Butterflies

Well, it's Bat Mitzvah time for me again.  This time it's my daughter Tamara, who is an extraordinary artist.  She is very talented, but I am most impressed by her lack of restraint.  She always is coming up with a new and different way of looking at things.  I have to admit that I wish I had a bit more of this quality.  She does not always follow the "rules"which makes her work magical. 

Tamara designed original artwork for her invitations, and is now helping to create the centerpieces which will be used at the Luncheon following the Bat Mitzvah service.  We have decided to use butterflies to symbolize the metamorphosis that has occurred this past year as Tamara studies for and becomes at Bat Mitzvah.  Tamara created the colorful butterfly wings using window paint and copper wire.  I will fashion then into butterflies and then make then "fly" on branches (some of which come from our own garden).

 

2011 pmc annual

I got news this weekend that two of my mezuzahs will be in the the 2011 PMC Annual book!  I am so honored to be a part of this collection of artists.  The mezuzahs featured are some of my favorites.  The Zentangle Mezuzah. which features a doodle texture I created with symbols of Israel and Judaism, and the Brwnstone Mezuzah, which is part of the permenant collection of the Mizel Museum of Jewish Art in Denver.

my mezuzuah is part of a museum collection

I am honored to have my brownstone mezuzah selected by the Mizel Museum in Denver to be a part of their permanent collection.  The mezuzah is fine silver and is inspired by brownstone homes that I used to walk by in Boston and New York. It features a bay window and a street lamp.  I am honored to be a part of this wonderful Jewish Museum.  The mezuzah will be displayed as it was meant to, on a doorway. 

To read more about please check out the museum's newsletter, The Mizel Tov, and click on the link for the museum newsletter (It is the Spring 2011 edition).

new mezuzah

My latest mezuzah case takes the form of a house.  The original texture of the walls of the home I created myself.  It is a wallpaper like pattern of flowers reminiscent of the arts an craft movement in the late 1800's.  I also included a raised scroll design.  There are three arched windows, one of which is open so one can see the scroll that would be put inside the mezuzah.  A dormer juts from the left wall of the structure and a chimney is on the roof.  But the most spectacular part of the mezuzah case is the door, which I made tiny silver hinges when opened reveals in Hebrew, the word,"Shema". 

As usual, piece is one of a kind, fine silver.

the price of silver :(

I just checked the price of silver and it is hovering just below $40 an ounce.  The cost of silver has sky rocketed in the last year, with no sign of slowing down.  The predictions on just how high it will go are frightening!  I regrettably, have had to adjust my prices accordingly.  I love to work in silver and would like to continue to do so.  I hope that my customers will understand the what I have to do in order to be able to function in this market.   Silver clay or PMC, is nearly twice as expensive as sterling silver.  But the wonderful detail and technique I am able to achieve with this medium is definitely worth the price.  Some metal clay artist are switching to copper or bronze clays.  So far I have been disappointed in my results in this medium.  But I will continue to explore the possibilities.

 I hope that you will drop by my shop and check out what things I have been working on.  I just completed a couple of new yads and I now can personalize your yad in both English and Hebrew!

What does it mean to be an artist?-the artist statement

I have been struggling the last few years to first of all be able to confidently call myself an artist, and then to define what exactly that means.  It is something that many creative people go through.  I have been successful and able to feel comfortable calling myself an artist.  Partly because it is what I am passionite about and also because I have had some degree of success. 

Being successful commercially can be tricky.  I spent a lot of time this year making jewelry this year that was pretty, fashionable and relevent.  But I have to say it was not an artistic experience.  I mean it did not satisfy my need to create from the heart or to express myself.  I find that when I make a piece of Judaica, for example a mezuzah, I am much more engaged in the process.  I am happier with the results, and people are much more affected by my work.  So I have desided to concentrate on working on art pieces and judaica ritual objects.

I have just completed writing my artist statement, which I am sure, will be revised as time passes.  Special thanks to my dear friend Andew Raftery, who encouraged me and helped me through this process. Let me know what you think:

Artist Statement


Judaica is the vehicle that brings together my creative energies and my personal values. Tapping into the history and traditions of Judaism gives my work tremendous significance. Artistic relevance emerges from the link between my creative vision and my understanding these traditions. I respect the laws of the Jewish faith and create art which can be used as ritual object or symbol of faith.


My design process begins with sketching, working out major design decisions and dilemmas with pen and paper. The medium of silver clay informs the next steps. Silver metal clay starts off soft and pliable. Its unique qualities allow manipulation throughout the construction of the piece. The consistency of the clay changes as it dries which gives me the opportunities for building, texturizing, shaping and carving. After the clay is fired and becomes solid silver, the surface can be worked by chasings, polishing and patinas.


I am influenced by art, architecture, and even pop culture. My collection of Mezuzahs based on classic architecture are not rigid copies. Through the use of custom textures I transform these building into fluid objects of art, free zones for the viewer's imagination. Many of the original textures I create are inspired by calligraphy, illuminations, art nouveau and Moorish and Islamic art, and the arts and crafts movement of the late 1800s. I make a piece that is relevant in our time but also brings these ancients values to the present.

hinges

I finally conquered the hinge, thanks in part from the wonderful advice and encouragement of my colleague of the emc team.  The result is this pseudo locket which has a hidden star of David inside.  I mainly followed the instructions on how to make hinges from Hadar Jacobson's book, The Handbook of Metal Clay,textures and forms.  The book doesn't go into super detail so you just have to go for it and work things out as you go.  The hardest part for me was lining up the hinges with the "pin" after everything was fired, but I finally was successful and I was very happy with the result. Check it out in my etsy shop.  I can't wait to make more hinges pieces and as looking forward to incorporating hinges into my mezuzah designs!

Now I wonder, what is the next challenge?

I am featured on Crafthaus!

Check out tis wonderful website dedicated to connecting artists all over the world.
http://crafthaus.ning.com/

new work- stars

This week has been very busy for my mom.  She's sculpted, put together, fired, oxidized, and polished seven new star necklaces.  I really like these stars in particular because my mom used some new textures she made, so they're very unique.  My favorite new star necklace is the one that uses the texture with the vines, scrolls, and pomegranates.  From far away, it just looks like pretty swirls and lines, but close up, you can see the detail very well.  I also like the star with the double layer and the star.  It's simpler, but it also has the Hebrew letters in the background, which adds a really elegant design. 

You can find many of the new necklaces on her Etsy Page.

Love,

Abby Miller

festival of jewish life

I have been asked to be a part of a presentation and discussion on Jewish art with three other local artists.  This is all part of The St. Louis Rabbinical Association's Festival of Jewish Life which takes place January 29-February 3rd.  There are lots of very interesting and impressive lectures, demonstrations,  films and workshops at the event.  Tickets are $20 for the whole series which gets you into most events, or $5 for individual events.

I'll be speaking Monday January 31 at 7pm along with Ilene Berman, Jeane Vogel and Helen Schwartz.  I'm sure we will all have a unique perspective on the art scene and how Judaism affects our work.  If you are interested in tickets or more information please go to festival website.

tamara's yad

My daughter's bat mitzvah is coming up in September and she has been studying and preparing for it.  I decide to create a very special personalized yad for her and give it to her now so that she could use it during her practice sessions.  She was so excited with the gift.  The yad has her name wrapped around it and also the date of her upcoming Bat Mitzvah.  I designed this yad with her personality in mind, with a whimsical top and a butterfly, which is a theme throughout her invitations and decorations for the lunch after the service. 

Personalized yads are always available in my etsy shop.  You can discuss exactly what you would want to include on this very special gift.

mezuzuah project-2010

My completed year of Mezuzot for 2010......

2011 promises to be even better.

mezuzuah project-december

Well, It's been a year and I have completed my goal of creating at least 12 new mezuzot this year. 

This final mezuzah is a conglomeration of many of the techniques and ideas that have influenced my work this year.  First of all, I have stayed true to my love of antiquity with a nod to Yemenite filigree and my love for the Art Nouveau styles.  The texture design is all my own made from a original polymer texture plate I created from a graffiti like drawing, or Zentangle, of modern and ancient Jewish symbols.  This combination of traditional and contemporary styles is just what I always strive for in my artwork.  It is a fitting end to a year of discovery.

custom work

I just completed these two custom mezuzot for a customer.  It seems that my building mezuzahs do not last long in my collection or my Etsy shop, so it's best to order one made especially for you.  It takes me about 2-3 weeks to complete the mezuzah, but you can select the style roof and wall finish that you want as well as any other personal touches you might like.  I think these can out really nice.

Do you want to learn to create with silver metal clay?

Well, now is your chance.  I am offering up a two part course in the basics of silver metal clay with me at my basement studio.  During the first day (about 2 hours or so) you will be introduced to this exciting medium.  I will teach you basic skills that will allow you to create unique charms.  You will learn how to roll out and texture clay, make a mold and make a 3 dimension piece.  Then I will fire the pieces and the next day we will learn to polish, patina and finish the charms and then add them to a necklace with gemstone accents.  The class is $165 person and includes a 28 gram pack of fine silver clay, a sterling silver ball chain necklace and the use of silver wire and many of the gemstones in my studio.  I will provide you the use of all my tools at the studio and of course let you know where you can get everything you will need should you decide to continue to create with metal clay on your own.  Classes are only for adults and are limited to only 2 students at a time. If you are interested, please email me and I can schedule at your convenience.

mezuzuah project-november

I'm a little late again, but I think it's worth the wait.  My latest mezuzah is inspired by brown stone buildings in the cities I've lived like Boston and New York.  Hope you like it.

This time I'm getting the mezuzah professionaly photographed so it won't be in my Etsy shop for a bit.  If your interested email me and let me know.

free shipping at my etsy shop

Now until December 19th, I am offering free shipping in the United States to all items purchased from my etsy shop. http://www.rachelsthings.com/

Don't forget the holidays are upon us!

a blog article about me!

Please check out this article about me from Corine from Goodness Recycled.
http://www.goodnessrecycled.blogspot.com/

very special gift

Every time I wear my charm bracelet made with charms created by my fellow Etsy Metal Clay artists, from all over the world people notice.  It is truly an exceptional piece.  Now, you too can own one.  We had a charm swap and each made enough charms for a bracelet from each and two extra charms to make two additional bracelets to auction of and raise money for charity.  The first of these bracelets is being actioned right now on EBay to benefit Autism Speaks,  If you want a very special bracelet for yourself or a gift please bid for a chance to own this very special piece

.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320612944730&_rdc=1

ARTstravaganza

The Best of Missouri Hands show is finally just around the corner, next weekend Novemeber 5, 6, and 7 to be exact.  The show promises to be very high quality and exciting.  All the srtists showing this weekend are juried members of the Best of Missouri Hands.
The show is at the Crestwood ArtSpace this year, which is a new venue for the show and has plenty of free parking.  The easiest way to get to ArtSpace is to take Linbergh south to Watson Road.  Go east on Watson and the mall will be on your left.  For those of you that remember it's the old Crestwood Plaza which has been turned into a creative space with art studios and theaters.  It's pretty cool, so check it out.
The show hours are as follows:
Friday, Nov 5th 4pm-10pm
Saturday, Nov 6th 10am-6pm
Sunday, Nov 7th 11am-4pm

Please come by and visit!!!!