Artist Spotlight: Part Eighty-Four

You've met John here before, as well as here and here.  The quality of his work, though, is so breathtaking that he's worth another look.  So... look.

I do get suck a kick out of the "fight like a girl" pendant, but I really want to own this last tourmaline one.  Take note, people, since my birthday is next month!

For more of this beauty, check out his shop!

Artist Spotlight: Part Seventy-Four

Did I ever mention how completely obsessed I am with chainmaille?  I am, whether it's silver, copper, or pretty much any other metal, with or without stones, in just about any shape.  Well, the artist I've got for you this time is one heck of a designer and creator of chainmaille pieces, Andrew of Chainmaille by MBOI.

Just look at these.  Just look and marvel!

And as one of the driving forces between the Handmade Artists Forum and Handmade Artists Shop, Andrew is a true supporter of handmade.  In fact, he seeks to encourage others, and has for sale in his shop a tutorial for this cool Byzantine weave.

By the way, he and his wife Kimberly are generally just awesome people.  I know, 'cause they traipsed all the way up to north Jersey to see me in a show and I got to hang out with them.  Definitely check him out!

Artist Spotlight: Part Fifty

Wow, this is the 50th artist I'm spotlighting here at Reef Botanicals!  I've got a good one for you this week, too.  Meet John, of Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry, also known on Artfire as Gemlover.  You can tell that's an accurate moniker; this guy loves gems.

In fact, this artisan from South Carolina has had such a passion for rocks and rockhounding since he was a small child that he obtained his BS and MS in geology from Rensselaer!  That, my friends, is dedication.  He didn't stop there, though.  His passion was fostered by his wife, who bought a bunch of gemstones, brought them to John, and asked, "What are these?"

... and off John set into the world of gemology, studying to be a professional gemologist, doing lapidary and cutting his own stones, becoming certified as an accredited jewelry professional, and obtaining his jewelry design and repair certificate.

Most of his work at this point is comprised of custom pieces he makes for people, but his artfire shop is still chock full of great items.

What I really love about his work are the really unique settings  he creates, as well as the often irregular cuts of stones.

Mixed amongst those really interesting pieces are sophisticated ones like this ring.

Beautiful!  To read more about John and his work, be sure to check out his blog.  Amazing stuff on there, trust me.