Saturday, February 28, 2009

More new jewelry!

We have been on a jewelry kick at the gallery lately. We can't help it! It's all so unique and we really feel like it's the perfect addition to our traditional wall art and sculpture in the gallery. Besides, who doesn't love jewelry?

One of our newest jewelry designers is Veto. Based out of Luzern, Switzerland, the jewelry is all stainless steel with diamond, pearl, and semi-precious stone accents. Much of the jewelry has an architectural feel to it, like the ring at left, with it's delicate swoop and floating pearl. Veto has both men's and women's designs, with most of its rings ranging from $80 to $250. We've placed another order, so look for many new rings in the coming weeks.


Vinosus has long been a favorite of ours and we've sold a good bit of it recently, so it was time for another order. Artists Brit-Simone Sutter and Marty Kneeland work together in their Tacoma, Washington studio to create fine jewelry in sterling silver, gold, pearls, and semi-precious stones. Much of their jewelry combines silver and gold, which is always has an elegant, classy feel to it. We've also picked up some newer work in their classic, brushed sterling silver line. Look for the Nautilus earrings, at right, to join our collection of new Vinosus jewelry in the next 1 to 2 weeks.


We've also placed another order with perennial Monsoon favorite Todd Reed. We've added on to our recent order at the Philly show, this time adding 3 rings that could be used as unique engagement rings. This is new territory for Monsoon. While we've always had work with traditional, cut diamonds, along with Todd's raw diamonds, we've never had anything that screams engagement ring like these new ones from Todd Reed. My personal favorite is pictured below. With a band in 18K yellow gold, patinated silver, plus almost 2 carats of rose-cut diamonds, this ring screams unique elegance. It's the perfect ring for the special woman in your life, or just a nice treat for yourself. The other 2 rings feature more rose-cut diamonds in a deep champagne color and another in a dark red. Todd's designs continue to amaze all of us here and I'm sure any visitor to our gallery or online shop. Look for them by the end of March.


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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

New Jewelry Artists

The Philadelphia Buyer's Market of American Craft turned out to more than just a chance to catch up with our favorite jewelry artists. We also gathered tons of information and we're excited to introduce 3 new jewelry artists to our collection.

First up is Ananda Khalsa. All of Ananda's jewelry features a unique, original painting under glass, in either sterling silver or 22K gold. With images like maple trees in spring and autumn, violets, dragonflies, ravens, and bluebirds, Ananda's delicate jewelry is perfect for the art lover in all of us. Since each piece is unique, it truly is your own wearable work of art. Check out the Raven Petal Necklace at left for a sneak peek. Look for Ananda's jewelry in the gallery and in our online shop sometime mid-March.


We're also very excited for new work by Belle Brooke. Handmade in Los Angeles, Belle's work features sterling silver, gold, precious and semi-precious stones in creative settings. Belle uses small tubes that are then soldered in singular batches to create the patterned circles in each piece of her work. With simple pendants, plus more intricate work, like the lariat at right, make Belle Brooke's designs unlike any other. Look for Belle's work at the gallery soon. With a variety of styles and stones, there is definitely something for everyone.

Last but not least is Maine-based jewelry artist Martha Sullivan. Her jewelry incorporates sterling silver, gold, precious stones, and pearls and each piece is stamped with one of her signature Martha Sullivan patterns. With pattern names like joy, sticks and stones, leaf, oval, spiral, and oval oval, the pattern on the jewelry adds a little something extra to her designs. Her simple, elegant designs are perfect for everyday, but can easily be dressed up for a night out. Check out the two rings below - they're both a part of our order and should be in the gallery by the end of March.

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Friday, February 20, 2009

New Artist - Mike Bell

We have a new artist in the gallery, painter Mike Bell. Hailing from the Northumberland area of England, Mike was a teacher for 30 years, but has since fully devoted himself to painting. He's very intrigued by the contrast in nature of order and chaos. His paintings are highly textured studies of color, shape, and light. They will be hanging for First Friday on March 6th, so make sure you check them out when you stop by to see the opening of Olaf Starorypinski and Scott Nichol's show Contrasts.

Here are Mike's feelings about his work, in his own words: "I am inspired by 30 years living and working on the Northumberland coast and now in the wilds of Redesdale, near Scottish Borders. I’m fascinated by patterns of sand on the beach, piles of seaweed/driftwood order and chaos together. Images I create use a wide materials, sand, soil coal dust, driftwood are often embedded in the paint surface. I want paintings to be as natural as possible. I rarely use a brush, but rather fingers, knife, trowel, sand, spray paints plus lots of builder’s materials to create impasto surfaces. I experiment with holographic foils in paint to simulate wonderful light in Northumberland. Moving to Redesdale, I have been inspired and become aware of the interaction of man and nature, in the Otterburn Ranges military roads, bunkers and old tanks contrast with crags, quarries, moorland and forest to create a wonderful tapestry at different times of year. Rock strata, strange cloud formations, moody sunsets, reflections in rivers and lakes have me rushing for a sketchbook or camera. “The Land of Far Horizons” Northumberland has light which enhances the tactile quality of the landscape no matter what the season. I hope my work stimulates a wide range of perceptions and feelings for this “land of far horizons.” Other influences/artists I admire include Turner, John Blockley, Andy Goldsworthy, Cezanne, Tapies and many more."

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Saturday, February 14, 2009

Philadelphia Buyer's Market

On Thursday, Rori and Ranjeet headed to Philly for the Philadelphia Buyer's Market show. One of our favorite shows, it has tons of fine, handmade jewelry and exquisite blown glass. Despite leaving Philly with 2 parking tickets, the day was very successful. They were able to catch up with Todd and Andrea at Todd Reed. His raw diamonds set in sterling and 18K & 24K gold are unique and gorgeous. We've gotten a lot of new jewelry in from them lately, plus we ordered some more at the show, so check back soon for the new work!

Rori was able to stop and say hi to Elijah at Figs & Ginger. All of their nature-inspired jewelry is eco-friendly and contains at lease 50% recycled materials. We just got a lot of new jewelry in from them as well. I already had the Elliot Ring and now I'm the proud owner of the Circle Mountain Necklace too!

Ranjeet and Rori also made time to stop by and say hello to everyone at Vinosus, Sue Rosengard, and Angela Duffin. Look for new work by Angela Duffin in the next few weeks.

They were also able to pick up a brand new jewelry artist for the gallery, Kathy Bransfield. Kathy's jewelry features a combination of gold and silver. Most pieces have 2 parts: a covering that flips open to reveal a hand-stamped inspirational message or quote. Look for Kathy's work at the gallery soon. We'll announce its arrival here on the blog first!

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Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

Welcome to the first volume of Monsoon's Greatest Hits. Greatest Hits is a biweekly spotlight on some of our favorite shows from the past. First up - crayon sculptor extraordinaire Herb Williams show "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants."

In July and August 2008, Monsoon Gallery was filled with the bright color and unmistakable smell that is the art of Herb Williams.

That smell is wax, for Williams' media is the crayon. The Nashville-based artist is one of the few individuals in the world who has an account with Crayola; he uses thousands and thousands of crayons to create each of his unique sculptures. Using an epoxy to connect the crayons and various cutting devices to add three-dimensionality, Williams has created national buzz for his whimsical and striking pieces.

Since giving up traditional materials, Williams has made crayon sculptures of animals, household items, and famous faces. A portrait of a Marilyn Monroe centerfold used a quarter of a million crayons (most of them Peach).

The Monsoon show included many flowers – a perfect subject choice due to the intense saturation of color the crayons give Williams – as well as several homages to great artists throughout history. Williams' art can be enjoyed by all, but audiences with knowledge of art history will especially enjoy seeing his take on the work of artists such as Jim Dine, Damien Hirst, Paul Cezanne, and Roy Lichtenstein. The pieces are bright and colorful, at once immediately enjoyable on their own, but also playful winks to art history. All sculpted out of crayon.

"I have more cases of crayons in my studio than anyone should have a right to own," Williams said. "But the sight and scent of it all will usually provoke a smile. That in itself, is worthy of pursuing."

Check back soon for some of the articles about Herb's show. It was well received throughout the Lehigh Valley. We had grandparents, parents, kids, young couples, pretty much everyone stopped by to see Herb's work. Check out Herb's portfolio page to see more of his work, some of which is still in the gallery.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Contrasts - Olaf Starorypinski & Scott Nichol



"Contrasts"
Interpretations of the Female Figure by Two Contemporary Photographers

Show Runs:
March 6th - March 31st
First Friday Artist Reception:
March 6th, 7:00pm - 10:00pm


As two of the premier photographers in the Lehigh Valley, Scott Nichol and Olaf Starorypinski have turned their lenses on everything from families to forests. They also have their share of experience with that old favorite: the female form. Monsoon Galleries in Bethlehem will host a stunning series of figurative photography from Nichol and Starorypinski for the month of March.

Olaf Starorypinski was born in London to Polish parents. He has lived in the Lehigh Valley for nearly two decades, currently residing in Emmaus and working from a studio in Bethlehem’s Banana Factory. His background as a light designer influences his photography ­ sharp, vivid work with intriguing subjects and flawless technique. He photographs models in his studio and in some surprising, and recognizable settings. Bethlehem Steel has been photographed many times, but Starorypinski contrasts the stark industrial backgrounds with the soft curves of nude models for a stunning result unlike anything you have ever seen.

Starorypinski’s work calls to mind David Bailey, Robert Mapplethorpe, Howard Schatz, and Helmut Newton ­ photographic masters known for technique and precision but even moreso for style and soul.

The photography of Scott Nichol of Allentown also includes nude portraits in exotic locales. In one series, the female form is exposed against natural settings such as woods and rivers. Both model and setting are striking works of natural beauty. His in-studio works are just as striking, using movement and studio lighting to create forms that are sometimes ghostly, sometimes sculptural, and always beautiful. He captures on film the ephemeral nature of feminine beauty with style and grace.

Nichol’s work has been featured in American Photo, Photographer’s Forum and several galleries across the region.

Two fine-art photographers, one classic subject. Figurative photography on display and on sale at Monsoon Galleries for the month of March.

What: "Contrasts": Figurative Photography at Monsoon Galleries
When: March 6 - March 31.
First Friday Artist Reception: March 6 (7pm-10pm)
Where: Monsoon Gallery 11 E 3rd St Bethlehem, PA 18015 (610) 866-6600

Greetings!

Hello everyone!

Monsoon Gallery is finally join the blogosphere! We'll be updating you on the latest happenings at the gallery, like our upcoming shows, new jewelry we're getting in, or special sales and promotions. Plus we'll also be posting some pictures from past shows and some our "greatest hits" articles. Who doesn't love a trip down memory lane? Stay tuned to this space for updates and changes!

In the meantime, check out our website www.MonsoonGalleries.com With a brand new add to cart feature on all of our artwork and jewelry, shopping online at Monsoon has never been easier. Use the coupon code MonsoonRocks at checkout and get 20% off any item in our entire store! Coupon valid through March 1.