new member!

[gmubabe2004.livejournal.com]

I've been reading craftgrrl for quite a while now, and am impressed with all the neat work...

So I decided to join!

I graduated from GMU with a B.A. of Art and Visual Technologies (concentration in Digital Art) in May 05, and I kind of miss all of the critiques. I continue to do my artwork, but end up relying on my husband, local artist friends, and professors I keep in touch with for comments and suggestions. So I'm hoping you girls on craftgrrl can help out with that!

My portfolio can be viewed at http://www.melissalew.com.

I also do jewelry, which I'll put under a cut! Comments/critiques/suggestions are greatly appreciated!



This is how I package my jewelry:


My peacock feather necklace:



Buddhists believe that the peacock feather represents Buddha's throne and is also associated with the Quan Yin. A gift of a peacock feather represents a wish for peace and prosperity in the new year. It also represents beauty and dignity.

26" short lariat with large handcarved goldfish (new jade/serpentine, carnelian):



This, along with the rest of the goldfish necklaces represent a goldfish bowl - The Chinese believe that this is symbolic of a wish for prosperity. Translation of Goldfish Bowl into Chinese sounds like a wish for jade and gold to fill your home. Jade and Carnelian also represent positive energy and peace - it calms the soul and protects from negativity.

45" lariat with 3 small handcarved goldfish (new jade/serpentine, carnelian, agate):





45" lariat with large handcarved goldfish (new jade/serpentine, carnelian):






45" lariat with loops at end (new jade/serpentine, carnelian):



16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings from my senior thesis bound.):



16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings from my artist book, The Red Thread):



16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings of lotuses):



16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings of magpies):



16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings of the same mum):


16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings of the same peony):


16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings from my artist book, The Red Thread, and represent the endurance of the female spirit in adversity):



16" silver plated neckwire with reversible sterling silver frame pendant (2 silk paintings from my artist book, The Red Thread, of phoenixes):



Sorry for such a long post! Also, I just realized that I need to color correct these photographs! (I'll do it tonight).


*updated Dec 7 at 8pm - I color corrected the photographs so hopefully they'll be easier to see/look better!*