Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Len Baer

Well, folks, this is the final Artisan Spotlight for Fall into Fine Craft 2015 and it’s only fitting that it shines on this year’s show chairman, woodturner Len Baer.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

I have always enjoyed working with wood as a hobbyist. Several years ago I saw someone at an arts festival making wooden boxes on a lathe. I started to research lathes and bought one shortly after that. I find working with wood very relaxing, and it is amazing how something so beautiful can be extracted from a large piece of wood. Learning about all the different types of wood – which ones cut the smoothest and which ones offer the most character – is another fascinating part of turning bowls.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

If I had to choose a different medium to work in it would probably be photo art. My roommate for 2 years, when I was stationed in Ethiopia, was the base photographer. I learned some photo tricks from him that are fun to work with. We used black and white prints and some color slides of nature shots over there.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

What I’m looking forward to at Fall Into Fine Craft, is having a really successful show. As this year’s show chair, I am especially proud of the increase in the number and variety of artisans and work we will be offering to the members of our community.

Find out more about Len at https://www.facebook.com/Baers-Woodturnings-362426857196390/.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

 

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Joan Rhodes

Today, in our penultimate Artisan Spotlight post,  we feature chapter member Joan Rhodes. Joan deserves center stage for her fine and unique metal clay jewelry, her dedication to Fall into Fine Craft, as a multi-year exhibitor, and for serving a number of terms as our chapter secretary – and for being a really lovely person, too.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it? 

I needed to repair a favorite necklace when went to the craft shop to find parts for the repair, I saw all of the beautiful glass and gemstone beads. I continue to find new materials such as metal, metal clay and tools to enhance my designs.

 

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

In the future, I plan to paint and do sculpture. I have drawings that I would like to create in oil. The metal clay medium now offers clay specifically for sculpting.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I enjoy seeing all of the Guilds members and their extraordinary work and talking the people who come to the show because they love hand created art. The venue is great!

One of the many things that makes the venue great is superb artisans and fine folks like Joan. You’ll enjoy meeting her and buying a piece (or several) of her lovely work at Fall into Fine Craft – in just three more days!

Follow Joan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Joans-Jewelry-Box-241186802606850/ and visit her website http://www.joansjewelrybox.com/

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Debra Tritt Kreiger

Today, we welcome new Yellow Breeches Chapter member Debra Tritt Kreiger to the Artisan Spotlight. Debra is an award winning fine artist; a signature member of PA Watercolor Society; and a member of the  Mechanicsburg Art Center, York Art Association, Perry County Council of the Arts, Harrisburg Art Association, and the Carlisle Arts Learning Center. She is also a member of The Daily Painters of Pennsylvania and The Susquehanna Valley Plein Air Painters. We’re thrilled she’s joined our Chapter and Fall into Fine Craft!

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

I liked the bright fresh colors and the feel of the brush over the watercolor paper. I had worked in oils and acrylics, but just enjoyed the watercolor process. When you paint with watercolors you are forced to see the light before you start putting any paint on the paper. I use that as a positive with every painting.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

I would probably try a form of printmaking. I like working with paper and I love to experiment with different textures, techniques and shapes.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I look forward to displaying and selling my artwork alongside many other creative and talented artisans. This is a great opportunity for people to purchase one of a kind gifts for the holidays. A wonderful time for collectors to see and purchase directly from the artist.

Have a look at more of Debra’s work at http://debkreiger.com/. It’s lovely on screen, but even lovelier, in person.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

 

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Nancy Crochet

We’re delighted to feature member Nancy Crochet in today’s Artisan Spotlight. Nancy has exhibited in every Fall into Fine Craft! She has also served a number of terms as our chapter secretary, served as the secretary of prior Fall into Fine Craft committees, and is deeply involved with Foundry Day, the one-day outdoor show that our chapter co-sponsors with the Boiling Springs Civic Association, the first Saturday in June. Whew! We’re not sure how she finds time to create, but we’re sure glad she does!

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

My medium is sewing. I have sewn for most of my life. I always liked the creative process involved. I especially like the details in couture sewing from the handwork to the fine fitting and tailoring.  This year I decided to explore an area of sewing that I had avoided in the past, quilting. I made a quilt for my granddaughter and then one for my great nephew. I liked the process of making the quilts so I am now making crib sized quilts that can also be wall-hangings or lap quilts. My quilts are colorful and fun.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

I would like to learn how to paint with watercolor.  There are so many different styles of watercolor that I think it could be fun to try.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I will have a whole new inventory of quilts and dresses for sale this year. I am looking forward to the response from the customers.

You can find more about Nancy and see her other lines at http://www.blueandgoldembroidery.com/.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Judith McKellar

Here’s a new-to-Fall into Fine Craft artisan whose medium is also new to us. We hope the Artisan Spotlight catches your eye and intrigues you, as we introduce Judith McKellar, a fine artisan who does pargework – the creation of relief sculptures, like those of the ancient Romans, rediscovered in the Renaissance.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

Even as a child learning about art I had always been interested in sculpture. One of my early hero’s was Michelangelo. The more I studied the Renaissance, the more I came to appreciate the relief sculpture of the period. Halfway between flat and round, relief can allow one to incorporate a background as well as the main subject.

While I love the Renaissance I also have a soft spot for Medieval decorative art. I think of my art as bringing together my own personal interests and fusing them with Medieval/Classical traditions creating a unique blend. My work can be considered both a craft and an art.

Since I control all aspects of my process, I do not have to depend on others to bring my work to completion.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

There are so many fascinating art forms, I have tried quite a few and others, such as fresco and mosaics I just haven’t had the opportunity to experience. My choice of an alternative art form would be oil painting. It is something I have a lot of practice in doing. It provides a nice change from the physicality of sculpture and satisfies a need for color and provides a complete change of pace.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I enjoy informing people about relief; a media not overly represented in shows. Usually, people are surprised when I tell them, yes, I made all these works from the drawing on up, as most people are not familiar with the processes involved.

We can’t wait to see more, Judith!  We know everyone who attends Fall into Fine Craft will find beautiful and unique work – and see some things they’ve not seen before. We’ll see you there!

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Glen Klein

Today, we introduce guest artisan Glen Klein. Glen combines photography, graphic design, and a unique way of seeing his world to create his compelling works. You’re going to love seeing these and meeting Glen at Fall into Fine Craft.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

I have been interested in Photography since high school when our art teacher introduced us to black and white photography. We had our own darkroom in the school. I majored in commercial art in college and have been in business for 30 years working as a graphic artist. I’ve combined the two art forms to create my own unique pieces.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

If I could change the media of art I do, I would actually choose a career in music as a piano player. Some of my earliest memories include an old piano we had at our farm house. I was only around 5 years old at the time. I remember trying to pick out songs by ear and trying to figure out the notes on sheet music. Unfortunately, my parents never noticed my interest in the piano and I never pursued it further. To this day I still ache when I hear great piano music, longing for the ability to create my own.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I look forward to being a part of Fall Into Fine Craft as it gives me the opportunity to share my work with a whole new audience. Also meeting fellow artists and seeing their work will add to the experience.

While you wait for Fall into Fine Craft, you can read more about Glen at http://glenklein.com/.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Lana Heckendorn

It is our pleasure to shine the Artisan Spotlight on member Master Artisan* Lana Heckendorn. Lana’s work is defined by elegant lines, ethereal colors, and everyday usefulness. Her command of her medium is undeniable and her style is unmistakable.

.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

I work in porcelain, and love the material itself. Fragile but strong, translucent where thin, and compatible with my decorating style, porcelain is the perfect material for me to produce functional 3D objects, and allows me to combine form with surface in an integrated way.

Porcelain is challenging, requiring much pampering in the forming stages, and, while a lot can go right with a piece, it’s clear when something is past salvation and it’s time to let go of it. For me, so much about making good work is noticing when something isn’t quite there. Some of my best work has been invested in pieces that were later abandoned, which is all part of the equation.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

In art school, I tried everything time allowed, and might go back to my major, printmaking, which shares both a need for process and an integral beauty with ceramics.

If I had any musical talent at all (and I assure you, I do not) I might try jazz bass, just to feel the dimensional beat, and to have a physical experience of music.

 

 

 

 

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

It’s always so great to see the work of other artists, to see what’s new in the past year. I value being part of a creative community, and catching up with folks’ progress is a big part of that. In building a local event, this is an opportunity to check in with the progress we’re making as a fine craft community in the region.

To stay in touch with Lana, before and after Fall into Fine Craft, follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lana-Heckendorn-Ceramics-207921006051767/timeline/ and visit her website at http://lanaheckendorn.com/home.html

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

*Master Artisan is a status awarded by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen to artisans whose work is judged exceptional by these three key benchmarks: Excellence in Craftsmanship, Resolved Design, and Unique Voice.

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Crystal Hunt

There is no better artisan to spotlight the beauty of our community than today’s member-artisan, Crystal Hunt. Crystal’s images of local scenes, buildings, and other landmarks are truly family portraits of our area. We’re delighted to have her return to Fall into Fine Craft again, this year.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

I was first drawn to photography when I was in the Army. The scenery in California was stunning, and I wanted to capture it all on film. The more I was away from home, however, the more I became homesick. When I finally returned here to live, I wanted to make my home look as magical as the places to which I had travelled. This area has its own charm and scenery, and I want to capture it at its best.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

Woodworking. I have always been interested in crafting things out of wood. I have dabbled some in making furniture. It’s is very soothing.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

Meeting people and talking about my hometown area. I love it when people share the same passion for this area as I do.

See more about Crystal and her work at http://crystalhuntphotography.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CrystalHuntPhotography.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Carol Heisler

Chapter member and Master Artisan* Carol Heisler brings her own spotlight to Fall into Fine Craft with her exuberant personality and “not your grandmother’s” quilts.

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

After college, I did some home decorating sewing – lots of draperies. A woman with whom I worked suggested quilting as a complementary line, so I tried it and fell in love with the creative possibilities. What’s kept me working at it? Well, before I even knew how to quilt, I bought a long-arm sewing machine – that kind of capital investment will motivate a girl! I really just love everything about making my quilts, from purchasing fabric, selecting the perfect combinations from my stash, pressing those precise pieced seams, and dancing with my long-arm.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

My college degree is not in fiber; it’s in ceramics, so I got that “other medium” thing out of my system, early on. I do love my kitchen and I am an accomplished baker, so, if I had to choose another medium . . . . hmmmm . .. is batter a medium?

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I am a professional artist; I do fine craft shows almost every weekend from March through November, so there’s a lot I like about doing shows! It’s always fun to see my fellow show-pros and to reconnect with collectors of my work. The most fun about shows is seeing the look on the face of a new customer who has just fallen in love with something I’ve made. It’s happened every Fall into Fine Craft I’ve done, and I’m hoping to continue the streak.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/paula154/fall-into-fine-craft-2015-yellow-breeches-guild-of/

*Master Artisan is a status awarded by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen to artisans whose work is judged exceptional by these three key benchmarks: Excellence in Craftsmanship, Resolved Design, and Unique Voice.

Fall into Fine Craft Artisan Spotlight – Richelle Leigh Walk

Fine jeweler and chapter member Richelle Leigh Walk is center stage in this edition of Artisan Spotlight. This will be Richelle’s first time exhibiting at Fall into Fine Craft and we are delighted!

What about your medium drew you to it initially and what’s kept you working at it?

I was lucky enough to have a five year working apprenticeship under a goldsmith, gemologist and jewelry store owner. I started working under him while in high school. I was hooked on the first day wanting to learn more and soaking up as much as I could. At first I was drawn to just working with my hands and satisfied with having created a finished piece of jewelry. As my metalsmithing skills improved I started working with gemstones and learning more about them through GIA.

I love gemstones! A lot. From the first year of jewelry making and still today. I use gemstones as a focus in my work by designing around them and using different color combinations. I have been making jewelry since 1997 and it still hasn’t gotten old for me. There is always something new to learn, different things to try at the bench and ways to change things up in business.

If you had to choose a medium, other than your current one, what would you like to try and why?

I have dabbled in polymer clay and lamp worked glass for fun. Because I also love color.

What are you most looking forward to at FIFC?

I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of work from my chapter. It has always been fun to exhibit with this group and learn about all of their different fine craft mediums.  I’m sure each artist will capture their unique personality inside their booth space with displays and their beautiful creations. I’m excited to set up my own space and show what I’ve been creating.

We’re looking forward to seeing you, Richelle, and all the rest of our fine chapter members and juried guest artisans, at Fall into Fine Craft!  To pique your interest, even more, follow Richelle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Richelle-Leigh-Collection-129706323731945/timeline/ and peruse her website http://www.rlcollection.com/.

Follow Fall into Fine Craft on Facebook, too, at https://www.facebook.com/FallintoFineCraft2015?fref=ts.