Spring.
I think it’s finally here.
I was just laying out in the grass in the sunshine after spending most of the day in my studio and I had a realization. Everyone is in a flap about the price of metals right now — with good reason, prices are off the chain! Today silver is priced at $45.86/oz. When I bought my first sheet of sterling silver in 2004, it was priced at $7/oz.
It’s a real pain in the neck.
But this idea dawned on me: the current price of silver will be responsible for a new movement in the metalsmithing realm, worldwide — everybody is scrambling to find new materials to work with, affordable materials. I realized that this could be the start of something amazing! In a while, some of us will be categorized in the art history textbooks as artists who were part of a new movement in the realm of metal! During this decade they might say artists exhibited a sudden return to working with non-precious metals…I think it’s somewhat exciting…
This is the start of a movement.
So much innovation stems from necessity.
This is a time for metalsmiths to dig deep, come up with sustainable options, in terms of materials and it’s a time to be even more creative about what we’re making and what we’re using to make it!!! I know what I like to create. I like to make BIG pieces of sculptural jewelry crafted from sterling silver. If metal prices continue to soar, there might come a time when I can’t afford to create with silver on such a large scale, which begs the question, what can I work with, in terms of materials, that I can afford to purchase and you can afford to claim?
It’s a big question
and I for one am delighting in the effort it’s taking to
find my answers!
I have new tools coming, new techniques for the learning, new materials for plying…the future is looking bright!
_______________________________________________
It’s spring!
It’s Friday!
Good Friday!
This is a season thick with grace.
Have a beautiful weekend, little cheepers.
xx
Refreshing perspective, dear Plume!
My favorite local designer is considering refining people's gold and possibly sterling as a way of helping the process and the environment. I'm all about it. Jill Platner, a designer based in NYC, does the same.
Can't wait to see into what new directions these constraints may move you … I always think boundaries are a great way of blowing out creative impulses. A wall provides a necessary boundary against which we may push ourselves.
You are so beautiful! I love your positivity in these uncertain times. Let's hope it's contagious!
Indeed, this could be a new movement written into the art history books when we are old women. And from that perspective, it is much more exciting to think of what is to come, rather than focusing on our climbing prices of silver.
Happy Easter weekend to you and RJ.
You are like a breath of fresh air, Jillian…it is SO nice to hear someone putting a positive spin in the increasing cost of silver!
It's a great opportunity for growth…for both metalsmiths as individuals, and the art of metalsmithing as a whole. Anything that pushes us to step outside our comfort zone, to explore new directions and dimensions…it's a good thing, right? I think so 🙂
I hope the Easter bunny was good to you this year! 🙂
B.
-xo-
i shall always purchase noisy plume jewels. the thought of wearing different metals is an exciting thought, especially if enamel'd and colourful.
i want to thank you for taking the sensible and poetic approach to the problem.
and….
amen: a season thick with grace.
xx
Jillian, I love your attitude! Much better than having a panic attack every time the Kitco window loads 🙂
Good Friday to you!
I
Anyone know what song that is at the end of the Plume's video?
http://vimeo.com/21510032
Now that's what I'm talkin about!
Stunning photos and work, per-usual.
Happy weekend ventures,
-Lu
I say that we should sit back, relax and enjoy the ride because life is short and everyone knows that we should eat dessert first – right?? Time to go to bed me thinks, Hugs to you and RW and may the easter bunny leave you golden eggs:O) Hugs, Sal
Yep, I've been saying this for quite some time, too. If we want to stay in business we HAVE to think in new directions and be open minded about non precious metals, fabric, wood and what not.
I believe we'll see a lot of new exciting designs (heck, they're already starting to show) and from my own perspective I'm definately trying my wings on new stuff. And it is sooo refreshing.
Nice to read such a positive view of a big problem (for you). And yes it's time to be creative!!! And that's a good thing!
Such a fresh perspective!
I've been feeling anxious about the rising prices too, but have been thinking about new designs in other materials….and looking forward to what may come 🙂
Thank you for spreading your lovely light. xx
Mari: Why thank you! "I always think boundaries are a great way of blowing out creative impulses." Ain't that the truth. You're a wise lady!
xx
Cath: Let's hope! Thanks for being here today, sister. xx
Kelley: Happy Easter to you as well, sweet lady! And I agree, look forward into the brightness of the possibilities!!!
Belinda: Thank you sweets. I can't help it. I'm kind of an eternal optimist. I totally agree with you, stepping outside of comfort zones is nearly always a healthy thing. HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AS WELL! x
Fox: Oh sister. Your support continues to astound. Thank you for seeing my soul. And….amen….to your amen…..xx
Jaune: !!! Yup! Enough of the panic attacks!!! xx
Daniel: Hey! I'll find out from John for you!
Lu: Thanks girl. Sending so much love! xx
Sal: The only eggs I want are BLUE eggs from Debbie Gibson!!!! Send positive thoughts her way! 🙂 xx
Anna-Kerin: I totally agree with you! Those wings of yours are wide, ride the drafts. xx
GNIST: I think it's a good thing too. I know that plenty of folks doubt the sincerity of my words when I say that I believe this to be an exciting time….but that's the truth I hold in my heart. These ARE exciting times. These are innovative times. And innovation is ALWAYS a good thing! xx
srichmond: Thank you! And thank you for being here! xx
i can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve and how you embrace this not as a limitation but as an avenue of creativity. you are such a bundle of joy and optimism!
i hope the easter bunny visits you with bounty.
xoxo.
Amen sister! Muchas gracias for nudging me to give some positive thought to this situation…I had yet to find a "silver lining"!
Lindsay: 🙂 xx And as for the bunny….I hope he brings me a bunny. An angora bunny.
Sierra: Dig deep girl!!! Dig deep!!! xx
I was happy to find this postl!!!
I'm still in shock over the mounting prices.
Yipeeeeeeee to pushing boundaries and comfort zones. Love that. Yeehaw Plume!
As long as it isn't too dangerous
( that's rabbit talk). Sniff, sniff, wiggle, wiggle.
Limitations are fodder for inventiveness.
I do love alternative materials.
That said… my love for silver is nestled way, way deep in my heart.
I'll never stop wearing it.
And you can mistakenly sit on it, drop it, your dog can drool over it or you can spill your morning cup of coffee on it and it always survives!
haha.
kisses
ok…just realized I left a comment with my brother's account..I was on his computer and I didnt noticed till now…so, please delete previous comment and re-post this..sorry 🙂
I agree with everything said..
I have also been trying to find new materials to work with.
At first I too was really frustrated with silver's prices.. But this was the 1st step to be more creative..As much as I love silver, there other materials as well…
So, yes..this is a change..a good one for sure.anything that makes you get better, anything that opens your mind in new ideas is good..
M: "my love for silver is nestled way, way deep in my heart."
I agree. There's nothing in the world like silver. It's my absolute favorite!
Silver: Don't get frustrated!!! Just rise above it!!! xx
When it's all said and done, silver is a PRECIOUS metal….and it's still a heck of a lot cheaper than gold!!!