Our Trip to The Buyers Market of American Craft/Rosen Show

by Nancy Noel May

Our annual trip to Philadelphia and the Rosen Show is always greatly anticipated by Star and myself. We know we are going to be excited and inspired by the national artists showing there. The Rosen Show is well thought out and is easier to navigate than ordinary craft shows. All venues of artists are displayed by medium, i.e. glass artists are together, jewelers, clay, etc. This makes our job easier, by allowing us to focus on one medium at a time, determining who we already carry and those we want to add to our roster.

We take into consideration how well an artist's work sold the previous year, how easy they were to work with (could we reorder or special order a small amount?), and also their pricing. All of these factors play a part in our decision. We also listen to our customers; what colors, shapes and sizes are they wanting for their homes.

I love to walk down the isles, eyes moving left and right, waiting for that special piece to reach out and grab me. It never fails to happen, there is always at least one, and more likely more than that, special piece that I just can't wait to arrive here at Spectrum so we can show it off to everyone. I think our skills at reading what our clients want and have a fabulous reaction to have helped make Spectrum Art & Jewelry the spectacular place to shop. Whether you come in to fill your need to be around beautiful things or you need to find that incredible gift, come see us and all of the beautiful things we picked out for you.

Photos from Tucson Gem Show Trip

Nancy & Designer, Barbara Westwood. We are her exclusive North Carolina representatives. Scroll down to see some of her jewelry.


Loose Gems at the Gem & Jewelry Exchange. This is one booth out of hundreds. We purchased some gorgeous faceted quartz drops for earrings and pendants. The quartz had tourmaline crystals inside and some had golden rutiles. Very pretty!



This guy is using a laser to fix the clasp on my necklace. There were all kinds of facinating tools in this booth. The amazing thing about the laser was that it welded my clasp, but if he shot his finger, it did no damage!

Selection of Barbara Westwood's fabulous jewelry. This collection will be in the gallery by mid-March. You must come and see. These gems are cut by some of the finest gem artists in the world. The materials are quite exotic and everything is accented with diamonds.

This Indian woman made such a pretty photo, I couldn't resist. Unfortunately you can't see the lucious jewels in her display. Such bright colors, they looked like candy!

Gem Hunt - Journey to the Tucson Gem Show

Gem Hunt
By Star Sosa

Every winter, for the past 15 years or so, I’ve made the journey to the Mecca of the gem world, the Tucson Gem Show. Nancy has joined me for the past four or five trips and it is now our yearly ritual to go out west and see the latest and greatest in gems, beads, pearls, parts, tools, jewelry, you name it, if it pertains to jewelry, it’s here.

The name of the show is a bit misleading. This is not a singular event, but a convergence of multiple promoters, venues and shows. There are actually forty separate shows going on over approximately two weeks. People converge from all over the world on this desert town to buy, sell, learn and interact. In addition to the recognized venues, the Interstate 10 corridor is usually lined with tents and a flea market atmosphere reigns.

You can find lots of fascinating things here in addition to gems and jewelry. Many shows specialize in exotic mineral specimens or collectible native artifacts from Africa, India, Tibet, South American and the American Southwest. The metaphysical crowd is here with jewelry made from meteorite borne gems, exotic crystals, quartz “singing” bowls, prayer flags and Buddha sculptures. The crowd varies from men in business suits to guys in full-fringed buckskins and women in saris. It’s really a bit of a circus.

Nancy and I typically take in only about five of the shows and that’s still quite a project. I took some photos to indicate the scope and the volume of product available. This year our purchases included more finished jewelry than ever before. In the past, we have concentrated on finding great pearls and beads and parts. When I first visited Tucson with my ex-husband, a gem cutter, we were looking primarily for rough, uncut gems and minerals for him to carve and sculpt. Each focus requires visiting a different part of the show and dealing with different people. Over time, you learn the best places to go and develop relationships with the right people.

You’ll also find tools and equipment and software and anything you can think of to set up or supply a jewelry studio or run a jewelry store. I managed to get one vendor to fix my necklace for me using a state of the art laser welder. In the past, we would have fixed the clasp with some epoxy, but the laser weld is a bit more permanent. The tool vendors usually have guest jewelers and vendors in the booth to show you how the tools work and provide the background of a bit of personal experience with the products.

The new CAD or computer aided design systems are really something to watch. It’s like Greek to me! But a skilled tech can enter the information into the computer to render an incredible 3-D image of the proposed jewelry design. Then a milling machine will actually take that information can carve the original wax prototype. There’s even a machine that works by spraying minute amounts of wax, like an ink-jet printer, gradually building up a 3-D prototype of the jewelry.

While at the show you also can further your education, getting certified in many levels of the industry. The AGTA, American Gem Trade Association, hosts a wide variety of classes and seminars and the GIA, Gemological Institute of America offers classes toward your Graduate Gemologist degree.

As you can see, there’s an amazing variety of interaction going on. What a great place to network, brainstorm, fantasize, and just hang out with beautiful things and interesting people. At dinner Saturday night I was joined by jewelry designers, a gemstone carver, a magazine publisher, a wax jewelry model maker, and several gold smiths. It’s an incredible mishmash of artists, miners, brokers, dealers, designers, manufacturers, and more. I can’t wait to go back.

Now, the next trip is to journey to Philadelphia to visit the Buyer’s Market of American Craft. There Nancy and I will place our orders for the year for original art glass, fine craft and fine jewelry. All handmade by North American Artists. This is a gorgeous show and stay tuned for my next installment with detail about that adventure.

February's Birthstone is Amethyst

According to Wikipdia, amethyst is a purple variety of quartz often used as an ornament. The name comes from the Greek a ("not") and methustos ("to intoxicate"), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness; the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. Stop in to Sectrum Art & Jewelry today! We have many different amethyst pieces for you to enjoy!

The History of Valentine's Day

By Nicole Wilkinson
While searching the internet, I have come to find that there are many different legends about the history of Valentine's Day. There is one in particular that I like the most and thought that I would share. According to the legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Another legend tells us that according to church tradition St. Valentine was a priest near Rome in about the year 270 A.D. At that time the Roman Emperor Claudius-II who had issued an edict forbidding marriage. Lack of quality administrators led to frequent civil strife. Learning declined, taxation increased, and trade slumped to a low, precarious level. And the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks and Mongolians from Northern Europe and Asian increased their pressure on the empire's boundaries. The empire was grown too large to be shielded from external aggression and internal chaos with existing forces. Thus more of capable men were required to be recruited as soldiers and officers. When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. So to assure quality soldiers, he banned marriage.

Valentine, a bishop , seeing the trauma of young lovers, met them in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. Claudius learned of this "friend of lovers," and had him arrested. The emperor, impressed with the young priest's dignity and conviction, attempted to convert him to the roman gods, to save him from certain execution. Valentine refused to recognize Roman Gods and even attempted to convert the emperor, knowing the consequences fully.On February 24, 270, Valentine was executed.

No matter which legend you prefer, there is one thing that is certain...tomorrow is Valentine's Day, so make sure you stop in today for your Valentine's special gift!

Artist Interview with Sarah James

By Nicole Wilkinson
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing glass jewelry artist, Sarah James. As a local artist, Sarah has traveled all over the United States taking classes from world renowned torch glass sculpture artists known as lamp workers. She has taken classes from Lea Fairbanks in California, classes in Asheville, NC and from Lauren Stump, "King of Torch work Sculptures". Sarah has attended 8-10 classes where she has learned different techniques from large scale torch work artists. She then comes home and hones the technique into her own, applying what she learned to bead making and turning each bead into a miniature sculpture.

Sarah spends her days taking care of her family and working with her husband's building business. Her family is her number one priority and after dinner, she often gets to spend time in her studio working on new pieces. Even though she is running her children to sports practice and back and forth from school, she finds time to spend 20-30 hours a week in her studio.

For fifteen years, Sarah has been creating glass beads. Before that, she was a stained glass artist that naturally progressed to slump glass and then learned what she could do with a torch. After a fusing workshop using a flame, she was hooked. I asked her what inspires her and she said the ocean. The water, the fluid motion, much like hot molten glass, makes me understand her medium of choice. Anyone who meets Sarah quickly picks up on her fluid, laid back, easy-going personality. The tranquil nature of her mannerisms resonates with the liquid glass and the flowing ocean. Sarah is one with her medium and her surroundings. By living at the beach, and vicariously existing through her medium, one could say that Sarah has truly found home.

Super Tuesday, February 5th!!

By Nicole Wilkinson
According to Wikipedia, "In the United States, Super Tuesday commonly refers to the Tuesday in early February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates to national conventions at which each party's presidential candidates are officially nominated. More delegates can be won on Super Tuesday than on any other single day of the primary calendar, and accordingly, candidates seeking the presidency traditionally must do well on this day to secure their party's nomination. In 2008, Super Tuesday is February 5; 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses on this date, with 52 percent of all pledged Democratic Party delegates and 41 percent of the total Republican Party delegates at stake".

As an educator, one of the most irritating situations is to have a biased informant. As a news media representative, teacher, or anyone representing information, you MUST be the facilitator of knowledge, WITHOUT showing biases. It is up to the individual to make an informed, educated decision with the given information. At my house, there are a lot of stronger biases towards certain candidates, but we are not informing anyone of our intentions except for the cats. My favorite non-biased poll group is http://www.pollster.com/. Unlike politico.com which is very liberal and represented by the LA Times or the conservative Fox News polls, pollster.com represents what I believe to be the most unbiased polls around.

Check out the polls now at: http://www.pollster.com/08presidentialprimary.php

So come in today and get your red, white and blue jewelry! We have you covered here at Spectrum! Our North Carolina Primary isn't until May 6th so you have time to come in and purchase the best glitz for the occassion!

Mardi Gras History in New Orleans

By Nicole Wilkinson

By Nicole Wilkinson
Right after Huricanne Katrina, I had the opportunity to travel with the head of the Jazz Department of NYU and 12 students to New Orleans to learn of the culture and music of this old French town. One of the stops we made on the trip was in a very poverished area. On site was a museum that housed the different costumes from neighboring tribes that participate in the Mardi Gras Parade.

Many years ago due to segregation, it was almost impossible for African Americans to participate in the parade, so by wearing masks and covering their bodies, they represented the 4 parts of town and became known as the Parade Indians. Though they use to come out and settle violent scores between neighboring ghettos, today's parade is much different. Today these tribes have Dukes, Kings and Queens as well as their traditional Indians.

Mardi Gras is no longer a day to "settle scores" among the Mardi Gras Indians. Violence is a relic of the past. It is now Mardi Gras tradition and practice for the Indians to simply compare their tribal song, dance and dress with other tribes as they meet that day. Each Indian has invested thousands of hours and dollars in the creation of his suit, and is not willing to risk ruining it in a fight. This tradition, rich with folk art and history, is now appreciated by museums and historical societies around the world. It is a remarkable and welcome change from the past.

So while you are watching clips of the parade from your local news channel, realize that Mardi Gras isn't just about king cakes, sazeraks, po-boys, beads, and burbon, but also about tolerance; racial tolerance that focuses on the beauty of the African American/Creole community.

For more info, click on

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-01-10-mardigrastribes_N.htm

In the Flow by Jane Faudree

As a visual artist it is possible to get stuck occasionally. It happens rarely to me anymore as I have learned what keeps me “in the flow.” So, if you have that “blank canvas syndrome” and don’t have the impetus to begin your next piece, you might try a few suggestions.

One sure-fire stimulant is the act of visiting good art galleries or museums. The joy of seeing artwork of others speaks volumes to my creative side. Observing composition from different vantage points or an unusual use of color or line tantalizes my mind. Surrounding myself with beautiful art gives me pleasure and makes my mind begin to go into that creative space. If it is too much trouble to actually go to a gallery, I can always look online for inspiration. My bookmark is loaded with gallery links. Yet, the best encouragement is seeing original art face to face.

While in my studio, just the act of turning on music will make me more ready to paint. There is something freeing in listening to my favorite tunes. And certain days require different music. I listen to that inner voice that dictates whether it will be Rhythm and Blues, Classical, Oldies or whatever gets the juices flowing. It is amazing how music will change the worst mood. It seems to give energy to the painting as well.

At times I wonder exactly “what” to paint. For that I find several resources helpful. As a landscape painter, Wilmington has so many beautiful scenes; I can go for a walk or ride and find something to paint within minutes of my house. Traveling also gives opportunity to extend my range of subject matter and refreshes my outlook. Whether it is a trip to Europe or the next county it is a good way to get a new focus.

I like to plein air paint, which is painting on location. If I am searching for something to paint it is good to be prepared. I have a pochade box (wooden box, acts as container for paints/brushes and used to affix panel to paint on) and tripod (which connects to pochade box) ready to go at any given moment. Because I paint en plein air, I am more likely to be able to render the shadows more accurately when I use a photograph. It teaches you to think about the colors, reflected light etc. that will appear as flat and dark in a photo.

I usually keep a camera with me in my car so that I can catch that special sunset or the way the sun is reflecting on something that catches my eye. So, in essence I have a volume of reference photos on my computer to peruse. Thus, here is another way to tickle my creative feathers. I find that composing with the camera is a big plus, yet as I look at these photos, I find when I take them in to another program and play with them it opens up other opportunities. I can go into a good composition and find other compositions within the original. Oh, can I change some of those colors or move a tree? The possibilities start coming to me and soon I am excited about that new painting.

Well, what are you waiting for? Play some music, take a walk,or use whatever tools you need to invigorate that gift within you. Get going now!! You can do it!!