Gail Hufjay and I were given a wonderful opportunity.  On April 2nd we took part in a panel that included Jennifer David, of The David Collection, Kiwon Wang, jewelry artist and curator of The Sixth Sense: Contemporary Jewelry From Korea on view at the Fuller Craft Museum through July 26th, and members of the jewelry department faculty at Pratt Institute to critique work of the senior students.

Students heard first hand from us what we look for in wearability, our perspective about the scale of a piece in relation to a person’s size, i.e. petite people do not necessarily shy away from large-scale pieces, and that many collectors display their work, so while wearability may be important to most collectors many also look for pieces that may not be worn as much as displayed and look for work that displays well. 

Patricia Madeja, coordinator of the Pratt Institute Jewelry Program, said “The critique provided a diverse perspective for the students.  We tend to focus on design, craftsmanship and artistic expression but often focus less on the wearer.  This is an aspect that is so important to any future jewelers’ career.  I was so happy pieces were picked up and tried on.  I have not had a critique where that happened so readily and I think it is important.”

Carrie Bilbo was chosen to receive the first place award of $500 donated to the jewelry program by AJF.  Carrie’s series, “The Attachment of Fear”, explores some of the ordinary objects and insects commonly associated with phobic behaviors.  According to Carrie’s artist statement her collection of sculptural jewelry suggests characteristics that may provoke the strongest sensations.  A paradox between the beautiful and creepy is also explored and is further extended when inner anxieties are presented as body adornment.  The interactive works are attaching themselves to the body that instantly fears them.  For her collection Carrie chose to represent three phobias, Dendrophobia, fear of trees, Entomophobia, fear of insects (particularly flying insects) and Arachnophobia, fear of spiders. 

The Pratt Show will be held at the Manhattan Center, 311 West 34th St. at 8th Avenue, May 12th -May 15th.  If you’re in the NY area, stop by and see the interesting work by all 10 of the senior students at Pratt Institute.