Saturday, October 2, 2010

hello, my name is

(stands up hesitatingly)




mary jane dodd... and i have an uncontrollable desire to figure out how to make things myself... 


like many of you, i have been making manifest the things i envision for much of my life... in different media and with different techniques... 


what set off the whole adornment 'thing' was sundance catalog over 10 yrs. ago... i would look through the pages and think 'i can do that'... and so i started trying... 


but it wasn't until my entry into the world of blogging/etsy/flickr that i really started to develop a style and find ways to express myself... it was like falling into a virtual artists commune... people working through different kinds of problems - be they the technical, inspirational, or even business type... being a studio jeweler can be isolating (and add 3 kids into the mix and there is no time for anything!)


i am of the belief that we are continuously subjected to so much external stimuli that we can lose our way easily... i like to think of the pieces i create as bridges to your Self... ways to get back to what is important to you when you are feeling overwhelmed... 



life is bittersweet - for all of us... i find affirmation in words and hope that you find a connection with them as well... gemstones are used for their metaphysical properties... i prefer using mixed media - the bringing together of metal and fiber is a tangible way of expressing fragile strength - a quality i think many women share... resin can take an antique page of text and preserve it for many many years to come... enamel allows me to add my own color (something i have learned from another lmaj member who you will meet)... as does adding patina (also learned from a talented lmaj member)... 


we at lmaj look forward to sharing our journey with you - the accomplishments and the set backs, all the while moving forward... 


i invite you to stop by my blog @  www.mairedodd.blogspot.com ~

6 comments:

indie grrrl said...

Hi Mary Jane, nice to meet you! The Sundance catalog was also a muse of mine back then. Could flip thru it for hours! I thought your same thoughts, but never acted on them. Too afraid, maybe? Well 10+ years later, I am doing my best to push past the resistance and start where I left off( the beginning) and give it a try. LOVE your work and your blog and especially your message today. THANK YOU!!!! xo Sandy

Alice said...

Mary Jane, your blog has been an inspration to me ever since I came across it. I love that your jewelry does more than just adorn the body.

I'm pretty timid in my efforts to move my jewelry beyond stringing, mostly because I lack the confidence to say 'hey, I really can do this, and do it well'. But I am making baby steps and slowly getting there. I owe it all to the caring, talented, and sharing artists I visit on the internet. Thank you for being one of them, even though you may not have known it.

TesoriTrovati said...

stand up and shout it loud, mary jane. you are an artist of the highest caliber and integrity. it is a privilege that i know you and you never cease to inspire me.

i am in awe of the community of members that you have created here with lmaj. i am excited to watch you all develop and grow and share your passions and inspiration with all of us.

enjoy the day!
xo
e

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Nice Introduction.
This Collaboration is "a good thing".

stregata said...

You are such an artist, sweet Mary Jane. I love your work and the passion you create with and I look forward to being inspired by you for much, much longer.

Judy said...

Mary Jane your creativity is evident in your art jewelry and your voice...such a beautifully written intro of such a talented lady.

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