ECU Metals Symposium

soldered steel samples- Kim Cridler

hydraulic press samples- Becky McDonah

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the ECU Metals Symposium and it was so inspiring!  I learned so much from the demos and lectures and can't wait to apply this new knowledge to my work.  Kim Cridler did a demo on soldering steel which is right up my alley, I've already ordered the supplies I need to start.  It will probably be the first technique you see incorporated into our line.  I also attended a hydraulic press demo with Becky McDonah and am still trying to wrap my head around all the possibilities.  I had no idea how versatile it was.  As soon as I have some free time I'm going to sign up for a pass to the metals studio at the NC State Crafts Center so I can use their press.

concrete and powder coated steel samples- Demitra Thomloudis

Demitra Thomloudis showed us how she uses concrete and resin to make her surprisingly lighweight concrete jewelry pieces.  And she showed us how she does powder coating in a toaster oven!  I had no idea such a thing was even possible and I think this technique might definitely work with our aesthetic.  I'll be experimenting as soon as I can as well.  

In addition to the great demos, I saw some amazing exhibitions and went to some great lectures.  Two of my favorites were Chip Thomas who talked about his life as a doctor on the Navaho Nation, his photography and how he became a street artist, and Mary Frisbee Johnson who discussed her journey from mixed media artist to creator of amazing narrative jewelry.

I've been out of the academic world for a while now so it was a good change of pace and mindset.  It was great to come together with so many other metalsmiths and artists for the weekend, see amazing work, and learn new techniques.  I hope I'm able to attend again next year.