Artist Interview: Judi Erno of Urban Baroque Jewelry
This week’s interview is with Sewickley jewelry artist, Judi Erno of Urban Baroque. Judi’s designs combine various elements (fiber, metal, stone, clay, glass) to create truly unique pieces. She has a knack for balancing the classic with the contemporary, the earthy with the urban, the raw with the polished. Her design fluency allows her to explore the spectrum of feminine and masculine styles. Whatever her materials and wherever her designs take her, Judi’s work is like a breath of fresh air. A woman of many talents, Judi worked as a professional caterer and restaurant manager… Read More
Artist Interview: Nicole Bloch of erra creations
Big-hearted. Open. Upbeat. Energetic. Ambitious. Hard-working. Environmentally Responsible. Problem-solving. Creative. These are words that come to mind when we think of Koolkat artist, Nicole Bloch of erra creations. Nicole lives her values, not only in her personal life, but in her professional life as well. Recently Nicole’s generosity of spirit inspired a blog post by Marketing Consultant, Shawn Graham: “… All I needed to do was ask what other exhibitors [Nicole] thought I should check out. Without skipping a beat, she proceeded to give me a personal tour of some of the other booths…. Read More
Artist Interview: Jim Zahniser of Red Robot Design & Illustration
Okay, campers, rise and shine. It’s Artist Interview time! Music aficionado and Koolkat jewelry artist, Samantha Bower, stumbled across some bold and colorful poster-style portraits of Rock’n Roll, Blues, and Country musicians while browsing online one day. Turns out that these “Icons of Music” were created by Forest Hills illustrator, Jim Zahniser. We were immediately struck by his strong design sense—his superb line quality, his masterful manipulation of positive and negative space, and his dynamic color and pattern choices. With a little sleuthing, we were able to track Jim down, and were delighted when… Read More
Artist Interview: Ken Wagle of StudioWagle
There is no better time to feature this artist than during the holiday season. To all who meet him, two things become clear: 1) Ken Wagle embodies the spirit of Santa Claus. 2) Ken Wagle is the artists’ artist. Never without his sketchbook or means of making art, Ken Wagle’s artistic repertoire includes, but is not limited to, his collectible Santa and wildlife woodcarvings, drawings, paintings, scrimshaw-like engravings done on found materials, and iPhone art. A graduate of Advertising Art & Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Ken retired in 1998… Read More
Artist Interview: Paula Nettleship of designs2c
On Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 5pm, Koolkat will be hosting a Trunk Show for Mt. Lebanon artist, Paula Nettleship of designs2c. Paula is known for her intricate bead work, such as her beaded Swarovski crystal rivoli collection, her versatile designs, and unique color schemes. She was recently invited by the Cleveland Museum of Art to have her jewelry featured in their 11th Annual Wearable Art Fashion Show & Boutique in 2014. Her trunk show is a feast for the eyes, and one of the season’s most anticipated. Koolkat owner, Kate… Read More
Artist Interview: Jeanne Shuff of Jeanne Marie Jewelry
On Saturday, December 7th, from 10am to 5pm, Koolkat will be hosting a Trunk Show featuring the work of local jewelry artist, Jeanne Shuff of Jeanne Marie Jewelry. Jeanne designs and handcrafts jewelry using quality materials such as stones, Swarovski crystals and Czech glass. Her attention to detail and skill at various beading techniques give her work a high level of finish. Her jewelry often features a monochromatic color scheme to allow the texture and the beauty of the natural and semi-precious gemstones to take center stage. A generous and gifted teacher,… Read More
Artist Interview: Samantha Bower of designs-by-samantha
Mt. Lebanon jewelry artist, Samantha Bower of designs-by-samantha is a gem. A talented jewelry designer, devoted mother, teacher, savvy entrepreneur, and a member of the Pittsburgh Beer Ladies, Samantha amazes us with all that she is able to juggle and accomplish. With her keen eye, sense of style, and impressive body of work, it is no wonder that she is one of Koolkat’s top-selling artists. When asked about Samantha, Koolkat owner Kate McGrady replied, “When I met Samantha seven years ago she was a teacher with a hobby. It has been my extreme pleasure… Read More
Artist Interview: Susan Fiori of CHA-CHING Coin Jewelry
Coins and jewelry have long been bedfellows, dating back to the early days of coin minting. According to Rayner W. Hesse’s book, Jewelrymaking Through History: An Encyclopedia, Roman men and women first began adorning their necks with coin pendants and amulets as early as the first- to third-century C.E. Through the ages, other cultures, like the Vikings and Rai women of Nepal, incorporated coins into their daily fashion. Coin jewelry became popular in the United States in the 1880s when male soldiers and travelers turned foreign coins into “sweetheart jewelry” for their… Read More