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Last Friday Jackie and I headed up to Palm Beach to visit the Fine Craft Show. Although we both had a camera, neither of us took any photos but we did collect a few postcards from the artists we really wanted to remember. Above are a few of my favorites. We didn't come home with any purchases although it was tempting.
Top right card is from Stephen Rich Nelson. He had a great booth set up where the display furniture's drawers opened up to reveal divided sections each offering a small creation such as glasses, balls, etc. Beautiful work! www.stephenrichnelson.com
Then Beer's Pottery had great humor in his mugs .... one had a whistle built in for when you needed to call for a refill! His wine goblets had a bell in the base and another mug was built like a grenade complete with a metal tab to be pulled out before putting into the microwave so it didn't explode! All this was told with much joy and humor by Beer, the artist and creator of these fun pieces.
...J's note: He was highly personable - and part of his art was his connection to the observer, getting joy out of the humor and surprises shared.
My favorite wood artist was Terry Evans and one of his boxes I was so tempted to bring home. Check out his work at www.terryevanswoodart.com.
...J's note: his was one of those displays that as you turn the corner and it comes into view you gasp and are instantly drawn in to explore.
Jennifer McCurdy throws and alters porcelain to form beautiful graceful forms that she then carves to create her finished work. www.jennifermccurdy.com
...J's note: Yes. Beautiful forms - pierced bowls that nested together as a piece of art as well as separately.
What a treat to see Clay-n-Fiber at the show! I had discovered the work of Marc Jenesel and Karen Pierce some time back when I my brother told me to google my name. I did and then went on to try claynfiber. That's when the team work of Marc and Karen showed up. He creates the raku pots and Karen adds the incredible weaving additions. www.clay-n-fiber.com
...J's note: I'm so surprised Gina didn't go back and choose one to come home!
William Kidd from right here in South Florida had his new work at the show, gorgeous colorful organic forms. I first met William Kid when he gave a workshop many years ago at Broward College in Davie. Then I saw him at a few shows during the short time I was hauling and setting up a tent. He is a very generous potter sharing his skills and knowledge. It was fun to see how his work has evolved .... www.williamkiddceramics.com
...J's note: Yep! Those colors and forms are right up my alley!
Scott Gamble didn't have a postcard to share but he did have some beautiful glass pieces that both Jackie and I would love to have for our homes. You can see some of his work at www.methodglassworks.com
...J's note: we were instantly drawn to the lichen bowls in red and yellow - seen on his website.
There were also many fiber artists with floor mats, rugs and lots of wearables. I'll let Jackie fill you in on the rest, including the baskets, clothes and others I've not mentioned. Thanks Jackie for the fun field trip!
There were many show stoppers at this fine craft show. Here's the link to the website - all the available artist websites are grouped there by category.
http://www.craftsamericashows.com/PALM_artists.htm
Jackie's favorite piece from this show:
(Green vessel 4th from left on her page:)
Cindy Drozda
Incredibly fine wood turning contrasted with bulbous forms. Delicate lacy feel.
"Cleopatra" - Dyed boxelder burl lidded vessel with threaded lid, African blackwood finial and pedestal, 4mm Akoya Pearl in 14k gold
(no pic because her site specifically says not to use her images without permission - and I haven't asked!)
I also enjoyed Debo Groover's mixed media bird paintings - polymer clay and acrylics on board. (no website)
It was pleasurable to see the high quality of presentation in the booths. And amusing to watch the flocks of ladies shopping the clothes/jewelry and accessories. (And we figured out a game plan for future viewings - to make sure we see the whole show from every angle!)
