News and information regarding Hammer & Hand Bangalow.

Click this link for “Virgil” in action.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ0RQpPZFAk&feature=youtu.be

From “The Band” .. a song sung by a Southern soldier of the American Civil War…

I imagine Virgil’s ascension on his death.. playing his Ukulele and singing .”The night they drove old Dixie down, all the bells were ringing”.

“Virgil Cain” Kinetic mechanism

and woosh! the sound of another month going by….

The opening evening of our MetaLust exhibition was a great night.  Lots of people, clear skies, fire in the gorgeous (Bruce Pringle made) brasiers, yummy nibbles, 4 litres of mulled wine gone in less than an hour….and gorgeous new works unveiled by the whole crew from Hammer and Hand.

I went for a old mixed with new theme for my MetaLust – cast organic pieces set with large and/or bright stones.  I’m really pleased with them….so without further ado:

Red gum branch set with a stunningly cut green quartz

Amethyst how I love you….set in a bottle brush seed pod head

Gum pods ring set with yummy hessonite stones

Cheery tree twig with organically set opal triplet

Beautiful blue quartz in a blackened, rustic setting and chain

Looking forward to seeing the Hobart Hammer Crew later this week !

Taking my warm woolies and long-johns as it seems a tad cold there at the moment.

Wishing I could bring this Byron Bay early spring warmth !

Also looking forward to placing some of my sculpture there..Drop in and have a look next week !

Sky Swimmer

Bushland Madonna

Dreamboat 3

Dreamboat 2

Dreamboat 1

 

Come and See our Wonderful new works !

5pm till 8pm ..

Nice warm fire !

Exceptional company !

Fun !

I’ve been making my tin earrings for a few years now and they’ve always enjoyed a lot of love and attention, but since stocking them at the Tweed Regional Gallery in Murwillumbah in northern NSW, they have gone crazy!

So much so, I decided they needed their own brand name.  The name ‘Cupboard Love’ came from the idea that the tins they are made from have often spent a long time in the back of a cupboard before finding new life and love in the form of my earrings.  Also, of course, they may have contained food of some description at some point in their previous life.

The following is from an information postcard I made for their display at the Tweed Gallery:

Cupboard Love

– vintage tin earrings –

These beautiful earrings are created from vintage tins collected locally and from overseas. Each tin began life containing tea, or biscuits or perhaps chocolate; then may have spent years at the back of a cupboard, or possibly as a well loved container for buttons or other treasures.

Jen selects tins with lovely scenes or colourful patterns; hand cuts, files and sands them into circles; she then domes them slightly to add a 3D feel and to catch the light. After drilling a hole for the ear wire, each earring is sealed with marine grade varnish to protect its charm. Finally a sterling silver ear wire is attached.

Every pair is different and unless another tin the same is found, quite possibly never to be repeated.

Jen hopes these unique earrings bring much fun and colour to your day.

Jen Banks Jewellery

                                                                                                                                NO !….. IT’S LUST !

METALUST !   

METALUST

 

 

                                                                      Exhibition of new works by the members of Hammer and Hand Byron Bay

Friday 31st July 2015

5pm til 8pm.

4 Ti-Tree Place,

Arts and Industry Estate ,

Byron Bay

The Jewellery and Metal artists of Hammer and Hand are holding their much anticipated winter exhibition opening night. This winter’s theme is “MetaLust” – each of the 10 members of our eclectic collective will be unveiling an exciting range of work from their own new collections. The collective has been running for 6 years, supporting and showcasing local jewellery and metal artists, and offering unique, wearable art and sculpture at studio prices.

Come along and enjoy Hammer and Hand’s 2015 winter exhibition and sit around the fire drums with a tasty treat while you’re there.

Forged from “316 Stainless Steel” with a cast Bronze feature riveted

I heard that some gems.. Ruby, Sapphire and Diamonds can be cast directly into hot metal…
So I had a go!.. No change to their colour but…
I think the shrinking of the metal as it cooled caused them to crack…Also experimenting with Core-Casting..