’t regret it!

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