New work is starting to arrive!  Our trip to Philly was a big success – and now you can see the new work in the gallery.  Over the next several weeks, I’ll introduce you to our new artists and their work.

First up is Mackintosh Enamels.  Mackintosh Enamelware is made by fusing vitreous enamels onto copper forms.  Vitreous enamel is glass that is applied in a dry or liquid state and fused onto the copper in a kiln at a base temperature of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Their pieces may be used for serving pastries, cheese and crackers, fruit, hors’ devours, sushi, candy, or salad.  They can also be used as soap dishes, potpourri holders, incense trays or bases for dripless candles.

We have selected pieces in their new line:  it’s brown and turquoise and includes beautiful spring flowers.  Stop in and discover Mackintosh Enamels for yourself!

I recently added some new pieces from Bob Rickard of Rickard Studio (previously Kronos Works).  Bob’s Art2 panels are 12″ square pieces of aluminum that have been sanded, masked, then painted with chemicals to create different patinas, resulting in amazing wall tiles.  Art2 panels come in a variety of colors and designs.

Stop in and discover Bob’s new work!

My brother’s best friend died of cancer two years ago.  In the final days of his fight, he moved into hospice care.  It was the first time his family had dealt with hospice and it was a blessing to them and to him.  Later… after… his mother decided to give back: in his honor, for their kindness, to help others.  She got involved with Friends of Hospice, which benefits the Hospice of the Calumet Area in northwest Indiana.  She and a small group of women create 10-Paper Boxes and small writing journals, with the proceeds directly benefiting the hospice.

10-paper boxes interweave a long history of paper crafting, begun in second century BC China, with the current trend for innovative and quality products.  Every box is handmade and covered with at least 10 papers from all over the world, including Japanese Yuzen, Florentine prints, Indian cotton text., French marble and Lokta from Thailand and Nepal.  The box is then embellished with unusual objects such as onyx, malachite, iron zebra jasper, vintage brass filigree, glass pearls, antique buttons, and lapis.  Each 10-paper box is a unique piece of perfection.  The entire process of making one box takes 10 hours and requires the talents of four artisans who combine their love of paper, texture, color, design, and craftsmanship.

His mother, whom I have known for over 25+ years, contacted me recently and showed me the boxes and journals.  I knew I needed to carry them in my shop.  On their own, they are incredible.  Once you know how the proceeds are used, they become even more special.  Stop in, discover these boxes, and help others!

I’ve added another local Chicago artist to the gallery:  Erin Rossi.  Erin creates ornaments from eggs and recycled products, including broken car glass, transistors, and copper wire.

Stop in and discover Erin’s unique work!

One of the things I love about owning a gallery is meeting artists and talking to them about their craft.  A couple of weeks ago, Ian Duncan stopped in the gallery with his wife to look around.  We got to talking and they told me that Ian is a glass blower who works at Chicago Hot Glass.  I asked to see some of his work – and now I am proud to have his work in the gallery.  Ian is a young up-and-comer.  Stop in and discover his work for yourself!

I’ve added a new artist to the gallery:  Clay House Pots by Amy Elswick.  Amy began working with clay as a student at Berea College in Kentucky in 1987, workingas a production potter.  Since then, Amy has found her niche in creating a production line of functional pieces and one of a kind raku.  Her work is predominately wheel thrown, although the slab roller is a frequently used tool.  Her “tree” candle holders or bud vases are remarkable, especially when multiple sizes are put together to create a “forest”.

Stop in and see Amy’s ”forest”.

I like magnets, I must admit.  I love how they attract and repel – yes, I am a science geek.  But many magnets are plain, boring, dull.  Not so with these new magnets from Chris Massingill, Kazuko Fuller, and Shandi Berls.

Chris makes letter magnets.  Take everything you remember about the plastic letter magnets from when you were a kid and throw it out the window.  These magnets are far removed from those.  These ceramic magnets are elegant, chic, and fun – all at the same time.

Kazuko makes wonderful glass and aluminum flower magnets.  Her magnets make you think of spring – they are bright, colorful, and smile-inducing.

Shandi’s magnets are soothing medallions.  They are strong, powerful, and unusual - and beautiful, a bit sedate, and interesting.

Stop in and discover the power of magnets.

This week, I received new work from Canadian artist Kino Guerin – an exciting addition to our artistic ranks!  I found Kino’s work in Philadelphia – and was taken in by the contrasting feelings of strength and delicateness that his work provokes.  I decided then and there that I had to show his work at New Discoveries.

Here’s Kino’s own words regarding his artistic approach:  “The main characteristic of my artistic approach is the search of equilibrium.  This seems obvious at three levels:  equilibrium between the work of art and the utility object, between the curve and the straight line, and finally in the choice of materials.  Noble woods and precious veneers coexist with industrial materials such as plywood.  The harmonization of contrasting veneers brings a new facet to the notion of equilibrium, which, without being directly inspired by nature, nevertheless emanates from its essence.

“The aesthetic part of my creation, while of great simplicity, is the result of many years of research on both the shape and the technique.  Most of the molding of my creative pieces is done by means of the vacuum press laminated process.  It has already been some 10 years since I started exploring the multiple possibilities of this revolutionary technique.  As each one of my discoveries opens new fields of creation, a never-ending future of revelations is waiting for me.”

Stop in and discover Kino Guerin’s frames and vases.

I just received some very cool porcelain jewelry handmade in Canada by Dotti Potts.  Each medallion necklace is individually hand-formed and then glazed by Sandra Silberman, the owner, artist, and creative force behind Dotti Potts.

Stop in and discover Dotti Potts for yourself!

I just received work from a new artist for the gallery:  Jeff Taylor of JA Taylor Designs.

Jeff creates fun pieces of wall art using birch and aluminum.  He creates brushed aluminum silhouettes and then mounts them to 12″x12″x1″ pieces of stained birch.  We currently have a three panel leaves silhouette hanging in the gallery (see below).  Jeff also creates custom pieces, including taking children’s artwork and creating fun wall pieces using the same technique.

In addition, Jeff creates flower silhouettes of brushed aluminum.  For me, the perfect gift – flowers that do not die!  These flowers can be used to create a great bouquet in a vase or mount them on a bulletin board or wall to bring a little cheer to your office.

Stop by and see Jeff’s work – a welcome addition to the gallery!