An Introduction & Change

The only thing constant in life is Change

- Francois de la Rochenfoucauld

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First, an introduction: My name is Jen Cushman and I'm an independent writer and mixed-media designer. I'm also a friend of the wickedly-talented an amazingly cool Susan Lenart Kazmer.

Susan and I met three years ago at Art Unraveled, one of her many teaching venues that takes place each summer in my hometown in Phoenix, AZ. You know how sometimes you just meet someone and it feels instantly like you're old friends? That was us. Over the past few years, I've assisted Susan in some of her classes and partnered up with her in other art/media projects. I was so fortunate to attend the France workshop/retreat with her this summer. Art and flea marketing, food and gorgeous scenery! Can you save Heaven?

As many of you are also aware, Susan and Linda Larsen (an incredibly talented jewelry designer in her own right) are business partners for Objects and Elements, an online jewelry supply store and more. Objects and Elements is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to students who've taken Susan's classes and wish to incorporate high-quality supplies, such as sterling silver, Ice Resin, beautiful bezels, found objects and more into their work.

So where is all this leading? Here goes. Susan, Linda and I have decided to make a blogging change. This blog -- Objects and Elements -- will be about all things relating to jewelry, mixed-media and jewelry supply. We have plans to feature techniques, give helpful tips and advice, talk about the creative process, teach how to use some of the products sold in the store and introduce you to some wonderful artists/designers and show you their work.

I'll primarily be maintaining the Objects and Elements blog. Susan will continue to write her personal blog showing her work and talking about her life/experiences as an artist. Since both of us have administrative control, don't be surprised if she pops in now and again to add to the blog or to post some comments. I know she'll be reading.

Please leave us comments. We love feedback and would like to hear what kinds of things you might be interested in seeing/reading on this new blog.

By the way, I took this photo of Susan and Linda after a Sunday of scouring flea markets in the little villages near Durfort. What can I say? These girls can shop! Notice the trunk is full of cool things for the store and Susan's classes. I was afraid I might not have a seat in the car. Also the second photo is of me, taken outside of castle ruins in Provence.

France..one more time

By the way, Linda is now filling France for June, 2009. She has 5 confirmed students... There is room for 3 more students. Please contact her if you are interested in the 5 day intensive workshop or check my web site. It is going to be a wonderful expierience!

Also, I wanted to say... for all of the wonderful people who purchased my book in advance ...thank you. We had lots of great critiques from those artists that preordered. We now have the book on Amazon if you would like additional copies. I think they are selling Making Connections...for $31.00. Please, please if you have a minute to get onto Amazon.com and include a comment of Making Connections. I would really appreciate the support. Thanks!!!!!!

reflecting

Here I am on a rainy day using up the last of my time off. It feels good to be back from two very long but soul searching and fulfilling workshops. France and Seattle....two of my favorite places to be. I love the city.. I just bring it all home with me and let it resonate. As an artist, I think one of the most important things that I do is to give myself time off to let it all soak in and my experiences become who I am and what I am about. My new work will be my interpretation of these experiences.

My two large pieces, The Ballerina and The Fat Lady, were recently purchased by collectors. I am refurbishing them from a year of being on the road and building an iron floor stand for each to sit in. Ah, it is sad to see them go BUT I know this will get me moving to build the circus series. I am starting with the tight rope walker and the trapeze artist. I decided to make this series larger in size since I can put more jewelry upon them.

sitting in Paris....on the corner for 6 hours...

Here are some other people I loved shooting photos of in France. The French woman on the left is so Paris!...

homeless

The thing about being homeless.... and I have known many and have been some what there myself at a few points in my life... I really entertained the idea of indulging myself altogether...... yes, indulging, because in being homeless you can give up the idea of living the perfect life. You do not have to be perfect anymore..in fact not even remotely perfect. It is such a feeling of bliss and freedom to NOT care what anyone thinks of you. Not to be overwhelmed with budgets, financing, responsibilities. Well, that is one side of it..