Monday, August 15, 2011

Time, Space and Matter: Paintings by Amy Kerr Hardin

Turtles, All the Way Down
Oil on Canvas, 16" x 40", $1,000

Microcosm
Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media, 24" x 24", $700

Orrery
Oil on Canvas, 48" x 48", $1,500

Apeiron
Oil on Canvas, 36" x 48", $1,400

Musica Universalis
Oil on Canvas, 48" x 36", $1,400

Arts and Letters
Oil on Canvas, 24" x 48", $1,200

Paper Chase
Oil on Canvas, 30" x 24", $1,000

Coriolis
Oil on Canvas, 40" x 30", $1,200

Brother-Sister
Oil on Canvas, 36" x 24", $1,000

Mother-Daughter
Oil on Canvas, 36" x 24", $1,000

Father-Son
Oil on Canvas, 30" x 24", $900

Amy Kerr Hardin has been an oil painter for four decades ever since she discovered painting at the age of twelve. At about the same time she entered junior high school and took a science class titled “Time, Space, and Matter”. Here she gained a lifelong fascination with the physical universe - - those properties known and those of theory became Amy’s area of interest.

This collection titled “Time, Space, and Matter” is an homage to that long-ago science class which inspired that nascent artist with an inquisitive mind.

Mythology, fantasy, and the world of dreams is woven into these works. Amy also took inspiration from the study of the human mind’s perception of the universe. Bilateralisation, also known as “left-brain/right-brain” plays an important role in this collection. Each piece stimulates both the linear left hemisphere and the holistic right hemisphere. These paintings represent both our inner and outer universes.

Amy’s style is bold and meant to be attention-grabbing. They are not intended to be the docile companions of beige sofas. Her works have been purchased regionally, nationally and internationally by collectors with an eye for her bold style and confident hand.

Amy maintains a busy studio overlooking the beautiful woods of Williamsburg, Michigan. Each season brings new light and new inspiration to her and her work.

The show will be up through September 6, 2011. Please contact Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to inquire about Amy's work.

Friday, February 25, 2011

James Blanchard's "Fordite" Jewelry

Fordite (or “Detroit Agate”) was taken in its raw form from the spray booth at the Ford River Rouge plant in the 1970s. Chunks of layered automotive paint were painstakingly scraped from the conveyor, then cut and polished into gems. Patterns emerge from the Fordite depending on the angle of the cut or depth of the polishing. Since technology has replaced the spray booth, Fordite is becoming increasingly rare and valuable.

Is that a... ring!?

James Blanchard makes jewelry because it feels good. Each tiny sculpture he creates inspires him to make another. Working primarily in sterling silver, clean lines are formed using simple geometry and balance. He considers his approach to be “contemporary.”

Typically, his pieces are constructed using bright metal and a gemstone as the focal point. Lately, he’s been experimenting with Fordite cabochons set in oxidized sterling settings that have been filed to create a distressed finish.

Because he didn’t go to art school, he considers himself an artist of his own making. James rarely works from sketches, relying on an uncanny ability to transmit designs directly from his brain to his hands. His hope is that the work stimulates the senses and evokes questions.

James shows at about 5 art fairs annually and is represented exclusively through Gallery Fifty in his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Fordite Cuff Bracelet


These cuffs bracelets are crafted out of sterling silver and can be adjusted to fit most any wrist. $195. Please call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Fordite Mini Rings


Rings are priced (left to right): $135, $125 and $135. All rings are sterling silver and can be sized free of charge. Please call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Misc. Fordite Rings



Rings are priced (top row left to right): $145 and $155 (This is a square band and tough to size); (bottom row left to right): $135, $155 and $145. All rings are sterling silver and can be sized free of charge. Please call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Felted Art Scarves by Svitlana

Fish Net Felted Art Scarf
This adorable very light weight and very strong felted scarf is a new original design. It features Cobalt Blue, Orange, Dark Brown and Light Green handpainted Merino wool. This beautiful scarf looks great with any outfit from a t-shirt and jeans to a favorite dress or pullover. The scarf measures approx. 60 Inches (152 cm) in length and the width is approx. 9 Inches (23 cm ). This unique handmade item can be a fantastic gift for you or the person you love. $125


Femininity Nuno Felted Scarf/ Neckwarmer
This delicate neckwarmer was created by the traditional Nuno felting technique. A very unusual combination of three shades of 100% Merino soft wool were used— Sky Blue, Sage and Blue and the scarf was embellished with a gorgeous Blue Rose lace and a lovely button in a shape of the heart. This item is very complicated because it has two layers which are connected to each other only in the middle part of the neckwarmer. $115

Details-
Material- 100% Merino soft wool
Color- Sky Blue, Sage and Blue
Length- 23.5 Inches ( 60 cm)
Width- 5 Inches ( 13 cm )
well fit for a neck up to 17.5 in (45 cm).
Embellishment - unique Rose lace, button Heart

Liquid Red Nuno Felted Art Scarf
This fantastic scarf is created of hand-painted 100% Merino wool and natural silk as a base with the traditional Nuno felting technique. It has a unique texture thanks to pieces of silk and rayon ribbon. It measures approx. 54" (137 cm) by 8" (20.5 cm) The fringe is approx. from 8" to 15" (20.5 cm to 38 cm). This scarf is warm and soft. $130

Twilight Nuno Felted Art Scarf
This fantastic delicate neckwarmer was created with a traditional Nuno felting technique. A gorgeous combination of two shades of 100% Merino soft wool were used — Mint Green and Orchid Pink. The scarf was embellished with pretty color-coordinated ribbons. It has soft texture and will be a favorite accessory or a great present for the person you love. $100

Details-
Material- 100% Merino soft wool
Color- Mint Green / Pink Berry
Length- 25 Inches ( 64 cm)
Width- 5.5 Inches ( 14 cm )
well fit for a neck up to 16 in (41 cm).
Embellishment - Ribbon.

Insomnia Felted Wool Scarf
This beautiful scarf was made with a traditional wet felting technique. It features a beautiful watercolor like palette of hand painted Merino wool. This original design is pleasantly soft, warm and surprisingly light. I looks great on the body and is easy to style. $120

Details-
Length- 69 Inches (173 cm )
Width- 6.5 Inches (16.5 cm )
Material- Merino wool
Color- from Dusty pink to Grey

Felted Ruffled Art Scarf
This beautiful scarf was made with a traditional wet felting technique. It features the combination of three shades of 100% Merino soft wool (Bitter Chocolate, Cinnamon Red and Ecru/Off White ). Tencel was also used to create a marbled effect. The scarf looks great from both sides. It has elegance and comfort, easy to match and the perfect accent piece to go with your favorite winter or spring coat. It has soft texture and will be a great accessory to wear all season long. The scarf is very warm and very long. $150

Details-
Material- 100% Merino soft wool
Color- Bitter Chocolate, Cinnamon Red and Ecru/Off White
Length- approx. 73 Inches (185cm)
Width -6 Inches (15 cm)

Monday, October 4, 2010

Introducing Ed and Kate Coleman

The Bud Vase Series
Approximately 5" - 7" tall, this is a series of bud vases that is a collaboration between Ed and Kate. Each one is handbuilt. They are great for a single flower of found object — sticks, branches, etc. $36

Large Clique Vases
Approximately 12" tall, shown with the regular size clique vase. Each large clique vase is an original one-of-a-kind. $68

Clique Vases
Approximately 8" tall, each clique vase is unique. They come in a variety of textures, forms and glazes. $38

Clique Mugs
Approximately 5" tall, these mugs are oversized for many uses. They are dishwasher and microwave safe. $38

Tumblers
Approximately 7" tall, these tumblers can be used as drinking glasses or vases. $36

Ed and Kate Coleman's work is a collaboration between two artists, separate people with ideas that merge. They believe that life is more beautiful and more livable when surrounded by things that are made by hand. Their work is created for those who search for this quality in fine crafts and objects. They share this connection with those who own their work.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade in Swannanoa, North Carolina by Ed and Kate. Because of this, their work is sold in assortments. They will always take special requests for colors, designs, and other specifics, but feel the work is stronger when they are given the freedom to create. Each piece is truly a work of art when it is an original.

For more information or for our current selection, call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775.