Thursday, October 15, 2009

Uniti Uniti Uniti + Elvis Stojko

We were very excited to hear that World Champion Figure Skater Elvis Stojko was interested in participating in our jewellery arts auction – even more excited when I learned that his designer would be yours truly.

And now for a little selfish blogging....

It has been a year since we started blogging, bringing you the in's and the out's of Toronto's jewellery arts scene from the perspective of our little family run shop. But how much do you really know about your lead blogger.... me?

A whole lot more now.


As a multi-disciplinary artist, jewellery design is my latest venture. Having focused primarily on drawing and printmaking, the challenge of designing in the three-dimensional is a challenge I have met gladly, although there are some bleaker moments. Now, as a member of the 18Karat family, I am learning how to turn pen and paper into metal and stone.


Early in September, I met with Elvis Stojko as he was performing at the CNE to discuss the jewellery piece we were set to collaborate on for our Uniti jewellery auction.


I was a little surprised by how many ideas Elvis already had, and we soon came up with the basis that would form a very lovely pendant.

The reoccurring theme from our meeting was the idea that family and community shape you into the person you become - protecting and pushing us forward.


Above, you can see the process of cutting and shaping a piece of rose quartz that will fit into the center of the pendant, flanked on both sides by black onyx.

The Uniti auction begins November 12th, with the pieces being on display at our shop, and up for auction via Waddington's online auction.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Amy Kovach – Uniti Designer

Electric excitement is zipping through 275 Dundas Street West, and no it has nothing to do with the rainstorm hitting the streets outside. No this excitement is all about the young jewellery artists creating beautiful gems that are due to begin arriving any day now.


But until they do, perhaps a little teaser - another little peek into what these very talented individuals have in store for us in the upcoming Uniti auction.

Amy Kovach has a keen eye for graceful organic shapes with an obvious appreciation for the simplicity found in nature. A few months ago, Amy met with singer Justin Hines, with popular songs 'Wish You Well' and 'Say What You Will'.

Amy's piece will be a stacking three-band ring that symbolizes what family and community means to both Amy and Justin.

A little birdy told us that this piece is ready and on its way to our shop. Hands up who's excited?

www.amykovach.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Uniti - Darlene Martin meets Jenn Valentyne

Yesterday was the last day of our Emerge exhibit, marking the end of a straight 7months of exhibits featuring local artists in our shop. During the month of October, we will not be hosting a show, as we prepare for Uniti.

So while we are busy at work, we thought we would show another designer busy putting her piece together for the charity auction in benefit of the Red Door Family Shelter.

Darlene Martin was the first designer to be featured in our shop and has done a lot to bring this auction to life. Last week she met with Jenn Valentyne from Breakfast Television, and is busy creating a piece that symbolizes family and community to them both.

The colour green is at the core of this piece, as it symbolizes to both Darlene and Jenn life, family, and home.

As we get closer to the auction date, the anticipation is growing as we wait to have all of these beautiful pieces in our shop.