a world of thoughts

| July 15, 2009

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Last year, while discussing my final project for the intro to jewelry class, one of the teachers told me to check out Dutch jewelry artist Lucy Sarneel. I was fascinated by the way she combines metals and other materials in a very fragmented way. It was as if each section told a different story. Each had a beginning and an end, and the transitions were clean and distinct.

The more I learn about Dutch artists and design, the more I feel like it fits my aesthetics. There seems to be a tradition of mixing uncommon techniques and materials that give each piece a handmade (searching for the word)… familiar sort of quality?

To me a jewel represents a place in the world in which one can loose oneself like in the sparkling of a diamond or the carefull observation of little plants or moss.

The alienation that results from the competition between ‘the natural’ and the ‘artificial’ is an aspect I try to give form to in my jewels.

Allthough a jewel is a small object it can be a world of thoughts.

I prefer buffets over seated dinners

| June 30, 2009

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photo by Jen Gotch. amazing photographer.

So, after today, I am going to take a break looking at all the wedding porn (didn’t make the word up, but it is so perfect). It’s a year away. Yep, I realized it’s not that far away, but I think I need to focus on our end goal: that everyone has a good time and knows how much we appreciate them celebrating with us! My dad is very eager in the planning stages, and for a while I started obsessing over all the details. Do I really need to worry about linen folds and table number cards? I want things to be pretty and different, but that can be achieved without following the costly traditional route, right?

Anyways, I still plan on DIY-ing as much as I can. One, it’ll make the process a lot more enjoyable and meaningful. Two, I’ll still feel in control of some things. However, there are a couple of things that are out of our control, such as venues and dinner set-up. I prefer buffets over seated dinners because you have to interact with more people and you can eat seconds if you choose! But when I suggested that, it was like (scoff) We can’t ask Vietnamese people to wait in line for food! I know some people are going to talk no matter what, but this is one battle I will not fight ’cause I won’t win. Heck, if I had it my way, I would throw a huge party by the beach. Bonfires, s’mores, twinkling lights . . .  should have waited for someone else to be the first to marry :)

Haven’t checked with B yet, but here are a few things I think I’m going to nix: professional photographer, videographer, traditional engagement shots, groom’s cake, bouquet and garter toss, veil & ring boy.

Instead of having a photographer, I’m hoping to get some of my photo friends to take a few shots for us with different film formats. So far I plan on using polaroids, black and white 35mm, and a holga. During my wedding web borrowing mania, I came across A Desert Fete, and I fell in love with their images. Definitely a look I want to go for.

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Gorgeous photos by Michelle Pullman. check her out

This is not going to turn into a wedding blog. We’ll save it for another website muahaha. Some things I look forward to when the wedding bells do ring: Seeing all my family from all over the world, hanging out with our Notre Dame and RISD friends, the rehearsal  dinner, & before and after activities. Oh, and marrying B! duh.

oh happy day

| April 29, 2009

I’m a such lucky gal! Look what my awesome sister brought back for me from Paris.

scout_holiday_colette… the flag necklace by scout-holiday  I was pining for. 

Also, in July, BJ & I will be heading to Chicago for the Pitchfork Music Festival. I’m lured by the prospect of free ice cream and Chipotle. And most importantly, it’ll be nice to reconnect with old friends. I feel so removed from everyone since we’ve moved back down here, and I’ll treasure any time with them! Other things to look forward to: Wow Bao, the MCA, a meal in the Planetarium, Le Colonial, Lego Store, shopping, no cars, etc. We’re already making a list!

I do not reproduce events

| April 23, 2009

This week, we’re starting an introduction into jewelry with my beginning classes. I’m hoping for no injuries! While putting together my presentations, I remembered these two artists who greatly influenced my love for jewelry. Although I only have one class under my belt, I’m dying to make something!

08napMelanie Bilenker

Nap. Brooch. 2008. Gold, ebony, resin, pigment, hair

“The Victorians kept lockets of hair and miniature portraits painted with ground hair and pigment to secure the memory of a lost love. In much the same way, I secure my memories through photographic images rendered in lines of my own hair, the physical remnants. I do not reproduce events, but quiet minutes, the mundane, the domestic, the ordinary moments.”

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Iris Bodemer

A beautiful and initmate alternative to the tape and bandages we wrap on the rings we inherit or acquire.

My Bodemer inspired necklace made with beads and trinkets I’ve collected from different significant events and places (cousin’s wedding, Chicago, Providence, favorite outfits, etc.

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New York. Spring

| April 13, 2009

Long over due. Here are some of my favorites from Thuy’s camera. Enjoy.

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Central Park

hannah_clarkHannah-Clark. East Village. 

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The shop is small and cozy with jewlery and other trinkets in every nook and cranny. I loved all the different vintage displays. It looked like a page right out of Anthropologie! When we got there, she was working in her studio tucked in the back of the store. I ended up buying a pair of lion studs, which I had a few good wears out of until I lost one of the earrings. :( I think I was fidgeting too much at work, and it got loose and escaped. 

pining

| April 5, 2009

scout-holiday

Colette’s current collaboration is with The Selby, and a few of the homeowners (super-talented people in their own rights) featured on the website were asked to create pieces that would be sold. I love love love the flag necklace by Cheri Messerli of Scout Holiday.

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Her home is the perfect combination of cozy and creative, and I love that she designs, illustrates, & styles for a living. It gives me some hope that it is possible to find a way to do everything you are passionate about. Luckily, Trang is going to Paris this month and since she is such a wonderful sister :) , maybe I can convince her to stop by Colette to pick me up some goodies if they aren’t sold out by then.

I’ve been sketching out ideas for a series of flag paintings for about a year now. This necklace was the perfect reminder to keep on going.