Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Gina Boyle "Live Out Loud" Mosaic at the Joyful Jewel 3-31-15

"Live Out Loud"
Gina Boyle
Mosaic of ceramic, grout, and mixed materials

Gina Boyle's intricate mosaics each feature a theme with many specially created or chosen components that support a thought.  I think this one must be extra special because the theme "Live Out Loud" is so intrinsic to Gina herself -- she named her business Artfully Out Loud!  Gina exudes bold strength and compassionate friendliness.  The courage and steady progress toward a dream that this piece talks about is a great striving we can all relate to.

See more of Gina's work on her Aritst Page: http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Gina-Boyle.html

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Monday, March 30, 2015

Joyful Jewel Presents

Eating Gluten Free
Why?
How?
 A talk by Laurie Chapman, Naturopathic Doctor
Tuesday March 31, 7 - 8pm

There is much discussion about gluten these days so let's talk about why you might consider a gluten free lifestyle.  Laure is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing here in Pittsboro.  For more information about Naturopathic Mdeicine, please go to naturopathic. org.           RSVP: to Dr. Chapman, (919) 480-9119

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Sharon Blessum "Pittsboro Wares" at the Joyful Jewel 3-29-15

"Pittsboro Wares"
Sharon Blessum

Sharon Blessum has made several Pittsboro-centric wares featuring her photograph of the Chatham County Court House.  Enjoying Pittsboro is a past time of many of us - illustrated by the hashtag adopted by the Pittsboro Business Association, #enjoypttsboro.  We can show our pride and appreciation to this fabulous place by wearing a cap or a t-shirt, by using a Pittsboro mug for coffee, with a tote bag or a license plate, or by sending post cards all sporting out "famous" court house!

See more of Sharon's work on her Artist Page: 
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Anita Blalock "Viking Knit Bracelet" at the Joyful Jewel 3-28-15

"Viking Knit Bracelet"
Anita Blalock

This intricate design was created with "knitted" wire by Anita Block. I'm not sure of it is a heritage skill for her, but I believe Anita was born in one of the Scandinavian countries and this technique is called "Viking Knit." The gemstones that Anita included are partially enclosed in the wire and sparkle from within the design.  Here is what Anita says about her work:
I mostly use permanently colored copper wire with an ancient technique called viking knit. The vikings used it as a currency. It is very time- consuming to do, but it is magical how a technique can transform a wire into beautiful chains. My chains are unique because of the gems and crystals that I knit into them.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Anita-Blalock.html

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Isabelle Blackburn "Scrabble Tile Necklace" at the Joyful Jewel 3-27-15

  
Scrabble Tile Necklace
Isabelle Blackburn
$5 - $8

Isabelle Blackburn says: "I am nine years old and am making jewelry to benefit Samantha's Purse. I use decorative paper, scrabble tiles, and a special glaze. I am inspired by my mom and my sisters. I am inspired by nature and the beauty of it. My work is special because no two necklaces are alike, every one is different."
And she gives her proceeds to charity!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Isabelle-Blackburn.html

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Erika Johnson Birchanna "Yoga Bag" at the Joyful Jewel 3-26-15

"Yoga Bag"
Erika Johnson Birchanna

The maker of this colorful and functional Yoga Bag, Erika Johnson Birchanna, is a seamstress, dancer, artist, teacher and stiltwalker.  It seems that you can see all of these qualities in the bag, including the tallness of the stilt!  In Erika's artist statement she says that "she pulls inspiration from the natural world and likes to channel that beauty and texture into practical everyday things."  These qualities are also reflected in this piece of art - in its beauty and utility.


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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Drew Becker "I Fell for Thirteen Dreamers" at the Joyful Jewel 3-25-15

"I Fell for Thirteen Dreamers"
by Drew Becker
$9.95

A poetry book of inspiration written by Drew Becker and illustrated by about 15 artists, there are translations from English to French to Spanish.  I love the intention "This book is dedicated to all lovers who have time to reach back and touch the basic strings, especially Beth."

I assume the book title comes from the first poem:

          I fell for thirteen dreamers,
          Caught in the energy of their visions
          and one another,
          A collection of leaves moving
          upward toward trees,
          A dozen and one lost souls flowing in
          the veins of each other
          lost in the hills
          Surrounded by greens, browns and town folk,
          hearts driving bodies into voices
          tensing to be heard.

Caught in the energy of vision myself, I once wrote a poem that was inspired by these words and the title of the book.  Mine was "I Fell for Ninety-Nine Artists" and was about my adoration for Joyful Jewel artists.  I entered that poem in our very first Vision & Voice event.  Now I need to get busy on my poem for this upcoming event!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Drew-Becker.html

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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Walter Bennett "Leaving Tuscaloosa" a novel at the Joyful Jewel 3-23-15

"Leaving Tuscaloosa"
a novel by Walter Bennett
$16.95

Well known writer Lee Smith says about this book by Walter Bennett "deeply moving, disturbing, haunting, and important."  What better acclaim could there be than that!  The novel is set in the deep turbulent South in 1962.  It is full of great racial tragedy and the mostly dual worlds of black and white.  The story is gripping with a cliffhanger so you won't want to put it down. In addition to this book's literary/historical importance, the book itself has an artistically stunning wrap-around cover.
   
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Walter-Bennett.html

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Monday, March 23, 2015

On a Monday

How sweet it was! The Stellaria Spring Sing was a lovely, lovely evening of song. The threesome sound like one voice, than harmony, than inviting us all into their energy. We had a wonderful time! And...




We celebrated Mariah and DG's twentieth wedding anniversary by singing to them and enjoying a scrumptious cake!
  








Sunday, March 22, 2015

Rachel Bass "Cross with Garnets" at the Joyful Jewel 3-21-15


Rachel Bass
Sterling Silver with Garnets
$78.95

Loaded with deep red Garnets and intricate wire work, this sterling silver cross is honored and set off beautifully.  Rachel Bass jewelry -- exquisite work, delicate and classy.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rachel-Bass.html

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Saturday, March 21, 2015

Andrea Batsche "Yoga Wear from T Shirts" at the Joyful Jewel 3-21-15

                                                                     front & back                                                                                                                  
"Yoga Wear from T Shirts"

Andrea Batsche
Sewn from pieces of torn t-shirts

Andrea Batsche has a strongly creative vibe in clothing design.  Re-cycling, re-purposing is a passion of Andrea's that manifested in a beautiful comfy wrap this time.  The cut and piecing are interesting and with the merest of a white top underneath the colors and patterns would look stylish and flattering  on most anyone.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Andrea-Batsche.html

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Friday, March 20, 2015

Jodi Barnes "Santa Breaks Bad" at the Joyful Jewel 3-20-15

"Santa Breaks Bad:  An International Christmas Story Wrapped in Flash"
by Jodi Barnes

Santa Breaks Bad: An international Christmas story wrapped in flash(and fundraiser) for 14 Words for Love. 14 Words for Love hosts online events to encourage people to write 14-word poems and micro-stories that reflect kindness, peace, empathy, forgiveness, and understanding in our diverse communities. As founder, Jodi Barnes administers the website http:www.14words for love.com in addition to doing middle and high school residencies where she combines social justice, individual identity, poetry and flash fiction writing. She also teaches for the town of cary and is happy to speak to any school or organization about the 14 Words for Love mission: small acts of literacy for social good.

Let's all write one!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jodi-Barnes.html

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Thursday, March 19, 2015

Beth Bale "Serval" at the Joyful Jewel 3-19-15

"Serval"
Beth Bale
Acrylic on Canvas, Framed Original
$229

Beth Bale has painted this inquisitive "Serval" lazing in the grass lives at the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro.  He says, "No I am not a tiger or a leopard or a bobcat.  Get to know me, I am a serval."  

Their long legs make servals one of the tallest of wild cats and they are strong yet slender. Serval's favorite food is a rodent eaten whole.  Hunting at night, they also eat frogs, hares and other small animals.      

The serval is extremely intelligent, and demonstrates remarkable problem-solving ability making it notorious for getting into mischief, as well as easily outwitting its prey, and eluding other predators.

If ridding the area of rodents and being mischevious isn't enough to endear the serval, they also know how to purr!  Can't you just hear him now!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Bale.html

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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Rita Baldwin "On the Prowl" at the Joyful Jewel 3-18-15

"On the Prowl"
Rita Baldwin
$150, Original, Framed

Wouldn't it be fun to be "On the Prowl" with this handsome fellow?  I say the fish and frogs don't have a chance when spotted by keen eyes and quick pounce of this egret's deadly beak.  By Rita he is rendered in perfect oil colors to bring out the birdiness slinking through the murky swamp grass.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rita-Baldwin.html

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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Cynthia Aldrich "Vase/Utensil Holder" at the Joyful Jewel 3-17-15

Vase/Utensil Holder
Cynthia Aldrich
Pottery

Grace and beauty, these describe potter Cynthia Aldrich as well as her work.  This undulating piece can be a vase (full of favorite Spring flowers) or a utensil holder (full of tools for nourishment or for sharp-pencil writing).

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Cynthia-Aldrich.html

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Monday, March 16, 2015

Joyce Allen "Those Who Hold the Threads" book at the Joyful Jewel 3-16-15

 "Those Who Hold the Threads" and "Hannah's House"
by Joyce Allen

Here is what Joyce says about her books:
 fantasy weaves myth into current technology

I do a lot of research. For Threads, I had to know a lot more than I did about the myths, certainly, but also some astronomy and most of all computer programming. In that case, I was coming from zero. I always have a loose general idea about the shape of a book when I begin, but I never know exact details or how it will end. These evolve as I go. I have loved working both with fantasy and with myth.

The cover artist, Anna Crawford, is a local artist in mixed media at the Arts Center of Duke Gardens


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Sunday, March 15, 2015

Terry Perkinson "Bailey the Bunny" at the Joyful Jewel 3-15-17

"Bailey the Bunny"
Terry Perkinson
Primarily Merino Wool from Coat, $37

Terry Perkinson makes sweetness to touchable!  She used merino wool from an old coat to make Bailey the Bunny, and has given him a flouncy tail, a heart, a pink nose, and those ears that make you want to hold on -- an ear in each hand -- and squeeze.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Terry-Perkinson.html

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Saturday, March 14, 2015

Steve Clarke "Joyful Dance Company: Work in Progress" at the Joyful Jewel 4-3-15

"Joyful Dance Company: Work in Progress"
Steve Clarke's Photographs



























Steve Clarke's Photographs
of the Dancers 

"Joyful Dance Company:Work in Progress" will be performing at the Joyful Jewel Friday April 3, 8pm.  These are the dancers/choreographers! - Alyce Morgan (Charlotte), Amber Adams (Wilmington), Hope Wolfe (Asheville), and Ashlee Ramsey (Winston-Salem).  These are just a few of the photographs that Steve has made with these and other dancers. Joyful Dance Company performs to and with Steve's amazing and creative videography.  We are so very privileged to have these dancers come from all over to dance for our Pittsboro community! 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Steve-Clarke.html

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Friday, March 13, 2015

Sharon Blessum "Sage Incense" at the Joyful Jewel 3-13-15

Sage Incense
Sharon Blessum
$12

Did you know that we now have incense at the Joyful Jewel?  Sharon Blessum has purchased two types and packaged them beautifully with her beads and many of them have handmade holders.  This box has leaves of Sage and includes a feather to direct the smoke.  The rectangle boxes have stick incense of various natural fragrances, such as sandalwood. Sharon says, "Light a Leaf of Sage.  Blow out the flame, fan the smoke over you.  Welcome the clearing,"

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

Beth Bale "On Point" at the Joyful Jewel 3-12-15

"On Point"
Beth Bale
Watercolor on Paper, 14 1/2" x 19" framed to 22" x 28"
$230, Original

It is fun to think of lions, especially to envision their expansive yawning and stretching in the sun on a day such as this.  Beth Bale has painted them in their opposite role -- being ultra vigilant and aware of the slightest movement or sound.  Like lions, I want to perfect each of these skills -- utter abandon to warmth and sunlight - with an eye alert to the rest of the world's goings on and my place in it.  It's a both/and kind of day.  This is an exceptional original painting, watercolor on paper, matted and framed beautifully.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Bale.html

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Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Emma Skurnick "Pink Flowers" at the Joyful Jewel 3-10-15

Pink Flowers
Emma Skurnick
Set of Cards
$12

Here is the last of the flower paintings I planned to post in hopes of coaxing Spring!  I think they did their job and this one of Emma Skurnick's  has the variety we really look forward to.  It's as if these beauties who bloom at the same time of year have a lot to say to each other.  And a lot to celebrate!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Emma-Skurnick.html

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Sharon Blessum "Grandmother" Photograph of Stone at the Joyful Jewel 3-8-15

"Grandmother"
Sharon Blessum
Photograph, of Hand-carved Agate
Framed

In honor of International Women's Day, here is inspiration for us all.  It is "Grandmother", a stone photographed by Sharon Blessum from a most elegant and powerful figure.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Saturday, March 7, 2015

Wendy Wilkins "Flowers" at the Joyful Jewel 3-7-15

Flowers
Wendy Wilkins
Alcohol Inks on a Tile, framed in metal
$29

I'm back to invoking flowers today with this imaginative piece by Wendy Wilkins.  Wendy uses alcohol inks to paint in bold colors with a dimensional sheen.  This piece is actually fired onto a ceramic tile and framed in black metal with little ball feet.  It can be used as a trivet, laid flat or hung.  I especially love the drama in this surreal scene, soooo many flowers against a grand sunset sky!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Wendy-Wilkins.html

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Friday, March 6, 2015

Kate Ladd "Pink Bouquet" at the Joyful Jewel 3-6-15

"Pink Bouquet"
Kate Ladd
Acrylic with attached Flowers, 12" x 12"
$75, Original

Pink, cottony, plush, velvety, some words for a "Pink Bouquet" by Kate Ladd.  Nicely arranged, most likely by Kate from flowers she grew last Summer.  I'm wondering if Kate's daffodils have burst open yet.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kate-Ladd.html

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Thursday, March 5, 2015

Patrick Hitesman "Rowmantic" at the Joyful Jewel 3-5-15

"Rowmantic"
Patrick Hitesman
Oil on Canvas, 24" x 18" Original
$200

Patrick Hitesman is one of our newest artists and this "Rowmantic" is my favorite of his oil paintings.  The title seems perfect and I can imaging rhythmically rowing close to the shore so we can see the birds and wildlife living their wild lives.  Then, with my sweetie, jumping off for a warm Spring swim.  Would be tough on a rainy day like this but worth dreaming about!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Pactick-Hitesman.html

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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

John Makowski "Sewl Train 1" at the Joyful Jewel 3-4-15

 "Sewl Train 1"
John Makowski
Musical Assemblage, Mixed Media Sculpture
$1500
Letting go of posting flower pictures on this warm day, just had to tell you about this amazing sculpture that John Makowski just brought in.  Included are pieces of musical instruments, a guitar (see the front of the base), a soprano sax, a clarinet, and more more + of course the Singer Sewing machine, hood ornaments from an old car, even an apple peeler.  This has to be seen to really get the magnificance of it but here are several viewpoints and details.



http://www.joyfuljewel.com/John-Makowski.html

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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Monday, March 2, 2015

Forrest Greenslade "Lenten Rose" at the Joyful Jewel 3-2-15

"Lenten Rose"
Forrest Greenslade
Water Media, Framed Print

Surely it won't be long until we see more of these early-blooming flowers!  Forrest Greenslade knows how much I love this painting and just brought in a framed print!  His wife Carol Ann grows them profusely.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Forrest-Greenslade.html

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