laurie trok / jewelry

so, part of the goal of my "good stuff" tab was to feature different artists / people who are doing things that are worth mentioning. i've been somewhat lazy about this part of my blog, but finally, here's my first post.

this is the jewelry laurie has been making lately. she's been working pretty hard getting enough pairs of earrings and necklaces together for the handmade arcade in a few weeks. i think that the jewelry is a perfect mixture of whimsical and classic. the pieces remind me of the artwork of paul klee. she draws inspiration from alexander calder's jewerly and mobiles. this jewelry is all made out of old glasses and sunglasses lenses. they create really interesting reflections, shadows and distortions. plus, some of the lenses that are used are transitions so they change color throughout the day (unless you live in pittsburgh where the sun never shines). if you're interested in checking out her jewelry and other art, visit her here.

watercolors

this is my first finished watercolor painting. i love it. i started it on my birthday - a cold rainy day that laurie and i spent painting and i finished it the night of my birthday party when all of my friends were in my living room drinking under warm light and quiet laughter.

i want to just keep learning. there's so much more to discover by adding color to water and watching it move on paper. soak and dry and drip and stop and start again. i want to use lighter colors next time. and avoid a lot of the dripping (not soaking, though) and lines by using a sponge to soak up before drips happen, and by moving the paper around more - not just leaving it hanging on the wall.

it feels really good to try. and be kind to yourself in your creative process. it feels good to just do it for yourself.

watercolors

made these for valentine's day. sent them out as postcards.

i like painting with watercolors because it's less about me and more about the material. the paint, literally, has a life of its own because water moves and makes its own decisions. i'm just the helper. or the guide. and the water and color do what they want to do.