Feature Designer
Spring Action Part 3 of 3
I am often awed when I come across some jewelry artisans whose work transcends into art. Such an artisan is Gordon K. Uyehara who is a freelance artist and designer from Honolulu, Hawaii.
He has won a number of jewelry design contest prizes and has participated in many juried exhibitions including those at international level. This should surprise no one. His website and his art work are truly outstanding. Every single design is so good, I recommend a long stroll through his website gallery.
Gordon graduated from the University of Hawaii with a science degree. Many of his designs show his early training and inspiration from science and nature. His design called Ancient Life reminds me of a chambered nautilus, a type of shellfish which biologists call a living fossil because it hasn't changed/evolved for millions of years. I also agree with Gordon - veggie-eating dinosaurs are boring! I was particularly taken by his double-sided House of Infinite Knowledge pendant; featuring synthetic sapphires in what is to me, the most original sun-moon designs I have ever seen.
I first came across his Invasive Species design (shown here) on his his metalchasers site where he is known as metalclay4u. The brooch picture garnered a lot of admiring comments. In fact, the design did remind me cheerfully of the spring to come because I, after a long winter, will be glad to see real slugs too!
Gordon is a Senior Art Clay Silver instructor who gives workshops at the local level as well as some off-island ones. I do wish I could take some of his classes for I am positive he is a good teacher. How do I know that? On his website, he has a quotation :
"A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence."- Bruce Lee
It is a telling statement for a teacher must guide and encourage his/her pupils' own growth and individual style. It is something I try to do at each of our workshops too.
If you want to "spring into action" with metal clay and cannot get to Gordon's classes, he has links on metal clay silver here and he also has generously listed some tips. You can also check out some other links from my previous post.
Mahalo, Gordon for your kind permission to use this fabulous photo. I wish you pomaika'i in all your future endeavours.
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The Beading Gem's Journal
Metal Clay Artistry
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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3 comments:
Hi Pearl,
I do love Gordon's work, or should I say art. :) It's absolutely stunning! And even though I've never taken his class (I would be there in a sec if I was a local)I too know he is a great teacher, not just by his quote but because he is so helpful and generous with his knowledge. Love reading your posts on so many great Artists'. Keep them coming!
I absolutely love that slug. He is Gorgeous! I didn't think you could do that kind of beautiful detailed work with metal clay. I am inspired!
As I said to Gordon - this slug can come into my garden any time! His work is indeed amazing. I too wish his classes were nearer so I could get to them.
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