Mari Foster Jewelry

Now Available Online at Quirk gallery!

2011-06-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

My "His and Hers" brooches are now available for sale online in the shop at Quirk Gallery!

Stoked! They're working to put more work from Quirk represents into the online store daily, so check it out!

"His and hers" Brooches

Update: one of my Heirloom quilted necklaces is now in the shop as well! check it out!

Heirloom Necklace #3

Resume

2011-03-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Mari Foster Jewelry- Updated Resume

Heirloom Necklaces 3 & 4

2011-03-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Now at Quirk Gallery!

Quilted Jewelry, Heirloom Series Necklaces One and Two

2011-03-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Take a closer look at my Flickr Page

Take a closer look at my other blog, Mari Makes!

Thanks for reading!

New site!

2010-11-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

I will now be posting from here:

Mari Makes

Check out my new space and new creations!

graduation!

2010-05-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

ideas

2010-04-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

Thinking through an idea for a new series dealing with decoys and substitute jewelry, going back to when people owned very elaborate and valuable pieces made of real gems and precious materials, but they keep it locked away, never to been worn, and instead wear cheaper replicas of those pieces. I'm thinking cardboard and silver, maybe integrating my ideas about conversation and mourning jewelry in a technological age.

(i keep seeing a locket symbolizing a lost loved one with TTYL engraved on the cover...)

substitute real for replacement jewelry, substitute genuine relationship for abbreviated communication, loss of value in a sense, but is it still valuable? precious?

some things I'm thinking about. time to research!

My New Studio!

2010-03-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

I'm moved in to my studio space! Still figuring out where everything goes and the layout, but all my stuff is here, I've got my solder torch setup, and I am so close to being ready to work!! It's walls are purple from the previous resident, and we didn't feel like painting :P

Quirk Gallery!

2010-03-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am officially represented by Quirk Gallery!

Today they featured me as the new addition on their blog:
"Mari Foster Rocks Our World"

They are a great group of ladies and I'm so excited to have my work displayed there!

PS:
I'm moving into my new studio space this week at Artspace! Studio 203, come visit!

INK Magazine

2010-02-15T11:22:00.001-08:00

Check me out as the featured artist/cover designer in this month's issue of vcu's INK Magazine!

Issue 3 of Ink Magazine

"Tin Can" detail back

2010-01-20T06:15:00.001-08:00

"Tin Can" detail back
Originally uploaded by Mari Fray Foster

"Before Walkie Talkies" Back detail

Photo Credit: Janpim Wolf

"can you hear me now?" back

2010-01-20T06:14:00.001-08:00

"can you hear me now?" back
Originally uploaded by Mari Fray Foster

Conversations series: Ear Trumpets, back detail

Photo Credit: Janpim Wolf

"Can You Hear Me Now?" brooch

2010-01-19T18:33:00.001-08:00

"Can You Hear Me Now?"
Originally uploaded by Mari Fray Foster

Conversation series:
Ear trumpets

Photo Credit: Janpim Wolf

"Letters" pins

2010-01-19T18:32:00.001-08:00

"Letters" pins
Originally uploaded by Mari Fray Foster

Conversations series: newest piece, pin set based on letter writing!

Photo Credit: Janpim Wolf

Update!

2010-01-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

Since my last post:

* I have graduated with a BFA in Craft and Material Studies/ Jewelery!

* My Windgate Fellowship Application is due in 1 week!

* I had work in 2 shows: 1708's "Small Wonder", and my senior class's "Uncommon Denominator" which I helped curate.

* I sold a brooch I had in "Small Wonder" for $200!

* I had a meeting with Katie Ukrop at Quirk Gallery, and will be represented by Quirk Represents at the end of the month!

* Kyle and I found a cheaper (but somehow much nicer) apartment down the street and will be moving at the end of the month!

I will hopefully be renting out a studio space soon at Artspace, so I can get back to work!

I have some new pieces from the end of the semester, but they're being photographed right now, so I'll have some sweet new images to share next week!

thanks for reading!

Sweater Pins

2009-10-21T13:56:00.001-07:00

IMG_6973ps3
Originally uploaded by marifray.

worn by the lovely Emma Shirley!

"Before Walkie Talkies" Conversations Series, Sweater Pins

2009-10-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

"Before Walkie Talkies" Conversations Series, Sweater Pins
Originally uploaded by marifray.

This piece is based on a childhood invention : the cup and string telephone.
I'm working on a series about Conversations, namely tools for conversation that were once more intimate than many of the ways we communicate in the modern era.

"Pages" necklace, front view

2009-10-18T14:08:00.001-07:00

"Pages" necklace, front view
Originally uploaded by marifray.

Windgate Fellowship Nomination!

2009-10-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

"Hello Mari and *******,

Congratulations! The faculty has nominated you for the Windgate Fellowship. The Windgate Fellowship is a $15,000 award.
You can learn more about this fellowship at: craftcreativitydesign.org
You'll see C/MS alumni Kent Perdue BFA 2009 received one of these awards last year and two of our current Fiber grads have received the award after they finished undergraduate school."

I could set up an entire studio with that kind of money...Amazing! Gotta get some sweet images taken this weekend....

VMFA College Night Slide Slam

2009-10-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

"Dear Mari,

The Museum Studies graduate students have reviewed submissions for the VMFA College Night Slide Slam, and I'm happy to say that the slide of your work "Silhouette Brooch" has been selected for inclusion. "

VMFA College Night/ Roller Derby Slide Slam
October 22, 2009

Sweet!

1708 Gallery Small Wonders Show!

2009-09-29T16:52:00.001-07:00

[Dear Mari,
1708 Gallery would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in our upcoming holiday invitational, Small Wonder...]

I received this letter today in the mail from 1708 Gallery! One of my previous teachers Cindy Myron put me up for this show because she knows the woman choosing the work for it, and here's the note from Jody Symula on my invitational letter:

[Mari - Cindy Myron suggested that you would be perfect for this show. I checked out your work, and I hope to see some of it in the gallery!! Best, Jody]

I'm super excited and grateful to Cindy for being so supportive of me and my work!

Now to decide what works to put in the show...

New photos!

2009-09-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

I made a companion piece to my silhouette brooch, as part of our first assignment to re-make one of our favorite/strongest pieces, here's the result!

New work coming soon

2009-09-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

I'm back!

I've been busy in the studio since August and I have some new work coming this way; my computer is nearing its last days and has stopped allowing me to upload photos off my camera, so I have no pictures yet (there are still pics on there from the honeymoon!) But they are coming!

My senior class is holding a show in November-December as part of our final, so look for updates about that in the near future as well.

I'm hoping to have some time to start working on a line of pieces to sell, either on Etsy or in some local boutiques (or both!), but its been hard to find the time under all my schoolwork! I'm officially graduating in December, and depending on where Kyle's job takes us I'm hoping to get a studio set up and start my post grad work making schedule :}

In other news, (pending the paperwork going through the school) I will be starting an unpaid fieldwork internship to do window dressing at Anthropologie in the next few weeks! I'm extremely excited, (besides it being one of my very fave stores) as it will open a lot of doors for me job wise after school ends, and I get to work with my friend Emily (emilywrightdesigns.blogspot.com) who helped me get the internship! It will take away some of my studio time, but I think i need to do it so I will have to figure out how to manage my time between school and Anthro and baby-sitting and being married!

I'm excited about the work I'm making right now, having a little trouble in the motivation department some days but maybe my narrowed studio schedule will give me a kick in the butt that I need.

Hope to have new images/updates up soon!

June 13 2009

2009-06-14T08:44:00.001-07:00

Cutes
Originally uploaded by the wash

We're marriedz! YAYYAYAYAYy

(image courtesy of carra sykes)

Enamel Brooch

2009-05-09T20:27:00.001-07:00

Enamel Brooch
Originally uploaded by marifray.

Remake of my first enamel brooch! Front view

Enamel Brooch back

2009-05-09T20:26:00.001-07:00

Enamel Brooch back
Originally uploaded by marifray.

Remake of my first enamel brooch! back view

Faces neckpiece back

2009-05-09T20:24:00.003-07:00

Faces neckpiece back
Originally uploaded by marifray.

New piece, brass cutout faces painted and set in plastic cabochons set in silver bezels that are cutout in a repeat of the same face profile.

Faces neckpiece front

2009-05-09T20:24:00.001-07:00

Faces neckpiece front
Originally uploaded by marifray.

New piece, brass cutout faces painted and set in plastic cabochons set in silver bezels that are cutout in a repeat of the same face profile.

Legs neckpiece

2009-05-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Legs neckpiece
Originally uploaded by marifray.

detail

Legs neckpiece

2009-05-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

Legs neckpiece
Originally uploaded by marifray.

Newest piece, done overnight for my final critique of the semester!
The legs are cast in plastic off of a pewter dish and painted.

Senior show!

2009-04-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Senior show opens tomorrow at school! I've got about 8 pieces in it, I'm looking forward to seeing how everything gets set up!
Awards ceremony at 5:30!

My final pieces from last semester

Brooch remake

2009-04-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

Arpil 09 014
Originally uploaded by marifray.

Remake of my first enameled brooch

Auction necklaces

2009-04-23T11:10:00.001-07:00

Arpil 09 013
Originally uploaded by marifray.

new piece in progress

2009-03-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

to be enameled, I'm making a few more and making a neck piece with them all.

Pics from ACC!

2009-03-23T15:26:00.001-07:00

paper Brooch model

2009-03-19T12:22:00.001-07:00

March 08 014
Originally uploaded by marifray.

playing with paper cutouts and models for ideas for some brooches!

New work

2009-02-08T18:48:00.001-08:00

Feb 08 034
Originally uploaded by marifray.

newest piece in progress, enameled brooch. My 3 silhouette brooches are on their way to the American Craft Council show in Baltimore in a week or two with the student exhibit from our school, which is exciting, and I think I'm submitting them for an exhibition at the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) Conference in May, which I probably won't be able to attend as its pretty close to the wedding. The form is due to them by Friday, so I gotta get it in the mail ASAP. I always seem to do these things at the last minute... Usually wen someone brings it up to me. Otherwise I tend not to think about it. Anyways, look for more brooches from me! I'll be making them in droves this semester it looks like.

First Friday!

2008-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

Gallery 5

The opening for the Sleight of Hand show is this Friday! SUPER PSYCHED for the opening of the first real gallery show I'm a part of!!

Also, my silhouette brooches will be going to the American Craft Council show in Baltimore in February in a special student exhibit!

I got into the Gallery 5 show!!

2008-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Mari Fray,

Gallery5 Would like to thank you for you submission to "Sleight of Hand." We had a tremendous response with many entries from across the United States. Oh behalf of Gallery5, I would like to congratulate you, the jurors have selected "Silhouette Broach" for the exhibit. The exhibit will display your work December 5th through January 15th. You are cordially invited to attend the opening award ceremony taking place on the First Friday Artwalk on December 5th. The jurors will announce the place winners at 7:30pm.

Gallery5 must receive your artwork no later than November 27th in reusable packaging with a return shipping envelope to:

Gallery5
Sleight of Hand
**************
************

Again, Gallery5 Congratulates you and hopes to see you at the awards ceremony.

Please reply to this email to acknowledge acceptance.

Cheers!

Kevin Orlosky
Assistant Director
Gallery5

ACC Show in Baltimore

2008-10-06T05:05:00.001-07:00

I got this email yesterday from one of the metals professors:

"Dear Mari Fray,

I have really exciting news for you…Craft Material Studies faculty nominated your work (please speak to Susie Ganch about the particulars) to be considered for the American Craft Council show in Baltimore. Craft Material Studies department is provided with a 10 x 15 foot booth at the ACC Show in Baltimore, February 22-28, 2009 to exhibit students’ talent. This initiative is part of American Craft Council “School to Market” program. For more information about American Craft Council, please go to http://www.craftcouncil.org/.

I teach in Jewelry/Metals program and I am in charge of organizing this wonderful opportunity along with students from CRAF491 ACC Baltimore course.
At the moment, I am trying to consolidate images from all the students and recent alumni who have been nominated so far for this opportunity and have work available for exhibit in February 2008. Due to space limitation, the department will be unable to exhibit all of your wonderful works. Therefore, a jury composed of current full-time faculty will select the works that will travel to Baltimore on Novemer 3rd.

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, e-mail NPINCHUK@YAHOO.COM or deliver the following information to me in person by October 22th at the latest:

1. digital images of nominated work available for exhibit in February
minimum 950 pixels in the shortest dimension (if you have recently made work that you feel is compatible, consider submitting this work for jurying as well). Please remember that the quality of images is really important in the jurying process.

2. title your digital files as follows: first name initial, last name, number of the
image, so for example my name is Natalya Pinchuk, so my image file names would be nPinchuk1, nPinchuk2, nPinchuk3…

3. word document listing file names, title of the piece, dimensions and
materials, approximate weight; your full name, address, e-mail, current
phone number

IMPORATANT DATES
October 22 deadline for submitting application materials for jurying to Natalya
November 3 jurying
November 4-5 notification of acceptance/rejection

This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work and talent to gallery owners, curators and the general public (about 20,000 visitors). Last year, Craft/Material Studies’ booth received a lot of praise and attention! Please be prompt with your response. If you have any question, feel free to e-mail or call me at ***-***-****, or stop by during my office. Thank you.

Natalya Pinchuk"

!!!!!!!!

NICHE

2008-09-30T13:57:00.001-07:00

Just mailed in my application for the 2009 NICHE Student awards! Postmark deadline was today, Cindy and Susie just encouraged me to apply for it on Monday... finalists are notified in Dec. We shall see!

NICHE Awards

Metalwork

2008-09-26T07:14:00.001-07:00

swingsss

2008-03-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

Jenny & Randy 3
Originally uploaded by Little Miss Jenny

yaay

blogging and packaging

2007-12-12T19:42:00.003-08:00

blogging and packaging
Originally uploaded by marifray.

Chasing and Repousse Locket open

2007-12-12T19:41:00.001-08:00

Chasing and Repousse Locket open
Originally uploaded by marifray.

open. the piece isn't finished, i have a lot of cleanup left to do on it plus some surface treatment, but the fabrication is basically done.

Chasing and Repousse Locket

2007-12-12T19:39:00.001-08:00

Chasing and Repousse Locket
Originally uploaded by marifray.

the reason i've had no sleep this week

it's 1:30 am

2007-12-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

i'm still at the studio
and ibuprofen is a drug from heaven.
i need to be back here at 9 tomorrow

i'm really hungry.

i leave you with an inspiring message from the Office-

Your art, was the prettiest art, of all art -Ron, epsiode 3.16

update:it is now 7 am and i am still at the studio. shoot me now please.

Undergrad work/drawings

2007-10-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

amazing

2007-04-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Anya Kevarkis

absolutely gorgeous!

i make things

2007-03-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Sculpture project 2.0
fungus/lavalamp thingies?

About

2007-01-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

BFA in Craft and Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University.

I use a variety of materials to explore preciousness, traditions and history in the form of jewelry.

If you have any questions about my work, please email themarimakes@gmail.com! Thanks for dropping by!

My work can also be seen at:

Quirk Gallery- Quirk Represents

Mari Makes