Wood + Meaning + Design by gustav reyes

A Historical Record

2012-05-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

My love and appreciation for wood is never ending. It is an incredibly useful material with a minimal effect on our environment.

For centuries, wood has provided humans with shelter, warmth, tools and furniture. I find great inspiration in this long history and I like to consider earliest man interacting with the material in the most basic of ways.

simplywoodrings.com

Wood is imbedded with many layers of symbolism. The history of the wood, the time, the place is all apart of it. Each piece of wood has a story to tell. It keeps a record of its environment and each year brings new growth that marks its past. The rings of a tree can teach us about the environment and specific events in the trees life. It holds it's history within and its living energy expresses it outward. In addition to the objects a craftsman creates, this imbedded history and energy is expressed, adding to its depth.

Ring - Ad Idem Collection, Gustav Reyes

Calderesque

2012-05-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

“The underlying sense of form in my work has been the system of the Universe"
-Alexander Calder

This is a new form I am experimenting with. I have been greatly influenced by Calder's work lately.

Untitled, Gustav Reyes, 2012

Jealous Husband, Alexander Calder, 1940

Calder

2012-05-02T12:52:00.003-07:00

Alexander Calder's work has greatly influenced the ways I consider and create art jewelry.

I came across a fantastic article on Calder's jewelry from 2010 when the show Calder Jewelry curated by Mark Rosenthal was being shown across the US. The article, Alexander Calder's Jewelry: going mobile was written by Cathleen McCarthy. Rosenthal stated that,

"Calder was accounting for all the components, how each part would be read in relation to the other parts, as well as how those parts would be affected by the person wearing it.” Not only does one consider all the elements of design but, when creating art jewelry, its imperative to consider the ways in which it will interact with the human form.

The article also mentions Rosenthal's belief that Calder's work was a parody on wearable art. He says, ”In a lot of ways, this stuff isn’t very wearable at all... I think of the wearer as being sort of bewitched by the wearing of it but also like something surreal come to life, a surreal manifestation."

A great article. Take a look here:

http://thejewelryloupe.com/alexander-calders-jewelry-going-mobile/

If you want to see something really great check out this video of Calder performing his "Circus"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6jwnu8Izy0

WOOD at Velvet da Vinci

2012-04-30T13:51:00.003-07:00

I am honored to have my work exhibited among the best in wood jewelry at San Francisco's Velvet da Vinci Gallery. The exhibit is called WOOD and features art jewelers from around the world who primarily work with wood.

Check out the gallery of work that will be presented in this exhibit at the Velvet da Vinci website.

Wood reminds us to live life with the knowledge that each day is a gift and that one day we will cease to exist in this world. As wood, we too, will eventually return to the Earth.

Organic Trefoil Brooch

Ad Idem Ring I

The Held Ring

Walnut Cuff

Three Treasures Neckpiece

WEARABLE art

2012-04-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Organic Coil Walnut - Limited Edition Ceo

Pictured above from Left to Right: Organic Trefoil Brooch in Cherry, Square Knot Circle in Walnut and Cherry and The Three Treasures Neckpiece with Cherry, Pearls and Silver.

As an artist who relies heavily on word of mouth and internet publicity to gain support, I am eternally grateful to bloggers who appreciate or are excited by my work enough to stand behind it and share it on their blogs.

The downside to this, of course, is not having too much control over who or what is put out there with my name attached. I haven't had too much to complain about which is a relief and I hope this speaks to the validity and credibility of my work. Recently, however, I came a crossed a post that seemed like a backhanded compliment. In the end my feeling is that, the blogger developed his or her angle and ran with it, however, it left a bitter taste in my mouth. The particular post, in a nutshell seemed to question the wearability of my work.

I'm not as concerned with the post as I am with the subject of WEARABILITY.

Introducing wood into a jewelry world that attaches great value and importance to the use of precious materials was a difficult task. In the beginning, I endured a few noses raised in my direction. I didn't let this discourage me in creating my work because I have always felt very strongly about the use of a material that parallels our fragile existence as a living (and dying) energy. This philosophy of mine, completely contradicts the "traditional" thought surrounding jewelry as something that is eternal.

Another hurdle existed within the world of woodworking where tradition is a long standing value. My bent wood pieces caused many to question the techniques, structural integrity and validity of my work. Understandable of course, and most people were very receptive after engaging in conversation about the work.

In all, I think the questions the work incites are positive. It tells me that viewers are interested in the forms enough to think and question how they could be possible. I have always strived to design pieces that are not only functional as jewelry but at the same time function as sculpture; as an art piece. Contemplating ideas of form and functionality is a balance that has been explored by artists and creators the world over in all medias. Blurring the line between jewelry and art is what drives me.

View more of my wearable art at:
gustavreyes.com

Balance of Life

2012-04-25T08:24:00.002-07:00

So divinely is the world organized that every one of us,
in our place and time, is in balance with everything else. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Balance of Life at the Eastbank Gallery in Chicago

The Balance of Life is a small scale sculpture that I created in 2010. This is the first non-utilitarian piece that I have made in a long time. My exploration was to express the materials stability and uniqueness. Although traditional lap joints are used to create the form, the placement of the intersections are non-traditional causing tension to the viewer who is familiar with the properties of wood.

When creating this piece, I had no set plan, the form was built up spontaneously from my desire to magnify the unusual properties of the compressed wood. The form that resulted is fluid. It's center of balance allows it to stand in different ways which makes it very exciting.

The parallel to life is the idea that an individual is a culmination of different experiences and phases of life. The negative and positive energies that wash in and wash out like the tide shape life and create harmony to the ones who seek it.

Ebonized Wood

2012-04-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

Ebonized Wood Process

I have been experimenting with ebonizing the bent wood pieces. I am excited about the sleek and sophisticated look of the ebonized wood.

Ebonizing wood is a chemical process that occurs inside the wood. No pigment or colorant is added, it is an actual chemical reaction. What happens between vinegar and steel when Tannic acid is introduced changes the color of the wood to black. This process occurs naturally in nature to bog wood.

Ebonised White Oak Knot

March 29 Photoshoot

2012-04-02T08:51:00.001-07:00

My assistant and I pulled a photo shoot together in one day last Thursday! I don't know how we did it! The results, however, are stunning!

I realized I have not been putting my work in context on the human body. I think seeing the work functioning as an object will help viewers to understand the extent of the work.

I am extremely grateful to Tom Petroff and Carolina Reyes for being so flexible! A huge "Thank you!" to each of them for sharing their talents and working very hard to complete the project.

Take a look at these beauties!

Three Treasures Neckpiece

The Held Neckpiece

Trefoil Brooch Cherry

The Held Brooch

ἕλιξ (Greek: twisted, curved)

2012-03-19T13:20:00.002-07:00

The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ, "twisted, curved".^{[2] (wikipedia)}

Tactility & Visuality

2012-03-08T09:35:00.000-08:00


Cherry & Silver

I was drawn to the way the wood responded to the cuts. There are strong ridges in the wood creating a unique texture that creates a very appealing tactile and visual effect.


Walnut, Silver & Gold Leaf, prototype

life force

2012-03-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

Wind Language

The wind blows strong in Chicago today. In many ancient cultures the wind represents life force. All we can do is surrender.

The designers mantra.

2012-03-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Form & Function

Aaah... a powerful statement in the world of design, it could even be considered cliché. For me, it is a mantra. Something I say to myself to ease my troubled mind. The clasp of this new design exhibits the functionality of holding the piece on the body and simultaneously acts as the ornament... Bringing us closer to enlightenment.

...Oooooohhhhhmmmm...

Form & Function in Walnut

Refreshing

2012-03-02T10:57:00.004-08:00

Sometimes the hardest part of creating something new is naming it! Any ideas for this piece?

This is a prototype for a new piece. These square forms are totally new and feel like a breath of fresh air.

Gustav Reyes welcomes you home!

2012-02-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

Gustav Reyes Home Collection

Last year I released my new line of Home accents. The work is infused with a deep appreciation for nature’s gift of wood. Each piece is created with the idea that the home is a sacred place and should be occupied by objects that enhance and enrich the space and the inhabitants.

I strive to continue the philosophy of some of my wood working inspirations of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, Gustav Stickley, Sam Maloof and the likes whose work was based on the integrity of fine craftsmanship.

View this work on my online shop, here.

GR Home Lamp in Hickory & Walnut

GR Home Lamp in Cherry & Walnut

GR Home Napkin Ring

Napkin ring in Walnut

Napkin ring in Cherry

Napkin ring in Hickory

Booth 113

2012-02-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

All set up in Baltimore! Booth #113 is looking good! Stop by and see my new work!

Check out show information here.

Of the mind, by the hand.

2012-02-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

New Rings created as an addition to the Ad Idem Series.

The Ad Idem (Latin: "of the mind") Series is based on the idea of a collective of artists whose philosophies fall in line. The pieces in this series incorporate salvaged wood from Norm Sartorius, a woodworker who creates elegant wooden spoons. With this work, I access the collective unconscious and transform the wood into something new.

View the full collection, here.

Outward Expression

2012-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

I view adornments as being of the self. Adorning the self is a pure form of expression and I believe it to be a primitive instinct. The human desire to attach objects to the body that are beautiful, inspirational or symbolic is a way of taking the mind and expressing it outward. In doing so, we communicate with those around us.

The most rewarding aspect in creating is when those around me are deeply touched by what manifests from my own desire to express outwardly. When I stumbled upon this stunning image on Facebook, I felt instantly connected to the simplicity of the adornments and symbolism that it must contain. It parallels the philosophy that drives me each day to create art jewelry.

The image was posted on a Facebook page titled "Africa" - with a FB account you may view it here.

to the wind & the stars...
Gustav

ACC Baltimore, Wanna come?

2012-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Join the show in Baltimore!

Will you be in the Baltimore area February 24-26? I will be attending the American Craft Council's Baltimore Show. As an exhibitor I am given 5 free day passes for customers and friends! If you're interested to attend just email me! The passes will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis! I'd hate to waste them! Email gus@gustavreyes.com for a chance to attend the show!

You can find information at the ACC's website, here.

I will be exhibiting Limited Edition, One of a Kind, Earrings and Home Collection work for purchase! And some new pieces including brooches and rings! Not to mention all the other exhibitors! It will be a spectacular show!

La Belleza Vida

2012-02-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

Cocobolo Ring / View 1

Cocobolo Ring / View 2

One of the most rewarding aspects of creating jewelry is the response from people who feel connected to the work.

Last year I created a ring for a fellow jeweler, Heidi Abrahmson, whose father was a wood craftsman. Her ring stands as an homage to her father. It is an honor and privilege to create work that touches another human so deeply. In addition, Heidi wears her ring proudly completing the even exchange of energy.

I am eternally grateful for those people who not only appreciate my work but also desire to share it with others. Elaine Belleza is one of those people. After purchasing a bracelet of mine several months ago at a show, she recently honored me on her blog with a posting. Elaine is a very interesting woman and her blog is worth a few return visits. View the post on the blog of Elaine Belleza here.

A million thanks to Heidi, Elaine and the all those who truly appreciate my work.

to the wind and the stars...

Gustav

Out on a Limb at the Racine Art Museum

2012-02-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

I am excited and truly honored to have my work exhibited at the Racine Art Museum for their upcoming show "Out on a Limb." The exhibit features the best work in wooden jewelry design with the likes of Michael Dale Bernard, Liv Blavarp, Christine Brandt, Gillion Carrara, Sharon Church, Daniel DiCaprio, Julia Harrison, Sukyo Jang, Bruce Metcalf, Edgar Mosa, Tina Rath, Julia Turner, Flora Vagi, and Julia Walter.

http://www.ramart.org/content/out-limb-contemporary-wood-jewelry

The world is round; A brief personal history.

2012-01-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

simplywoodrings from manifestmedia on Vimeo.

My company Simply Wood Rings began in 2005.

My father was a carpenter, so wood was always a readily available material when I was a child. I would often pick up scraps and carve out swords or small animals. In addition to my fathers work, he greatly enjoyed creating jewelry. Often, I would joyfully accompany him to workshops and watch him create. Since I was young when my father passed, these moments with him are some of my most cherished in life.

After a short stint at the Art Institute of Chicago, I attended the Chicago Bauhaus where I learned the fine craft of woodworking. It was there that I explored traditional methods associated with cabinetry. I learned quickly that in the world of woodworking, due to it's long history, tradition is extremely important and unchanging. As a wood worker you are told the world is flat.

I took a short leave of absence from creating. I met the love of my life, Juanita, we married and had two beautiful boys, Gabriel and Diego. My family is a source of great pride, joy and support for me.

One day my wife asked me if I could create a ring made of wood since she could not wear metal jewelry due to an allergy. I gave it some thought and decided that a ring carved out of wood would not be strong enough as the grain would run across the structure. A few days later my wife came to me again and asked if wood could be bent into a ring. I brushed off her suggestion saying that the thickness of the wood would not allow this. A few days later, for the third time, my wife came to me with a piece of paper. She began rolling the paper and asked if this could be done to create a ring. This, I thought, might just work. The method can be paralleled with the technique of laminate wood. Using the long grain in a circular form creates a strong ring structure.

It was my wife who helped me to see that the world was actually round. My company Simply Wood Rings was born from this request and it is how I came to be an art jeweler.

The initial idea behind Simply Wood Rings was to create a shift in a long standing value system. Rather than imbedding the idea of forever into these sacred objects, which symbolize a lifelong connection between two people, these rings create an awareness of the present. They symbolize the love between two people, a love that requires a nurturing consciousness. Beyond even that love, they represent a fragile life on this Earth that is precious, but not everlasting.

Wood is engrained with a primal and ancient beauty, a beauty that has been taken for granted. For centuries wood has cleaned the air, provided shelter, warmth, and food. It is an intrinsic part of our history as humans. Just as the love between two people requires conscious effort, so does a ring made of wood. In the same way as the material, the life we live on Earth will eventually find it's way back to the ground.

The opportunity to create rings that symbolize a lifelong commitment is truly an honor. You may visit the Simply Wood Rings Website for more information.

Silver, Rosewood & Moissenite

Beechwood & Turqoise

Bogwood & Sand

Woodworker... it's an honest word. -Sam Maloof

2011-12-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Sam Maloof (1916 - 2009)

Sam Maloof is one of the few male figures I respect as much as my own father. He once said he was simply a woodworker by his own account – to the rest of the world, he was a giant. His impact on my life is beyond words.

Maloof rose to greatness during the post war minimalist period of architecture. Sam’s desire to create organically modern furniture is described by author/ photographer of Maloof Beyond 90 -An American Woodworker Gene Sasse, “Sam approached each project with more than just an exacting eye for design and detail. Wood was carefully selected. Cut, honed, polished and joined together; ultimately the pieces of once living trees are resurrected to a new life as functional objects of the highest artistic merit.”

In my mind, creation is a desire for our minds to expand beyond our physicality into a collective intellectual space. In this sense, whatever object becomes of this extension is in turn, a physical manifestation of the desire and the deep psychology of the artist. The work of Maloof evokes a strong reaction within my spirit. The beautiful forms he created suggest a man who was deeply connected to the material and at the same time showed a deep well of sensitivity to the world.

Although he was a re-known woodworker who experienced fame and fortune, he never faltered in his philosophy and honesty to his craft. He always considered himself a woodworker, he said, "it's an honest word."

Resources:

Sam Maloof Website

Maloof Foundation Website

Studio Craft in Craft Forms at the Wayne Art Center

2011-12-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

Tie Me Not Neckpiece featured in CraftForms 2011

Victoria Donohoe from the Philadelphia Inquirer recently reviewed a show my work is featured in called Craft Forms at the Wayne Art Center in Philly.

I was very honored to be selected for the show! 125 works are featured by 109 artists chosen from 894 entries.

Donohue posits the idea that,

"The installation of 21st-century studio crafts in the 17th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Craft, "CraftForms 2011," at Wayne Art Center suggests to this observer that there's a paradoxical "homelessness" about the craft art of our century."

Great article! Check it out here! Craft Forms Review

Edge of Nature Ring featured in CraftForms 2011

Edge of Nature Ring - Detail

Ice Cube speaks to Eames

2011-12-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

Worth a watch. I never new Ice Cube studied architecture.

Nakashima Inspired Art Jewelry

2011-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

"To be intimate with nature in its multifaceted moods is one of the greatest experiences of life."

-George Nakashima

The Key Ring was one of my first rings and is an homage to George Nakashima. Nakashima was an innovative woodworker and furniture maker whose inhale and exhale matched that of the material he used. His elegant works represent the American Craft Movement.

His reverence for nature rests in his sensitive designs. His signature technique was a joint he called the 'butterfly joint' which acted as a key, holding weak points of wood together by it's simple shape. In the beginning, he would hide this technique under table tops. Once he was more established and respected he began using the key joint not only as a functional element but also as a decorative one. I find great inspiration in his innovation and by the ways in which he expressed the intrinsic beauty of nature.

Visit his site for more on the great Nakashima here: http://www.nakashimawoodworker.com/

Key Ring by Gustav Reyes

Table by George Nakashima

Butterfly Joint detail by Nakashima