Field Trip: LA

The centerpiece of “Queen Califia’s Magical Circle” by artist Niki de Saint Phalle - Queen Califia herself atop her griffin.

This October I had the opportunity to spend some time in Los Angeles - a town that was at one time my home, many moons ago. The trip was equal parts vacation, inspiration, and work. Joined by a couple of my besties who live in the area, I made the most of my 9 days there with a busy schedule of art, beach, nature hikes, architecture, music and more.

Among many things, I had the chance to view the opening of my friend Tomashi Jackson’s art show “Minute by Minute” at Night Gallery, which incorporated hand-embroidered and tatted textiles made by my own grandmother, Carrie Barcus, which I had gifted to the artist. Truly a special moment to see these complex, multi-layered (quite literally and figuratively), collaged works in person - they are POWERFUL! I could feel my grandmother’s utter awe and delight raining down on that gallery as well. You can read more about Tomashi’s show in this wonderful LA Times interview.

A piece from Tomashi Jackson’s “Minute by Minute,” which incorporated hand embroidery by my grandmother as the foundation for her canvas

Detail of hand tatting done by my grandmother Carrie Barcus, used in Tomashi Jackson’s piece

Another work by Tomashi Jackson in “Minute by Minute” at Night Gallery. This incorporates Carrie’s embroidery, as well as Tomashi’s mother’s photography, and the shapes of redlined districts in LA.

Embroidery detail by my grandmother

Tomashi Jackson’s piece, incorporating photography from her mother, and my grandmother’s embroidery at the bottom edge.

There is a wildly coincidental story from the day when I gifted Tomashi this textile… as we were chatting about my goldsmithing work and Tomashi’s collection of gold chains, we noticed that the edge of this pillowcase read “Cloth of Gold.” Funny how life works! I love that Tomashi then incorporated gold paint into the piece, as well as another piece that utilized Grandma Carrie’s handiwork.

Tomashi in the midst of performance art at Night Gallery

I also made a pilgrimage with my dear friend Tamara, to see my hero Niki de Saint Phalle’s installation “Queen Califia’s Magical Circle” in Escondido - one of the few existing sites of her art in the US. Magical indeed! I cannot even fathom the amount of time it took to cover this entire area in mosaics - much of which was made from semiprecious gemstones! The docent at the site told us that Niki and her team went to the Tucson gem show to buy the stones. I imagine they must have cleared out a lot of dealers’ bins to make this work!

A view of Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Fragmented selfie at Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Detail from Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, with mosaic malachite and what looks to be chrysoprase

There were so many details to discover around every turn at Queen Califia’s Magical Circle. Each one tells a story.

Back in LA proper, I had the chance to visit the Neutra VDL House in Silverlake with my friend Symantha. This onetime home and studio of architect Richard Neutra is a place I’ve long wanted to see in person, as a huge fan of mid-century modernism and Neutra in particular. Neutra shares a particular history with my mother’s lineage, who were Austrian Jews. While it may not seem so unusual today, the fact that the original structure for this building was made in 1932 is pretty mind-blowing.

Living room at the Neutra VDL House in Silverlake

Exterior of the Neutra VDL House

Another interior angle at Neutra VDL

Details at the Neutra VDL House - this color palette echoes my recent FW23 lookbook

Last but not least, the trip was capped off by a trunk show at the beautiful Kinship Station boutique in Topanga. I loved hanging with the shop staff, and getting to know their customers more. They’ve got such a gorgeous curation of decor, clothing and jewelry - definitely worth a visit.

Talisman jewels at Kinship Station in Topanga

Symantha and her mug at Kinship Station - a beautifully curated boutique of decor, clothing, jewelry and more

Shopgirl Nadia dons the Ra Signet at the Kinship Station trunk show

That’s a wrap! Until next time LA <3

Field Trip: Orisons

Marguerite Humeau’s wind flute, a part of the larger Orisons earthwork installation, with the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the Great Sand Dunes as a backdrop.

If you’ve ever spent time in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, then you know what I speak of when I say there is magic there. I’m not alone in believing it’s some kind of an energetic portal. As the largest alpine valley in the world, it’s also an incredible destination for natural beauty, and bountiful hot springs to soak your weary soul in too. So perhaps it’s no coincidence that artists over the decades have descended upon this valley, as a place to create and to find inspiration from the land. French sculptor Marguerite Humeau is one such artist, who, with the help of Black Cube Nomadic Museum and land offered from Jones Farms Organics, recently installed the largest earth-based work ever created by a female artist. Covering 160 acres of unproductive farmland, Orisons is comprised of 84 kinetic and interactive sculptures that pay homage to a land that is rapidly undergoing desertification - a bellwether of sorts for the rest of our climate change-plagued world. “Orisons means prayer,” states Humeau, but “it also sounds like ‘oree’ in French, which means ‘the cusp, the edge, the periphery.’ Orisons is about resilience, transience, life and death. Life as a gust of wind, the fragility of our existences.”

The repurposed theater marquee in Saguache, Colorado

I had the privilege of joining some friends for the opening of Orisons, and immediately felt the gravity of what her work was speaking to, as someone who also owns a generations-old farming business that’s been impacted by climate change (yep, that’s my other hustle folks). Along the way we also managed to dip in at our favorite of the valley’s hot springs, Valley View, made new friends in the town of Saguache, and connected with some other resident artists in the town of Center. All in all a pretty special trip, hence the need to document it for you here.

The VIEW from Valley View hot springs at sunset.

Taking in Humeau’s work is definitely something that will require another trip back in order to process everything; there is a complex framework of interrelated mythologies, ecologies, and imaginings at play here. Take, for instance, the highly-intentional siting of the sculptures, which pay tribute to different humans and animals who lived and died there - an attempt, the artist says, “to reconnect every form of life that has lived on it, is living on it, or will live on it in the future” (as divinated by the clairvoyant geomancers that Humeau brought on for the project, no less). Or there are the wind flutes that play the notes of the sandhill cranes who migrate to the valley each year - birds whose migratory patterns have been changing as of late. Heart-like shapes are also a recurring theme in the works, but don’t mistake those for the generic valentine variety - they’re actually a nod to the shape of a local medicinal plant seed, as well as an abstracted take on a sandhill crane’s face. There’s a lot there, but at the same time a palpable sense of peace on the land too. Humeau describes her work, in part, as an “attempt to perform acupuncture at the scale of the 160 acres of fallow circle.” In this sense, she considers the land itself as an artwork, and herself as a humble host whose role “was maybe to simply give it credit for who it is as an entity, celebrate it, elevate it, and care for it.” Humble, yet inspiring, to say the least.

Adam next to one of 84 sculptures by Marguerite Humeau. This one she described as wearing “earrings.”

Special thanks goes to Adam Gildar for playing tour guide (and for being an early catalyst of the whole project), to Max Gibson for hosting us, to Jones Farms Organics for allowing us on their land, and to the Frontier Drive Inn for the lovely opening reception. I will be back.

Field Trip: Cote d'Azur

A sculpture by Germaine Richier is surrounded by sailboats outside of the Picasso Museum in Antibes, France.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of traveling to one of the most enchanting places I’ve seen on Earth (truly). It was a long-awaited trip, having been postponed several times during the pandemic. So when my mother and I finally set foot upon the stunning Cote d’Azur of France, to say that I was thrilled is an understatement. And y’all, it truly lived up to the hype. Every day I was blown away by the beauty in all directions, both in the natural landscape, as well as the architecture, art, and culture that surrounded me. I was hoping for a trip to really inspire and reset me, and I most certainly got just that.

The stunning medieval village of Eze, which sits upon a mountaintop between Nice and Monaco along the Mediterranean. The village is now home to many artists who sell their wares to tourists.

‘Has this turned into some kind of travel blog?’ you may ask? I’ll spare you the full details of my mother-daughter vacay, but I thought you, dear reader, might enjoy seeing a handful of the things that inspired me creatively on this sojourn. Because lo and behold, you may just see some of these influences come through as I begin working on new pieces for Fall/Winter 2023-2024…

A fisherman in the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a small village adjacent to Nice, who mends his net in the early morning sun before heading out to work. The bust at right is of surrealist artist Jean Cocteau, who was a onetime resident of the village.

Chapelle Saint-Pierre, a 13th century church in Villefranche-sur-Mer, re-imagined by Jean Cocteau in the 1950s.

A quick scan of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a 13th century (though settled since prehistoric times) village and fishing port adjacent to Nice. Also onetime home to Jean Cocteau and the Rolling Stones (Villa Nellcote, where Exile on Main Street was recorded, is located here, for those in the know)

The jewels taking a dip in Nice. Pictured here are the Shapeshifter Ring and the Rollo Band.

Late work by Pablo Picasso, at the Picasso Museum in Antibes. Picasso lived here briefly towards the latter part of his life, making works in a studio at a medieval castle that later became the Picasso Museum.

Sculpture work by Picasso. I found myself very drawn to his simplistic representation of faces.

Trekked to the infamous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes for a super-schmancy lunch. You don’t show up to this celeb-favorite spot without dressing the part (literally, they won’t let you in)… So we donned our finest summer attire and threw on some Talisman of course ;) I’m wearing the Alex Amulet Necklace and Linear Studs. Mom wears the Michael Amulet Necklace and Infinite Hoops.

Le Club 55 in Saint-Tropez… onetime play place of Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. Located on what was by far the best beach of the whole trip… those stunning turquoise waters refreshed my soul.

Fresh squeezed juices at Le Club 55 in Saint-Tropez, and the Wave Theory Ring.

Onwards to Nice, where I got to see works by one of my all-time favorite artists, Niki de Saint Phalle, at the MAMEC (Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain). This is an early example of one of her “Nanas,” which later became much more stylized with smooth, rounded bodies. Niki’s early feminism and depiction of women, particularly in such a patriarchal area of the world, is something I greatly admire.

Another work by Niki de Saint Phalle. This shirt belonged to a former lover. Wouldn’t want to be that guy ;)

Works by Yves Klein in my favorite blue at the MAMEC in Nice.

All smiles on this trip. I’m wearing the Held Necklace and the Flow Chain, along with the Aphrodite Hugs and the Linear Studs.

The gorgeous medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence. Yet another place where artists thrive to this day.

A contemporary sculpture of cast bronze and natural elements, found at a gallery in Saint Paul de Vence. Artist unknown but I certainly jived with it.

Small swath of the immense gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The Villa was built by Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild when, at age 40, she found herself divorced and longing for a dreamy place to call home. I can relate.

More gardens, this time of the “exotic” variety atop the medieval Eze village. I truly can’t get this enchanting place out of my head.

Spirals abounded on this trip… seen here in some ironwork on a doorway in ancient Eze.

Sailboats in the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nautical themes were all around in these sleepy fishing towns, and I most certainly soaked it up (pun intended ha). Though I didn’t get a picture, I found myself very attracted to the anchor chain I saw connected to boats in the dock… More to come there.

Janet stands for a photo as we head back to our AirBnB in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

I’m one lucky chica to have been able to visit such an incredible place. If one word could encapsulate this trip, it would have to be “stunning.” Need I say more?

Talisman World Tour 2022 Recap

Parque Mexico in La Condesa, CDMX

It’s Wednesday, January 11th, and I am sitting in my studio on this snowy day in Colorado, still thanking my lucky stars for what a beautiful year 2022 ended up being. In particular, getting to tour around to showcase my wares in some amazing destinations, along with good friends and plenty of good food, was a real treat. Thought you all might enjoy a little photo recap of said travels - specifically to Mexico City, and then rounding out the year in Austin. Enjoy!

The Carla Fernandez flagship store in Colonia Juarez, CDMX

Our first stop on Talisman Fine Jewelry’s World Tour 2022 was Mexico City, where we were joined by a group of friends (shout out to Bianca, Anthony and Bonnie!), as well as designers/artists Salihah Moore, Animal Handmade, Young in the Mountains, and Mario Zoots for a special pop-up shop at the flagship store of noteworthy Mexican designer Carla Fernandez. There’s no way I could possibly recap here all of the amazing food, art, architecture and cultural experiences we had while on this journey, but below are some highlights…

Checking out Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela with (from left) Bianca Parra, Anthony Duran and Bonnie Gregory.

A vendor with an authentic indigenous Tigre mask from the Guerrero region of Mexico

An artisan at work on gilded wooden crafts at La Ciudadela

Anthony and Bianca at Tacos Orinoco… we pretty much bee-lined there from the flight. IYKYK!

Cannot rave enough about the mish-mash of art deco, modernist, and colonial architecture that is Mexico City. This image was taken in La Condesa.

Bonnie peeping the Talisman Fine Jewelry setup at the Carla Fernandez pop-up event

The pop-up crew, including (from left): Salihah Moore, host Carla Fernandez, myself, Bianca Parra, Anthony Duran, Bonnie Gregory, and Hana from Young in the Mountains.

One of my favorite aspects of CDMX architecture was the creative use of formed concrete blocks, and their many textures.

A quick popover to Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo was definitely worth the journey

Diego Rivera’s personal collection of traditional Mexican cartonerias - including Judas, alebrijes, and other papier-mache figures.

Our group enjoyed many incredible meals… among them: this lunch at neighboring Masala y Maiz.

Even the public library in CDMX was awe-inspiring

The art deco influences abound

A street vendor of delicious tlacoyos, just up the street from Carla’s shop… thanks to Ben from Hoja in Denver for the recco :)

Next (final) stop last year was Austin, Texas, for a trunk show with Talisman stockist Good Company. Can I just say, I love these ladies so much?! We had a great time hanging, and I even managed to sneak in some more wonderful meals, a concert, and some explorations along S. Congress Ave.

All ways welcome in Austin! Gotta love the vibe at the Austin Motel, just down the road from Good Company’s S. Congress location.

Stockist Good Company’s South Congress Avenue location

Some of the Talisman wares at Good Company

Good Company’s oh-so-adorable Meredith Marker wearing the Plane Earrings and Mirror Eye Chain

Boss-lady Chandler Hedequist’s Talisman neck stack, including the Skinny Flow Chain, Linked Chain, and the Linear Y Necklace <3

Xmas in Austin

That’s all folks! Cheers to the new year… let’s see where 2023 brings me…

Talisman and Friends Are Mexico City Bound with Carla Fernandez

The Carla Fernandez flagship store in Colonia Juarez, CDMX. Image via Conde Nast Traveler.

Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and friends Animal Handmade, Salihah Moore, Young in the Mountains and Mario Zoots as we travel south of the border, for an extra special pop-up shop at the Carla Fernandez flagship store in Mexico City! Happening November 18-20 here.

Carla Fernandez flagship boutique on Calle Marsella in CDMX. Image courtesy of the designer.

As a longtime fan of Carla Fernandez’s work in fashion, including not only her incredible handmade garments, but also her forward-thinking ideas for the industry, memorialized in her Manifesto of Fashion as Resistance, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

So how did this opportunity come about? Thanks to the Denver Art Museum’s recent exhibit and my dear friend Jane Burke, a curator there, I had the opportunity to meet and work with the inimitable designer during a trunk show that was held in conjunction with the exhibition opening in May. Carla, ever gracious and down to earth, was incredibly warm and welcoming, and invited Talisman to come do a trunk show at her shop. Little did she know how readily I’d jump on that offer ;) Plus, I figured, why not invite some other artist friends to join us, and turn the whole thing into a CDMX-meets-Denver pop-up celebration for the books… Once in a lifetime, right?

Designer Carla Fernandez. Photo via Culture Trip.

So mark your calendar, because this is one that is not to be missed. Truly, you’re all invited… friends, clients, family, and anyone else who is looking for a little adventure. Fun will undoubtedly be had by all. Plus, it’s a fabulous excuse to visit one of the best cities on earth with some like-minded design folk :)

Curious about the other designers attending?

Animal Handmade. Image via the designer.

Animal Handmade’s hand-stamped leather bags and goods incorporate mystical, mythological motifs that not only tell a story, but are also an unbelievably cool addition to any wardrobe

Works by Salihah Moore. Image via the designer.

Salihah Moore’s painstakingly hand-beaded jewelry and garments play with geometry and come in unexpected shapes, offering both a visual and sensory experience for the wearer

A diamond and turquoise ring by Young in the Mountains. Image via the designer.

Young in the Mountains makes hand-forged, stunning inlay rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that nod to traditional artisans of the Southwest, yet are decidedly a look all their own

Mario Zoots installing his collage work. Image via the artist.

Artist Mario Zoots began his journey painting trains as a graffiti hooligan. These days he transforms images, colors and shapes into immersive collage works that are powerfully transportive.