Form follows function

Michigan metalsmith Robert Purvis is best known as a designer and builder of contemporary furniture. He's also made a name for himself as a sculptor. As a disciple of the "form follows function" theory, he describes his work as "very simple and austere... and intentionally elegant."

Once Bob deems the functionality of a piece, it must be designed to be safe. Finally, he has freedom to work with form and color — fast becoming his signature.

Triangular shaped, bold colored tables. Contemporary freestanding lighting. Bob exceeds his own rigid criteria in creating functional art.

Stop by anytime to view his portfolio or to talk about a commission. Or you can visit our virtual exhibition as part of Bob's solo show in September 2007. www.galleryfifty.com.

A fascination with fireworks

Michigan artist Brooks Bouwkamp has always been fascinated by fireworks and flashing lights, so it's no wonder that he's attracted to crystalline glazed ceramics. He makes an effort to keep his forms uncomplicated so as not to fight with the visual excitement of his surfaces.

The artist enjoys mixing glazes and firing the most. He knows how to adjust each firing to ensure the best crystal formations, and because of this glaze and firing process each piece ends up being one-of-a-kind.

Brooks is known for experimenting with new colorants, materials and effects. We never know what to expect when he sends a new shipment — it's like Christmas every time we open a box from him!

We always have a nice selection of colors and forms from which to choose. Call Gallery Fifty for more information: 231-932-0775.

Elegance in simplicity

New York designer Joryel Vera's inspiration comes from the international silver jewelry trade and fashion trends in the industry.

He creates jewelry using the finest materials and greatest attention to detail in every stage of fabrication. Joryel uses only "A" quality gem stones that are individually selected to assure the best color, clarity, and cut. Many of the gems are specifically cut for his designs and are not widely available to the trade — especially in silver jewelry.

The silver pieces are also Rhodium plated, which makes the jewelry more scratch resistant and tarnish proof (and it gives the added appearance of white gold).

We never know what Joryel is going to send us, so it makes it difficult to market online, but stop in any time and we'll show you what we've got in stock!

A singular presence

Gallery Fifty will be featuring new painted wood constructions by Michigan sculptor Larry Fox in July 2007. This solo show will feature many wall-mounted and freestanding pieces that showcase the artist's unique combination of form, texture, color and dimension.

Larry's work draws heavily from three areas of his background: architectural design, film set construction and furniture making. By mixing and re-mixing these disciplines, he gives each piece a singular presence.

The artist creates forms that challenge traditional sculpture techniques. The surfaces of his pieces are also treated with paint, adding even more dimension.

Look for his work in our new gallery space next month, or visit his virtual exhibition during the month of July at www.galleryfifty.com.

Toys for boys

With its retro styling and nostalgic feeling of whimsy, Scott Nelles' Aero Car is a customer favorite.

For his toys, Scott uses a variety of materials including plastic, hard styling clays, metal or wood to create the original model. Once satisfied with the form, he makes a series of molds in either hard resin material or cast aluminum.

This permanent pattern, called a match plate, is then used to make multiple sand molds into which molten bronze is poured at 2250 degrees. Once cool, the rough casting is separated from the sand and cut, ground, sandblasted, tumbled and polished to a rich, patinated finish.

Scott has been fascinated with the industrial process since childhood, and the toys he now creates depict automobiles, ships, boats and airplanes. Gallery Fifty has a nice selection, guaranteed to thrill boys of all ages. See more of his work at www.nellesstudios.com.

Personal mythology

I admit it, we have our favorites. Take Joan Gallagher Richmond for example: Always seeking feedback and open to criticism, she seems genuinely humbled by our representation. It's a pleasure to sell work by someone so modest and likeable.

Joan's had her work in the gallery for the past year or so, and her drawings really stand out. They are intimate in scale and detailed — using references from personal mythology, medieval times and even theatrical set design (she's an opera fan, and we can see why).

Recently, she's been working on a series of graphic cut-outs using her imagery and construction paper with colored pencil. It's been fun to watch her progression and I look forward to the day when she commits to a solo show with the gallery.

Hot glass: difficult yet beautiful

For Canadian artist Robert Held, glassblowing allows him to explore both painterly concerns and his fascination with surface decoration.

"Being physical with color and form is my love. After experimenting with many different media, I discovered glass and was instantly captivated," he says. "The clarity of the glass, the roar of the furnaces, the heat, and even the constant danger were all factors that influenced my choice of this difficult yet beautiful medium."

Robert's intimate relationship with the hot glass allows him to lay on color, layer upon layer, with the addition of textures with broken glass shards, threads of copper wire and other techniques.

He strives to create pieces that provide both a tactile and visual pleasure. And it is through this experience that he can share his passion for glass with the rest of us.

Gallery Fifty carries a great selection of Robert's paperweights and ornaments. All are priced around $40. Call for availability: 231-932-0775.