ART IS MESSY
As a child I grew up in a home full of artists. In our home we had woodworkers, crafters, inventors, scientists, painters, and even graphic artists who were paid commercially. A day didn't pass when I didn't have a crayon, hammer and nail or paint supply in my hands.
Times have changed. I'm not sure a parent would willingly send their child out to the woodpile with a hammer and nails and say, "Get creative!" like they did when I was a child, everything has become so sterile and "safe". (An interesting tangent I could go off on at this moment in time - but I promise NOT to digress)
Even with my own seven kids I find myself wincing at the thought of spilled paint, boo boo fingers, sand paper, glue and thumbtacks. The reality is ART IS MESSY and there aren't that many people today who are encouraged... scratch that... REQUIRED to get messy.
NOW MORE THAN EVER
Every week on this blog I take a day (Wednesday) to feature accounts on Instagram and their corresponding websites I think you should know about and follow.
With this season of quarantine, following new accounts is MORE IMPORTANT than ever! Many of the small business artists who live paycheck to paycheck in "non-essential" professions will not be able to take this economic blow lightly.
If we can't go and visit these shops in person it's our job as patrons of America, and the WORLD to shop online. If we cannot afford to shop online, we absolutely could and should follow/subscribe/uplift/encourage any and all small shop accounts we can find. (Just use the hashtag #shopsmall on your preferred platform and get going!)
Here are some accounts I found which fit with our theme this week featuring talented crafters who need our support more than ever. Just as hand cut crystal shimmers in the light, so do the artisans in our society, bringing light into a rather dark and uncertain world.
Hawkes Crystal - Tiffin, OHIO @hawkescrystal
"Hand cut crystal design is evolving. Our goal is to create a collection that works perfectly with the contemporary designs of today."
As I was researching this week on Crystal in Design looking for new accounts to follow which brought a modern 2020 elegance to the art of crystal in decor and design, I happened to come across this small town Ohio crystal company, Hawkes Crystal.
From their website: "The Hawkes Crystal collection is hand cut in Tiffin, Ohio, by Master Brilliant Cutter and Designer Aidan J. Scully. We specialize in brilliant cut pieces of fine crystal including bowls, stemware, barware, vases, custom window installations and ornaments. Master Cutter and Designer Scully is one of less than five artists in the United States versed in the brilliant cut method."
Looking through the Hawkes Crystal account on instagram I was taken back by the quality of their pictures, their craftsmanship and their design. As you visit their account, then go on to their website I am confident you will be equally as impressed!
To learn more about this fascinating company and to show your support, please visit their website at www.hawkescrystal.com
RÜCKL - Prague, @ruckl_cz
"Top-quality cut crystal since 1846"
The Rückl glassmaking family have been making cut crystal for over 300 years. The family came to the Czech lands at the turn of the 17th and 18th century and have been focused on doing "new things" with their art for centuries. Rückl crystal works with designers who challenge the traditional crystal aesthetic and push the art form into new and exciting directions.
As you scroll through the Rückl Instagram page, and look through their website at https://www.ruckl.com/en/, you will find some of the most beautifully simple pieces which would be the perfect accompaniment in any 2020 home.
From their website: "2017 brought fundamental changes to our glassworks. Thanks to the intervention of Martin Wichterle, a private investor and patron of several Czech brands, the Rückl century-old craft is now able to shine in the context of contemporary design. The new collection developed by Rückl Art Director Rony Plesl pays homage to the tradition of Bohemian glassmaking, as well as icons of Czech history. It retrieves the best from time-tested glassmaking techniques and takes them to new levels."
Criostal na Rinne - An Rinn, @criostalnarinne
"The products we make are stories made physical."
From their website: "Criostal na Rinne is a hand cut crystal studio workshop situated in Ireland's Ancient East in the picturesque Irish-speaking area of An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht. Eamonn Terry, a master craftsman glasscutter of over 45 years experience, started his career with Waterford Crystal before establishing Criostal na Rinne in 1987, producing Irish crystal of breathtaking quality and beauty."
The pieces being produced at Criostal na Rinne during the regular business year are open to be observed by visitors, however with the newest health safety measures in place, one can only "window" shop from behind their computer screen and that's just as grand an experience for landlocked Americans like me. To aid in the comfort of those of us shopping online from home, Criostal na Rinne is offering a 20% discount on purchases when you use the check out code: Sláinte.
To learn more about Criostal na Rinne, you can visit their website at: https://criostal.com/
Eden Outcast - Denmark, @eden_outcast
"Designed in Denmark, long lasting styles with details and story."
Nina Frederikke Thomasen Jensen is a designer to watch. Her design brand Eden Outcast has produced some of the trendiest 2020 decor for the home. Her sculptural crystal pieces are what initially drew me into her account, and once I was able to see all of her designs, I found each and every piece unique and inspiring.
From the website: “In a time where we are overloaded with mass-produced design with no heart, I wish to create design that makes you stop and wonder. Whether you like it or not, is not the point. My wish is for you to take action and decide. Not to buy just another neutral vase, that will be placed beside all the others. I want to create long lasting design, that you will cherish for years. Design that matters.”
I strongly encourage you to log in and look up https://eden-outcast.com/ , you won't be disappointed!
Richard Brendon - Crowd Funding, @richardbrendonstudio
"Dedicated to regenerating heritage craftsmanship around the world, RB uses traditional techniques to create timeless and unique tableware collections."
I lift my hat to any company working and dreaming of a beginning in such a season as this. From their crowd fund campaign: "Established in 2013, Richard Brendon is a prominent British design brand creating contemporary and timeless tableware collections that challenge the expected. Our bone china is handmade in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics, whilst our crystal glassware is mouth-blown and hand-cut in Slovenia."
Now more than ever we need to support our dreamers. Our world runs and operates on the hopes and dreams of those brave enough to raise capital to contribute to it. If you have ever thought of supporting a friend, neighbor or family member in their business building aspirations - now is the time to act not withdraw, the world needs the type of HOPE these enterprising businesses can bring!
IN CONLUSION
I started @jessicabuilds long before there was any talk of a global shutdown of "non-essential" businesses. Back in January, I selected this particular week in time to feature the talented artisans of crystal in design. At that very moment I had no idea the impact my little blog might have to draw attention to a craft as important as hand cut glass/crystal. Who knew at the beginning of the year countless painters, artists, photographers, sculptures, glass blowers, and crafters may be at risk of being out placed? I certainly did not, and I am sending my prayers out to each and every one.
God bless you all,
Jessica
“Art is to console those who are broken by life.” – Vincent Van Gogh