MELODY ARMSTRONG BLOG

BUTTERFLY WING EARRINGS

3/19/2021

0 Comments

Magenta Butterfly Wing Earrings - Sterling silver, niobium.
Limited Edition
5.5x3x1cm
$285

Teal Butterfly Wing Earrings - Sterling silver, niobium.
Limited Edition
6x2.4x1cm
$285

Labradorite Butterfly Wing Earrings - Sterling silver, labradorite, quartz.
Limited Edition
6x3x1cm
$525

ARTIST STATEMENT

Melody Armstrong’s artistic objective is to transfer her vision, creative passion and risk taking into her jewellery in an expressive way to arrive at exciting jewellery forms that elicit awe and inspiration, and personalize them in order to give her work a distinctive character.

Melody’s jewellery designs testify to the textural dynamic and technical volition behind the work, seemingly to have evolved from organic origins taking on an industrial influence. The ever changing interplay of colors and textures creates dynamic contrasts – evoking a vividness of exquisite dimensions – which is rich, alluring and of the utmost elegance.

Techniques employed in the Butterfly Wing Series include piercing the silver wing structures by sawing, then filing and sanding to perfect the shapes. The reactive metal - Niobium - is anodized using an electrical-chemical process where the voltage determines the colour outcome. The interference surface colours that are developed by this process mimics the interference colours of insect wings. Stone setting and riveting techniques are also incorporated, using the torch, pliers, hammers, and wire wrapping semi precious bead elements.

Melody Armstrong is inspired by the delicateness of moths and butterflies and their complex nature, transferring that mysterious luminescence and lace-like aesthetic into a hard metal structure. By preserving the original organic design and beauty of the insect elements, she creates this series allowing the wearer to appreciate the jewellery object on the body as unique adornment.

0 Comments

POLYPHEMUS MOTH #2

12/23/2020

0 Comments

Custom order inspired by the clients Polyphemus Moth visit on her doorstep.
I think I like this one even more that the first one.
I changed the proportions of this moth to closely match her actual sighting,
and I combined warm tones of gold, bronze, amber and fire.

Sterling silver, anodized titanium, anodized niobium, amber, fire citrine.
Oxidized silver wheat chain. 18 inches.

0 Comments

Polyphemus Moth Necklace - new SK ARTS Acquisition

12/6/2020

0 Comments

I am please to announce that my recent submission to the SK ARTS call out for their Permanent Collection has been accepted!
This is my second piece of jewellery that has been selected for the collection,
as well as the two Saskatchewan Arts Award Prototypes I submitted and was short listed for.

"2019 Saskatchewan Arts Award" Prototype Submission
https://www.melodyarmstrong.com/blog/saskatchewan-art-award-one-of-two-designs-that-were-short-listed
"THE SKY IS LIMITLESS" Arts Award Prototype
https://www.melodyarmstrong.com/blog/the-sky-is-limitless9123397
CITRON NECKPIECE
https://www.melodyarmstrong.com/store/p7/CITRON_NECKPIECE.html

Polyphemus Moth Necklace
Sterling silver, anodized titanium, anodized niobium, opal, garnet, 1.7mm sterling silver snake chain, 18 inches.
$650.00

My newest addition to my "MOTH" series is the Polyphemus Moth inspired necklace. The Polyphemus Moth is a rare sighting in Saskatchewan, a nice surprise when discovered one evening at Lake Diefenbaker by myself and a previous find in the rhubarb patch by my father.
I have taken this organic theme and provided it with an industrial aesthetic by creating it out of a combination of three metals, adding colour with the surface treatments of anodizing the reactive metals, titanium and niobium and oxidizing the sterling silver, giving it a richness and enhancing the textures. The metallic tones compliment the flashes of greens and reds in the opals and the cherry reds in the tiny garnets.

In progress shots:

https://sk-arts.ca/menu/art-collection/permanent-collection.html

0 Comments

SILVER LININGS - Outside The Box Exhibition

12/4/2020

0 Comments

Art Gallery of Regina.
https://www.artgalleryofregina.ca/
OUTSIDE THE BOX GROUP EXHIBITION
Jewellery Artists Guild of Regina group exhibition.
December 4th 2020 to February 25th 2021

Exhibition name: Silver Linings

Just before the lock-down I was exploring a new jewellery technique fusing. This freed up time period allowed me to experiment and have fun with this new skill, which is a more spontaneous approach and constitutes a more organic unplanned outcome compared to my traditional way of making jewellery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this reprieve from normalcy and took full advantage of it by playing, relaxing and enjoying nature and that is my SILVER LINING!

SILVER LINING FUSE RING
Sterling silver, bronze.
2020
Size 7
2x2x1.1 cm
$200

SILVER LINING FUSE EARRINGS
Sterling silver, bronze.
2020
5.5x1.2x1.1 cm
$200

SILVER LINING FUSE NECKLACE
Sterling silver, bronze.
2020
3.8x2.4x.8cm
18” - 2.2mm dapped cable chain
$185

Not included in this exhibition were other creative endeavours.
STATEMENT:
Being on the lock-down was like being on a sabbatical which allowed me to have lots of free time to pursue my other passion, painting on canvas. Something I don’t usually have time for when running my jewellery business and instructing jewellery classes. While enjoying the fabulous summer weather, I set up my easel outside and spent many creative days painting in the fresh air. Painting taps into a different area of my brain from that which I would use for jewellery making, a more spontaneous momentum compared to the more methodical approach to creating jewellery.
I chose the bicycle as my subject matter because it signified the freedom I experience while riding, to compensate for other freedoms that were taken away by the lockdown and the forced isolation. Bike riding allowed me the oportunity to commune with nature, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

BICYCLE ABSTRACTION #1 - BLUE SKY
Acrylic on canvas.
2020
61x91.4x1.7 cm
$650

BICYCLE ABSTRACTION #2 - in progress.

0 Comments

Yvette Moore Gallery - Art Now Fine Art Fair 2020

9/25/2020

0 Comments

Welcome to the fifth edition of Saskatchewan’s premiere fine art fair of modern and contemporary art. Like most art fairs, our format has changed for 2020. This year, you can experience our show online from anywhere in the world and then visit the galleries on location here in Saskatchewan. Even though our format has changed, we are still bringing you our special opening night reception, great sessions and artist talks, and even a special gallery for kids’ art.
https://www.artnow.ca/

RECTANGLE DANGLE LAVA BANGLE - Sterling silver, Bronze. 9.2x7.2x.9cm 67mm inside diameter. $200
Hand fabricated with fire and silver to create this
unique metallic landscape to be admired from every angle.
The dangle is oxidized to enhance the textures and is complimented with shiny bronze elements.

*Oxidation is not permanent. This bracelet may change in appearance, especially with daily wear. While it has received a chemical application of Liver of Sulfur as a surface treatment, it may wear off in the high areas over time causing a patina that is unique to the piece. For best results, remove the bracelet when showering and swimming. When not wearing, store in a zip lock bag to prevent shiny areas from tarnishing. Shiny elements can be cleaned with a jewellery polishing cloth.

ROUND LAVA PENDANT - Sterling silver, Bronze. 2.6x2.9x.9cm Silver Oxidized 2.4mm cable chain, 24 inches. $200
https://www.artnow.ca/online/yvette-moore-gallery/round-lava-pendant-melody-armstrong
Hand fabricated with fire and silver to create this
unique metallic landscape to be admired from every angle.
The pendant is oxidized to enhance the textures and is complimented with shiny bronze elements.

*Oxidation is not permanent. This pendant may change in appearance, especially with daily wear. While it has received a chemical application of Liver of Sulfur as a surface treatment, it may wear off in the high areas over time causing a patina that is unique to the piece. For best results, remove the necklace when showering and swimming. When not wearing, store in a zip lock bag to prevent shiny areas from tarnishing. Shiny elements can be cleaned with a jewellery polishing cloth.

Yvette Moore Gallery showcases the exclusive collection of award-winning Canadian Prairie Artist, Yvette Moore, along with over 40 Saskatchewan and Western Canadian fine artisans.

Housed in the breathtaking historic 1910 Land Titles Building, Yvette Moore Gallery features a premiere retail offering of finely created works of varying mediums, as well as an in-house custom picture framing specialist to bring art to a creative new level of display.
In 2019, they celebrated 20 years in their amazing combination of architecture and art in historic downtown Moose Jaw.

Yvette Moore Gallery
gallerist:
Yvette Moore, Owner
location:
76 Fairford Street West
Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1V1
www.yvettemoore.com
contact:
(306) 693-7600
info@yvettemoore.com
facebook / instagram
on location hours:
Friday, September 25, 11:00am-4:00pm
Saturday, September 26, 11:00am-4:00pm
special event:
Yvette Moore Gallery’s Art Now online booth will be on display in the gallery.

Melody Armstrong - Artist Statement

What is particularly distinctive about my jewellery is its structural form, created to deliberately play with negative and positive space. My jewellery designs testify to the textural dynamic and technical approach within my practice, seeming to have evolved organically, taking on an industrial influence. The varied interplay of colours and textures creates distinctive contrasts, evoking vividness of exquisite dimensions, which are rich, bold and engaging.
Eliciting a sense of boldness with a presence that is uncompromising and original, my approach is to make a statement through my sculptural, wearable art jewellery. I have chosen metal as my dominant medium, allowing for technical flexibility while the material informs my designs. My work originates from a piece of raw metal and is hand-fabricated, allowing the material to influence the design itself, its properties lending their character every step of the way without overshadowing my vision of intention.

0 Comments

Saskatchewan Craft Council at Art Now Fine Art Fair 2020

9/25/2020

0 Comments

TOPAZ FUSE RING - sterling silver, topaz. $325
Hand fabricated with fire and silver to create this unique metallic landscape to be admired from every angle. The band is oxidized to enhance the textures and is complimented with shiny silver around the blue topaz setting.
*Oxidation is not permanent! This ring will change in appearance, especially with daily wear. While it has received a chemical application of Liver of Sulfur as a surface treatment, it will wear off in the high areas over time causing a patina that is unique to the piece. For best results, remove ring when washing hands, showering and swimming. When not wearing store in zip lock bag to prevent shiny silver areas from tarnishing.

SPIRAL FUSE PENDANT - sterling silver. $175
Hand fabricated with fire and silver to create this unique metallic landscape to be admired from every angle. The pendant is oxidized to enhance the textures and is complimented with a shiny silver spiral.
*Oxidation is not permanent! This pendant may change in appearance, especially with daily wear. While it has received a chemical application of Liver of Sulfur as a surface treatment, it may wear off in the high areas over time causing a patina that is unique to the piece. For best results, remove necklace when showering and swimming. When not wearing store in zip lock bag to prevent shiny silver areas from tarnishing.

Saskatchewan Craft Council at Art Now Fine Art Fair
Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) is again participating in Art Now Fine Art Fair, the only show of its kind on the prairies. Art Now can be experienced online from anywhere in the world and on location within Saskatchewan.
On Location at SCC Gallery

Visit Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery (813 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon) in person to see 55 Art Now works by SCC artists
- Dates: Thursday, September 17th to Saturday, September 26th
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, noon to 6 pm

SCC Art Now Online Store

Saskatchewan Craft Council Online Store -- saskcraftcouncil.store
- Dates: Thursday, September 17th to Sunday, September 27th

Shop Now!
Art Now: Saskatchewan Fine Art FairSaskatchewan Craft Council (SCC) is again participating in Art Now Fine Art Fair, the only show of its kind on the prairies. Art Now can be experienced online from anywhere in the world and on location within Saskatchewan.
On Location at SCC Gallery

Visit Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery (813 Broadway Ave, Saskatoon) in person to see 55 Art Now works by SCC artists
- Dates: Thursday, September 17th to Saturday, September 26th
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, noon to 6 pm

SCC Art Now Online Store

Saskatchewan Craft Council Online Store -- saskcraftcouncil.store
- Dates: Thursday, September 17th to Sunday, September 27th

Shop Now!
SaskGalleries’ Art Now Online Gallery

Explore 18 booths from the comfort of your own home at artnow.ca!
- Dates: Thursday, September 17th to Sunday, September 27th

Opening Reception – VIPs OnlyOn September 17th at 6 pm, grab your favourite beverage, visit artnow.ca and enter your access code, and get comfortable.
This year’s reception brings you:

First-access to hundreds of art works for sale
Thousands of dollars worth of door prizes
Gallerists answering all of your questions via chat
SaskMusic has put together a special playlist of all Saskatchewan artists that you can play while you browse

Online Programming Panel Sessions:

Change Your View: Original Art in Your Hom e — Friday, September 18th, 4 pm
A New Way to Buy Art — Saturday, September 19th, 1 pm
Focus: Art in Isolation featuring SCC artist Shane Junop — Sunday, September 20th, 1 pm

Artist Talks by SCC artists:

Mary Lynn Podiluk — Monday, September 21st, 12:30 pm
Kathleen Slavin & Diane Larouche-Ellard — Tuesday, September 22nd, 12:30 pm
DeLee Grant — Wednesday, September 23rd, 12:30 pm
Ruth Langwieser — Wednesday, September 23rd, 4 pm

Here is a great Artist Talk and Studio Visit by Mary Lynn Podiluk!

0 Comments

"FROM SCRATCH" EXHIBITION

9/23/2020

0 Comments

It has been five years since the Saskatchewan Craft Council has hosted a group exhibition by our members. From Scratch showcases over 20 SCC Juried Professional Craftspeople working in a variety of craft media.

"From scratch” originated from the line scratched in the ground from where competitors began a race. To make something “from scratch” these days, is to make something from nothing. Using foundational materials to make something new continues to be a critical component of craft. However, the advent of various tools and the blurred line between craft and art have introduced new conceptual frameworks to this tradition. From Scratch considers the wide variety and complexity of technique and intent that exists in our contemporary craft world. Making from scratch will always be valued; but in an increasingly complex world, what else can we make and how can we make it?

From Scratch runs until November 6, 2020.

SHOP ONLINE:

https://saskcraftcouncil.store/collections/from-scratch/

https://saskcraftcouncil.org/exhibitions/from-scratch/

Melody Armstrong's Statement:
     "I have always been fascinated by the mysterious potential that metals have to offer and the opportunity of transforming their original properties in order to stretch the scope of what can be achieved.

      What is particularly distinctive about my body of work is its structural form, created to deliberately play with negative and positive space. My jewellery designs testify to the textural dynamic and technical approach within my practice, seeming to have evolved organically, taking on an industrial influence. The varied interplay of surface treatments create distinctive contrasts, evoking vividness of exquisite dimensions, which are rich, bold and engaging.


   Through exploration and experimentation using raw materials, my creative spontaneity flourishes, allowing me to create a contemporary body of work from scratch, providing me the opportunity to integrate new techniques and design possibilities.

     The INTERSECTION OF THREE series evolved from designs I developed in my sketchbook, three organic forms overlapping, creating intersection areas and adding points of interest. Revisiting these illustrations years later I was inspired to take them further by actualizing them into hollow constructed forms made out of silver, gold and precious gemstones. These reversible pendants are essentially pencil “scratch” and raw materials, transforming into something precious, a fine craft art form."
#fromscratchexhibition

INTERSECTION OF THREE – CURVES – 2017. Sterling silver, SI1 diamond, black diamond, 14k gold. 41.9cm chain. $1400
Scoring and bending, soldering, piercing, stone setting, texturing, oxidizing.
3.8x2.8x1.2cm

INTERSECTION OF THREE - SMOOTH – 2017. Sterling silver, amethyst, garnet, 14k gold. 42.8cm chain. $1200
Scoring and bending, soldering, piercing, stone setting, texturing, oxidizing.
3.5x2.5x1.3cm

INTERSECTION OF THREE – TEXTURED – 2017. Sterling silver, citrine, marcasite, 14k gold. 43.2cm chain. $1200
Scoring and bending, soldering, piercing, stone setting, texturing, oxidizing.
3.1x2.5x1.2cm

0 Comments

Custom - OCEAN RIPPLES RING

8/9/2020

0 Comments

Ocean Ripples Ring
Sterling silver and 14k yellow gold around an oval checkerboard cut crystal quartz over turquoise doublet. Size 6.5.
Custom made for a special client,
representing these four elements in the design:
OCEAN
SUN
SAND
WOOD

In progress.

0 Comments

The Earring Show 2020 - Craft Council BC

4/26/2020

0 Comments

PHOTO CREDIT: JODIE WILSON - Display Designer.

The Earring Show – Re-imagined as a Virtual Happy Hour
The Earring Show highlights earrings in every shape, size, material and concept, made by artists across North America. You’ll learn about art jewellery and have exclusive access to purchase these pieces online!
Featuring:
168 earrings from 58 artists
Meet the finalists
Shop with us live- all earrings are available to purchase online on a first come, first serve basis.
Cocktail demo: How to make an craft-tini!
Styling tips for statement earrings

Supporting Craft in BC
As a charitable non-profit, all funds raised from the event go towards CCBC, its programs, and to help promote contemporary crafts in BC and Canada.
Craft BC
Help us keep one of our top events running through the age of social distancing!
https://www.facebook.com/events/259405908530871/

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2020
Time: 4pm PST | 7pm EST
Location: Zoom or Facebook
LiveCost : Voluntary donation

Sip & Shop: The Earring Show is now a virtual happy hour!
Grab a drink and join us on Zoom or Facebook Live on May 9th at 4pm PST (7pm EST) as we showcase this year’s The Earring Show finalists, award the winners and show off the earrings so you can shop, virtually. Also featuring: surprise guests, a cocktail demo, fashion tips and more. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support the craft community—from home!
RSVP to your preferred channel—we’ll be streaming the same live show to both:

register on Zoom
rsvp on Facebook

Keum-Boo Hammered Flat Chain Earrings - sterling silver, 23.5k gold leaf.
$250

Quantic Edge Earrings - sterling silver, bronze, cubic zirconia.
$200

Quantic Cluster Stud Earrings - sterling silver, bronze, cubic zirconia.
$200

Supporting Craft in BC
As a charitable non-profit, all funds raised from the event go towards CCBC, its programs, and to help promote contemporary crafts in BC and Canada.
Help us keep one of our top events running through the age of social distancing!
We look forward to connecting with you at The Earring Show virtual happy hour.
https://craftcouncilbc.ca/tes/

0 Comments

Art Gallery of Regina's Members' Show and Sale

3/2/2020

0 Comments

Celebrate the talent of more than 100 members from across the province at The Art Gallery of Regina's annual Members' Show & Sale.

Members' Show & Sale dates: March 4 to April 9, 2020
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 14, 1- 4 PM

The Art Gallery of Regina's annual Members' Show & Sale features over 300 original works by more than 100 members from across the province. Showcasing the diverse media and approaches in the art practices of the Art Gallery of Regina's members, each one-of-a-kind item in the main gallery from March 4 to April 9 is for sale. Prices are accessible to anyone looking to bring more art into their lives while honouring the many years of hard work artists have invested in developing their talent and unique artistic voice.

Enjoy refreshments, conversation and art at the afternoon reception on Saturday, March 14th.

A much-anticipated event, The Art Gallery of Regina's Members' Show & Sale, is an exciting opportunity for the gallery’s members to exhibit and sell their work while supporting our programming. A portion of artwork proceeds from the Annual Members' Show & Sale supports the Art Gallery of Regina's free exhibitions and affordable workshops.

The Art Gallery of Regina is a non-profit, public gallery and a registered charity. Thank you for supporting both the Art Gallery of Regina and our members!
Visit us!
Art Gallery of Regina
2420 Elphinstone Street
Regina, SK
Email: agr@sasktel.net
Phone: 306.522.5940

https://www.artgalleryofregina.ca/current-exhibition

Regular Hours: We are open seven days a week!
Monday to Thursday 11 am to 7 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 1-5 pm

As an Art Gallery of Regina member, I have six pieces from my newest jewellery line, on display and for sale!

MAGMA RING - sterling silver, bronze.
13mm wide band, inside diameter 20.1mm.
Size 10.5.
$325

MAGMA NECKLACE - sterling silver, bronze.
38mm long x 24.2mm wide.
24" 2.1mm oxidized silver rolo chain.
$225

MEDIEVAL RING - sterling silver, bronze, cubic zirconia.
11-12mm wide band, inside diameter 18.9mm.
Size 9.
$300

LAVA STUD EARRINGS - sterling silver, bronze.
9.6mm long x 6mm wide.
$185

LAVA NECKLACE - sterling silver, bronze.
15.5mm long x 7.4mm wide.
21.5" 1.5mm oxidized silver rolo chain.
$175

LAVA RING - sterling silver, bronze.
6mm wide band, inside diameter 17.7mm.
Size 7.5.
$200

FUSING - the process of melting scraps of silver onto sheet silver to create very interesting surface effects.
Part of the Sunday afternoon Lathe and Metal Inlays class taught by Jewellery Instructor: Terry Johnston,
at the Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
During this class we were introduced to inlays and married metals including reticulating silver onto copper sheet
and fusing silver onto silver sheet.
I was really inspired and am having a lot of fun experimenting with this new technique!
I like the freedom of working with this process, the rawness and roughness of the textures.
I like how each piece is unique and organic in nature, reminding me of lava or stucco.
I have incorporated bronze squares and chunks into this rustic surface.
You can view more of this new jewellery line
on my SHOP page
or
in my Etsy Shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/melodyarmstrong

0 Comments