New Horizons
Timeless Series
Photo Credit ~ Daniel Krucoff
These earrings represent a real departure for me from my usual work. I wanted to create something unusual, not symmetrical, and very unique. A lot of the design elements you see in these earrings, that do not match, are deliberate on my part.
I started with some square wire, forged it to flatten out and put the flat ends opposite of each other. The bottom of the upper earring has a tube set with a silver circle, while the other one doesn’t. The placement of the stones are at opposite ends of each wire too. Does it feel like one of the childrens’ puzzles where you need to find the things that don’t match? Well, I wasn’t trying to go that far, but I admit I was experimenting and trying to push myself to do something outside of my comfort zone.
The stones are Imperial Japser, and as with so many jaspers, I think they have great vistas. In this pair, I see the horizon in front of me. It’s a new horizon filled with wonderful possibilities.
This was the first pair of earring stones I bought a year ago at the Denver Gem and Mineral Show from Gary B Wilson. When I bought them, his wife Kathy said, she knew these needed to be made into earrings. At the time I had not attempted to make earrings and I must admit I was a bit intimidated at the prospects with these stones. However, as I started working on new pieces for the Garden Show, this design came to me (while riding my bike again) and I knew the unusual design was right for them.
As I prepare for the Jewelry at the Gardens Show, I have had a chance to put my inventory of metalwork together and review some of my past blog posts about them. I find I feel very philosophical about my work. It represents some strong feelings, emotions I have about life, the present, the future, and even the past. It’s those life experiences that makes us the individuals we currently are.
This pair will be available at the show on October 16 – 17th. Hope to see some of you there.
Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.
8 comments
October 7, 2010 at 1:13 am
-Don
I love them! The asymmetry is what makes them work so well. I read your first paragraph and decided I was going to comment before I read any more, because I want my response to be entirely based on the work. I love that the design is basically flipped from one earring to the next, but that the stones are not. Perfect. I can just imagine your internal conflicts as you were taking yourself into new territory. Kudos for going for it – and making it happen.
Now I’ll go read the rest of your post. I know there’ll be some more good nuggets for me to chew on…
-Don
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October 7, 2010 at 5:49 am
Kathleen Krucoff
Hi Don!
I’m so glad you left your comment after reading the first paragraph and it is really good to know your thoughts and insights without being influenced by what I wrote in the rest of this post. Thank you for doing that; it’s a real gift for me to read your impressions.
Hope you did find some other good nuggets to chew on in this post.
And I’m delighted you love these. Thanks so much!
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October 7, 2010 at 6:43 am
hallie farber
These are absolutely wonderful.
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October 7, 2010 at 7:12 am
Kathleen Krucoff
Thanks Hallie! I’m so glad you followed me over to this blog. I enjoy know your thoughts about my work.
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October 7, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Sandy Cahill Johnson
Kathleen, these are beautiful! The asymetry works so well! I’ve tried to design a few asymetrical items but chicken out and revert back to balanced. Congrats for having the courage to follow your inspiration. Your work keeps getting more interesting and beautiful. You are so very talented!
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October 8, 2010 at 7:35 am
Kathleen Krucoff
Hi Sandy!
Thanks so much for your comment and very kind words about me and my work. It is tough to push outside of that comfort zone and I too struggle with keeping the balanced look in my work. It is fun when it does come together and works.
You know I admire your work too! Thanks again! Kathleen
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October 21, 2010 at 7:26 pm
karen
I too love the fact that they’re not the same!! I love pieces like this…unusual, daring. Every time I check back with you…something’s changing and growing. (rapidly). What an inspiration, and a huge congrats on the show you posted about above. So much deserved success!!
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October 21, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Kathleen Krucoff
Hi Karen!
I have missed you.
Thank you so much. You are such a sweet person; I really appreciate your thoughts and well wishes.
Hugs, Kathleen
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