Hello Everyone,
I have a bit of catching up to do since my birthday in mid February so I will split things up in a few posts over the next few days. Alright, so this is what has been going on:
Happy Super Late Valentines Day!
Valentines weekend also took me into Guildford for an Art Exhibition featuring fellow UCA (University for the Creative Arts) Artist in Residence Naomi Symmons, popular graffiti artist Banksy, and many others. The exhibition: Caught in the Crossfire; which depicts, as stated by the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry “Artistic responses to conflict, peace and reconciliation.” The show was a little on the heavy side for my particular interest, but very well curated and the work shown was very well done.
On Sunday, Hannah and I went to visit a friend of hers, Royston Upson, a very talented Mokume Gane artist. We hung out for a while at his home, and he gave us a verbal run through on how to make Mokume; we even got to see his shop (which is currently in transition – the family is moving to another country soon). All in all, a very good weekend.
Next up on the list for February was an artist visit by David Clarke. Mister Clarke’s hand-made/readymade mashups consist of traditional silversmithing using found silver items; reconstructing and reforming them into new pieces. Beautiful work, and makes you question. David and I spoke one on one for a bit and gave me some things to think about while doing this residency, he also assigned homework. – Talk to you soon David (great to see you at Schmuck). His advice… just go into the forge and make… doesnt even have to Be anything, just go play.
And play I did. The last week of February brought in blacksmith Julian Coode. Julian was at the University for the whole week to work with the first year students during a forging intensive. I was able to help out with the students, and their projects, and even helped one student make some Damascus (for the first time on my own!) It was great, and reminded me how much I like teaching. Hopefully I’ll be able to visit with Julian again soon.
Here are some photos from the forge:
While in the forge, I managed to get a little hammering in myself and made 3 projects. Please excuse the photos, I managed to just get some phone pics taken before sending them off to their new owners. if you’re interested in having me make something for you, please do not hesitate to email me at Meredith.susan.t@gmail.com or use my contact page at the top of the screen. Here are the photos:
Well, that’s it for February… Sooo much to talk about in March, but more to come on that soon.
Make sure to check out my Instagram page (@mstibj) and
Please check out my fundraiser at www.gofundme.com/MeredithTibjash
Until next time, take care.
-Meredith S. Tibjash
Meredith S. Tibjash 