Uncategorized

Technology Saves the Day – Tool Kits from Danaca Design

Dear Friends,

It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was 26 when I finally started college in earnest. The first paper I wrote in college was drafted on paper, with pencil. I didn’t have a typewriter so I had to go to the Technology Resource Lab to create the final copy. I had a choice between using an electric typewriter or a computer. I remember thinking, “How cool, an electric typewriter!!” Two years later when I got to the UW, using email was required. None-the-less, I never once sent an email during the three years I was there. I only ever “replied”. Hahaha!  If you want to hear a good story, ask me sometime about my first laptop… Anyhow, these stories are to help you understand my relationship to modern technology. If I can avoid it, I generally will. That being said, THANK GOODNESS for technology during Covid19!!!

At Danaca Design Studio I’ve prided myself on creating top-notch learning opportunities by providing a well-equipped space and excellent instruction. At this time I’m not able to share my studio with you however I can share my knowledge. Last week I made my first technical video about wire working. I’m sure there are thousands of videos on this subject but I had to start with something simple. It was TERRIBLE!! I decided to toss that idea out and instead stick with what I do best; teach students interactively. Yet teaching zoom jewelry making is a little different than zoom yoga, it’s quite a bit more complicated, especially for beginners. But I AM figuring out the technology!!!!!!!

The next barrier is tools. If you want to learn jewelry making while you shelter in place, you’re going to have to invest in tools. Therefore I’ve put together five kits to get you started. These kits are designed to be purchased in order. Essentially you’ll need what’s in Kit #1 to really use Kit #2 effectively. I’m currently designing streaming classes geared specifically to making jewelry with what’s in these kits, which is so much! To be clear, you do not to buy these kits to participate, BUT you will need what’s in the kits if you want to. Also, you do not need to buy tools you already own, we can custom build you a kit from what’s available, just email us dana@danacadesign.com

It’s so important to me that my virtual classes are a valuable experience for you. I’ll send a quick email once the classes are live. In the meantime please take a look at our kits AND the informative videos I put together about them!

I’m looking forward to seeing you in the zoom realm.

Stay safe, calm and clean!

Dana

 

Classes, Specialty Workshops

Jeanie Pratt – Designs in Woven Metal

 

Visiting instructor Jeanie Pratt will be teaching a woven metal class in September, we’re really looking forward to it. Great opportunity to incorporate something new into your work!

Designs in Woven Metal
Jeanie Pratt
September 20-22, 2019
Friday – Sunday, 10:00 – 5:00
$490

Find more info or register here: https://wp.danacadesign.com/classes/designs-in-woven-metal/

 

 

Jeanie Pratt – Artist’s Statement

I delight in the magical surrealism of reality in nature. My designs are informed by studies of entomology, and life sciences, as well as experiences while living in the tropics and the desert. I savor researching and revisiting the realm of anomalous plants and animals. With this comes the humble reminder that we are just one species in a multitude of interdependent creatures. We are defined as human beings by our need to create personal adornment and art. I feel a connection to a continuum of artisans as I pursue the possibilities that emerge from within me.

As a fiber artist now working with metal; I find that after 30 plus years, I am still striving to turn straw into gold. The textile patterns and textures fixed into the metal evoke memories of the traditional textiles and basketry encountered while living abroad. Translating fiber techniques into silver, gold and copper continues to fascinate me. With a weaver’s eye for color, I explore the processes of applying patinas and enamels, as well as incorporating gemstones and beads into my work.

In the solitude of my studio, I lose myself in time through detailed labor-intensive and historical processes. As I meld my lifelong interests, I endeavor to create exquisite and timeless pieces of jewelry and sculpture. This counterbalances the often irresolvable challenges encountered in my daily life. With passion and joy, I continue to push my own limits as well as the limits of the techniques and materials.

Mixed Media

Make Your Mark!

Necklace, Jan Smith

Image and Mark Making in Enamel with Jan Smith

August 17-19 at Danaca Design

“I love the diversity and seductive qualities of the enamel and enjoy sharing an understanding of the material with students. I begin with a simple sketch, using the enamel as a printmaking or drawing medium, I work rather intuitively allowing the work to evolve. There is an element of assemblage or evolution in my process and composition, and I am excited about the imperfections in the surfaces.” -Jan Smith

Pendant, Jan Smith

With her decades of experience as a printmaker and jewelry designer, Jan Smith has a remarkable amount of expertise creating various compositions in enamel with a wide range of techniques. Her illustrative approach is translated into botanical and natural forms as well as more abstract and modern designs that rely on linear detail, diverse layers of color, and fine execution.

Necklace, Jan Smith

Over three days in August, Smith will lead students through a broad range of techniques to develop exciting surfaces. With sgraffito, students can create multiple layers of contrasting color by scratching or drawing designs in a top layer of enamel allowing the color beneath to show through after the piece has been fired. Through multiple layers of opaque or translucent glazes, different effects and levels of depth in the piece can be achieved. Underglaze pencils and watercolor techniques allow for more intensive detail and line-work, as well as intriguing color-play evoking greater subtlety and depth in the designs. Over-glazing in translucent or clear finishes can achieve unifying effects and protect the piece. Ultimately this workshop will open a whole new world of detail and depth to every students enamel work.

Work by Jan Smith

In Image and Mark Making in Enamel, Jan Smith takes the time to explain how each method can work with the others to build distinctive pieces. Students create prototypes of each technique, getting a feel for each method’s possibilities, and then create a series of pieces that can be incorporated into their jewelry. Armed with new knowledge, tools, and enamels, practitioners will have an entirely new narrative with which to compose pieces and images to “make their mark”.

We can’t wait!