Madonna & Child-The Most Beloved Icon

Of all the subject matter throughout art history, the Madonna and Child has been the most recognized-- from Pre-Renaissance and beyond.

The viewer does not have to be of Christian faith to feel the connection and powerful presence of the relationship.  It has an intriguing draw that is identifiable on the personal level.

In this particular miniature painting brooch, set in filigree European silver (800)- the expression is finely detailed-right down to the intricacy of the blue eyes and dark pupils. Her pose is unusual with the extended neck upwards, draws you deep into the focus of the subject matter.

For more information on this piece or other vintage religious jewelry, please visit my Etsy Shop: vyktoryas.etsy.com

Artist Inspiration

We are a by-product of what we have experienced.

 As an artist, I always find myself inspired by nature. My ceramics reflect the natural earthtones without much fabricated color. And when I do occassionally use glaze, it's with  nature's influence. Sea Urchins are one of my favorites. I love the bulbness, orb shape and use it in various forms. Quartz agates are another of my favorites, with graduation of shades, dark to light, brings depth as it cascades over the carved clay designs. To view more of my ceramics, please visit my online store: Vyktoryas.Etsy.com.

Transitional Eve- A Work in Progress

It's been 11 years since I've redesigned my "Eve Series." The change is a little intimidating, especially since it's been a very successful series. But after a decade, there was a strong feeling that "Eve" needed  a new design to reflect all the "newness" that was going on in my life. 
The redesign has began and this is the first phase of the test samples, in their "work in progress" stage.

Onward and upward... to a New Eve.

More Musing in.... The Santa Fe Style

This latest creation in from an old, 1940s wood spoon rack that had some chips and nicks and didn't look too appealing in its current state. Even though I had some restoration stains and fixers, I decided to try a new look in the Santa Fe Style. Using paints on hand, regular household primer with color and acrylic art paint , I applied the medium-dark color first. Once that dried, I lightly went over it with the dry brushed the lighter color and blended in a  few darker colored (green & blue) accent strokes with the art paint. After it was dried completely,  I gently sanded the edges and thin spots to expose the different shades of the natural wood underneath.

It's still a work in process since I may decide to add some hooks and make it more practical.

Once completed, it will either go into a local consignment store, an Etsy store, or entered into a local arts & crafts show.

Stay tuned for more adventures in......creative endeavors.

NOTE: This item has SOLD.

The Cross- Religious Symbol and Fashion Icon

Springtime, always brings up a few familiar things to mind- The Easter Bunny, Colored Eggs, and The Cross-symbolizing the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ after his Crucifixion.

To many Christians and Catholics, it's an powerful religious symbol. But for those who design, it's quite the powerful fashion icon that has withstood over 2000 years of humanity's history.

From its early basic unadorned, wood of early millenniums,  to ornate solid gold, encrusted with fine precious gems of monarchy-with many variations of style and design in between-The Cross continues to intrigue people from all religious and cultural backgrounds to this day.

If you would like more information on the crosses featured in this blog, please visit us my Etsy Store: vyktoryas.etsy.com

Naked Clay

In college, while most of my classmates focused on formulating dramatic glazes, I focused on the clay itself. The natural colors of the clay and the graininess were its own beauty. Adding glazes over the clay just seemed to disrupt that beauty, for me.

With my interest in prehistoric art at the time, I found the perfect medium-ceramics, where I could
explore and experiment. The reduction  process in the kiln (oxygen deprived during the firing)-- allowed for levels of depth as the minerals in the clay, rich in iron- pulled to the surface for those extra "touches" of contrast color for added perspective.

When I approached galleries and boutiques, they were all reluctant to take on my "naked clay works" as it was, and still is known as.  But the ones who ventured-- were all delightfully surprised by their sales--since "Flashy-Bling, and Bright-Loud", was the "In Thing" at the time.

The Naked Clay Collection is a simple, yet powerful series-- and continues to touch : the mind, heart, and soul, over a decade later of its inception.

The Zen Box and flat orb have SOLD.

To view more pieces in the series, please check out my Etsy Store:  vyktoryas.etsy.com

Victorian Etruscan Revival Era

One of my favorite jewelry designs comes from the Etruscans (Italy). Little was know about these mysterious settlers in Italy. In addition to being credited for showing the Romans how to build aquaducts and arches, they were also master goldsmiths, with  unique meshing of various style and techinques, influenced by all parts of the world-all blended together. The Mid Victorian Era was also captivated by their elegance.

The classic Etruscan beading is reflected all across the frontside (see picture below). 

This antique beauty is currently a featured item in this curated Etsy show:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d90dee0fd1c8eef120647b3?ref=af_shop_tre

For more information or if you are interested in purchasing it, it's currently listed in my Etsy Store: vyktoryas.etsy.com.

This item has been SOLD.