Tell us a little about your websites.
I have designed my website with the little web designing skills that I have!! It is a pretty basic site, but it does feature most of my past and current collections. Check it out: http://www.colleencatherine.com/
There is also a link to my etsy page, where you can purchase some of my work online.
I have designed my website with the little web designing skills that I have!! It is a pretty basic site, but it does feature most of my past and current collections. Check it out: http://www.colleencatherine.com/
There is also a link to my etsy page, where you can purchase some of my work online.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I started designing and creating jewelry about 5 years ago. I studied Art History and Metalworking in Pennsylvania, Rome, and New York City. I am currently selling my work in a few stores in Philadelphia. They are the Curiosity Shoppe on South Street, Mew Gallery in the Italian Market, and Bambi Gallery in Fishtown.
I have been teaching a metalworking and jewelry design course for the past two years at the UC Arts League in West Philadelphia, as well as a sculpture class to 7-9 year old at Fleisher Art Memorial. A current project is developing a ceramic/metal mixed-media course at the Arts League with a fellow designer and ceramicist, Yasha Bulter. (ucartsleague.org)
Also, I have jewelry/metalworking studio is at the Philadelphia Institute for Advanced Study, also known as PIFAS, in Fishtown, where all my work is made.
Tell us about your recent artwork.
Right now, I am designing the city collection. This collection includes: earring, necklace pendants, and bracelets. Designing this collection has been very experimental for me, as it is the first collection that I am using a precious metal, silver. My past collections have consisted of mixed media, such as electric wires, clock pieces, copper, aluminum, plastic, etc.
In the city collection, I am trying to recreate the look of a city environment that is in a wearable and simple form. Here, I am taking the look of Philadelphia’s environment, breaking down into basic shapes/forms. The viewer can see just a resemblance or in some cases, just a line of the original space, so this design really becomes my personal view of the city.
Describe the environment and atmosphere in which you work. Do you generally work alone or with people?
Right now, I am designing the city collection. This collection includes: earring, necklace pendants, and bracelets. Designing this collection has been very experimental for me, as it is the first collection that I am using a precious metal, silver. My past collections have consisted of mixed media, such as electric wires, clock pieces, copper, aluminum, plastic, etc.
In the city collection, I am trying to recreate the look of a city environment that is in a wearable and simple form. Here, I am taking the look of Philadelphia’s environment, breaking down into basic shapes/forms. The viewer can see just a resemblance or in some cases, just a line of the original space, so this design really becomes my personal view of the city.
Describe the environment and atmosphere in which you work. Do you generally work alone or with people?
Working at PIFAS is a very open and social environment. When designing and piecing my work, I am usually alone in my studio; however, PIFAS is comprised of 18 studios, with about 22 artists working on a variety of different mediums. The space is very creative and positively effectual on my work.
Is it quiet or do you play music?
Ha, usually music is being played whether it is mine or the artist in the studio next to me!
Ha, usually music is being played whether it is mine or the artist in the studio next to me!
What interests do you have other than art?
Other than art, I am very interested in social change and education. I also work at a literacy non-profit called the Children’s Literacy Initiative. Basically, we reach out to urban teachers, PreK to 3rd grade, to provide them the professional skills and instruction they need to educate their students in literacy.
