Page 15 - Paradise City Guide Fall 2018
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Fashion & Jewelry
Wiwat Kamolpornwijit was an environmental
engineer when he emigrated from Thailand. But
serendipity happens, and what began by helping a
friend create tiny polymer flowers as a fundraising
activity for his temple blossomed into a full-time
career. Kamolpornwijit uses the vibrant colors of
polymer clay to create dramatic one-of-a-kind
jewelry, hand-forming each piece in his studio in Alexandria, Virginia. He
uses a mix of approaches to create his incredibly complex designs, including
caning, engraving, weaving, layering, and self-invented techniques.
“I like the challenge of making an unusual shape, using techniques like
caning which the Italians have used for centuries to make Murano glass,” he says. He combines many different colors and patterns of clay into a single
roll and then slices the roll to reveal the complex pattern. Kamolpornwijit adds beads, wire, sterling silver, stainless steel and even rubber to complement
his nature-inspired designs. This highly original work has received numerous NICHE Awards and been featured in publications, including Polymer
Journeys: The Art and Craft of Polymer and 1000 Beads from Lark Books. He makes his Paradise City debut at Marlborough this November.
Lotus Necklace, polymer clay, lava beads and sterling silver; 24” long.
The exacting nature of Dallae Kang’s jewelry and sculpture requires
intense concentration, allowing this new metalsmith to find
“tranquility, order, and comfort” in making sure each tiny element
is in the right place. “I believe beautiful things have the power
of enchantment to pacify and purify one's mind,” says Kang. The
simple lines, clusters and geometric shapes in her necklaces, rings,
brooches and earrings speak of her love of nature. Her work is not
limited to jewelry. She often creates tiny, beautiful and sometimes humorous pieces – like
floral nosegays or intricately crafted silver ice cream cones inspired by her favorite food!
Kang graduated from San Diego State University in 2003 with an MFA in Jewelry and
Metalsmithing. Now a resident of Western Massachusetts, she has been repeatedly
recognized for her outstanding designs. Her work is featured in numerous books,
including The Art and Craft of Making Jewelry: A Complete Guide to Essential Techniques;
500 Necklaces: Contemporary Interpretations of a Timeless Form; Textile Techniques in
Metal and Metalsmith – Volume 22. She was a finalist for NICHE Awards in Silver and
Vermeil Jewelry, Sculptural Metal, and Fine Jewelry with Stones. Meet Dallae Kang at
Paradise City Marlborough.
Uniqueness in Order, brooch. 22k bi-metal and sterling silver. 1.5” x 1.5”.
Kristin Gereau has a passion for "playing around with materials" and
has always been fascinated by the seductive textures and colors of
textiles. She pushes the limits of her Brother knitting machine to create
hand-loomed scarves from super-soft, eco-friendly fibers, such as
Merino wool, silk and bamboo. Gereau designs her scarves to have a
three-dimensional, sculptural quality by hand-manipulating each piece
on a knitting loom, and then washing it to create a felted, wearable
work of art. “I like the idea of creating something that is unique and a little bit playful,
allowing wearers to express their personalities,” says Gereau. Rich colors and unexpected
details are a hallmark of her work. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in 2002
with a degree in Textiles, Gereau now makes her home in Waukesha, Wisconsin and will
show her work at Paradise City Marlborough for the first time this fall.
Infinity Scarf, knit from a light weight linen yarn with a hand-knit Tencel yarn
embellishment. Knit, hand-dyed and pieced together.
call 800.511.9725 for more information | 15