Pink Fusion

This is my latest creation. My first enameling class produced the center piece you see here. I really enjoyed the construction of this ring, more so then things of the past. Maybe it is because I am getting closer to discovering my aesthetic... or perhaps my eagerness to wear it! Whatever it was I love it truly and completely.

Returning from a land far far away...

I have recently come to the conclusion that doing this on my own is just not working out. By this I mean my path to a profession in the jewelry world. I need to go back to school. Meet and connect with other artists. Establish networks that can lead me to where I want to be.

Now the journey is to find the right institution for me.

SCAD, MECA, RISD, MASS Art, Tyler School of Art... the list goes on and on.... so which one is right for me? Which one will I not regret going thousands of dollars into debt for?

So much has happened since I last posted anything in here. I have met many interesting talented jewelers on FLICKR that have allowed me to re examine my designs and my style (which I have yet to define). They are all so generous with their knowledge and experience. Its refreshing. I can only hope that I will be able to help them or offer a good solid piece of advice in return one day.

This blog here is what I hope to serve me as a therapeutic outlet for all my artistic frustrations. I do not mean to whine, well, yes I do. But its better to do it in here then on some poor unsuspecting soul I might pass by on that day that I explode.

But I am glad to report that I a finally feel that I am on the right path. I will find that 'place' for me to continue to grow as a person, as an artist, as a jeweler.

And will keep updating my status in here, even if I am the only one with whom I am sharing!

Temporary assignments.

Today I am off yet again to play Interior Designer in Miami Beach. To most this would be a dream come true. Some would even enjoy it. I on the other hand take little joy in taking time out of what I would really like to be doing. For some reason the good ideas only come to me when I am away from my workbench. Then when I am finally in front of it the idea MAGICALLY disappears or even the motivation to get it started. When I am occupied with something other than jewelry design I find my mind wonders back to metals, shapes, and designs. Its such a high for me that if I do not sketch that idea instantly then I lose all connection to it when I have the opportunity to finally make it come to life. Its strange how the mind works.

For example, today I find myself wanting to create patterns and enter it in an online competition on www.textilerepublic.com. Textile design is something I have been playing with ever since my fashion illustrator professor at Miami International University, Mr.Prada introduced me to it. He gave a 2 day tutorial on Photoshop and Illustrator during which he showed us a few techniques and tricks on how to create your own background instantaneously that in his mind could turn into a pattern design. In those two days he captivated me with the simple usage of the tools available in the programs. It was as if I had walked into a parallel universe where I could PLAY God by just a mouse click. Soon after I purchase the two pricey softwares and began exploring. Soon after that I became bored. As I always do after just a few weeks. I picked it up again here and there but found that I had to relearn everything as I went. It was a exhausting and completely like me. I quit almost always before I even begin. But nw since I have all this free time on my hands I have taken to creating vector and bitmap images. 

I keep waiting for that moment when I will discover exactly what I am good at and that captivates me for more then mere hours. Hollywood sells us a world where in just seconds all your dreams come true. The NOW factor. I want it NOW! I have to have it NOW! Any minute NOW! I have yet to encounter it in real life. But I am still naive enough to keep looking for it. 

I feel like Im blabbing but in mind this all makes perfect since. 

I have always wondered if other people feel this indecisive about life? Or is it a phase all go through when transitioning from childhood to adulthood? I have no one to ask because it seems to me that the people around me are exactly where they want to be. And it looks as if they got there exactly how they planned to. Or is that they have come to terms with their journey and destination? 

I was taught to live life with no regrets. Or at least try to. Do what you want in the moment and do what you say. Do not just plan hypothetical trips, DO them! Thats how my mom is. When she puts her mind to something she DOES it! I guess thats why I am that way too. Sure I quit things suddenly but at least I DO them, try them, experience them. 

When I was 13 years old I told my mom I wanted to go to boarding school. I cant remember why, but I remember being so certain that that was what I wanted and that boarding school was my next step. Soon after I announced my decision I found a school in Colorado called Fountain Valley. I applied on my own. I took pictures at CVS for the ID slot in the application, collected recommendation letters, and took the PPSATs. And guess what? I was accepted. I thought I was heading into a world of the equestrian, intellectual elite. I told everyone that I was moving to Colorado! Then reality struck. My mom sat me down and explained to me that attending this school meant I would I have to chose between paying for high school or college. The financial aspect had never occurred to me. Then again how often does a 13 year old think about tuition? 

Thats just one example of how when I get something in my head I do it until I hit a wall. Whether that wall be financial, psychological, or reality I just keep on at it until I cant go any further. 

Anyway I am off now to my temporary assignment as Interior Designer. 

Ta ta. 

 

Earth to world.

Greetings to all. Whoever all might be. Perhaps its only me but either way I need to vent. My name is Anna Helena (thats me to your right). I am ... well I do not know WHAT I am but I do know who I do not want to be. I don't want to be boring, normal, invisible or compliant... 

Enough about me, let's discuss why I'm here. 

I have many issues with the current situation our country is in. Not for political reasons but for reasons that affect me 24 hours a day 7 days a week, personal reasons. I was a student 3 months ago. An art student who just discovered what medium inspired me most (for an artist thats a vital, life changing point: to finally know what your good at or at least know what you want to improve in). Ever since I can remember I have had this anxious knot in the pit of my stomach. Wanting to create but never knowing with what, whether it be with words, photographs, or paint. Now, at least ever since I started university I have realized metal is my VOICE. I had just finally figured it out and then BAM I became a drop out. Not by choice. Financially higher education was just not in the budget anymore. And now I hear daily of the plans to rebuild our education system for future generations. Well what about my generation? Where is our plan? I want to continue my schooling and become someone. I want my knowledge to grow... and like most young Americans I want it NOW! 

I realize I sound like a whining child. But if I don't complain then who will on my behalf? 

My whining is in no way a sign of defeat. I will continue to learn on my own what I need to become an established metal-smith. I will do what is necessary to secure my future. I will not let the WORLD get in my way. 

Thats not the only reason I am HERE. I want to share my art with the world, that is currently in my way. I want to interact with the virtual world via this blog. One thing you must know about about me before I get started is that I tend to become bored easily. Meaning I am only able to commit to anything, anyone, any-website, any-blog, etc for about three months before my attention is turned to something new, something shinny. 

But on a happier note, on my way to self improvement I decided to invest in a home studio (as seen on your left). This is very exciting news to me because now I have no EXCUSE not to create. I am in it for the long run. I am here to stay. 

This was an odd introduction but then again I am an odd person. What fun is it being normal? 

I hope to meet new people and join my old people together here. My aim is to create an atmosphere were we can share our arts, opinions, and hearts. I will be a productive 'drop out' and I will start this path to productiveness here. So WELCOME!