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Artist Statement
The series that I am working on "River Landscapes", is very exciting for me and is inspired by the land on which I live - surrounded by rolling hills, trees, ponds, large rocks and streams. My series is achieved through abstract, simplistic forms. I design and fabricate all my pieces enjoying the whole process of creativity.
My work is hand forged using blacksmithing techniques. I then manipulate the metal and assemble the pieces using an acetylene and oxygen torch. Some of the pieces are patinaed with liver of sulfur. The materials used are platinum, 18k gold, 14k gold and Sterling Silver. All the stones are natural and the pebbles come from Lake Michigan.
The notion of balance has characterized my view of the world and how I
choose to live and create in it. In my work, I blend the materials and
shapes of the natural world with my fascination for architectural form.
My commitment to ecological balance is reflected in jewelry fabrication,
the method I most frequently use. My work is dedicated to the wise and gentle
use of the Earth's natural resources. Much of the work is done with hand tools
and without the use of harsh chemicals. I take delight in the commission work I do in
re-designing old jewelry and creating new works from recycled and new metals and gems.
Although fabrication and casting demand precision, calculation, and
patience, I still work spontaneously. I begin each piece with an
initial concept, but welcome and encourage the natural flow of change
that takes place during the creative process.
I am honored to have received the Fellowship Award from the Alabama State Council
on the Arts for 2001-2002. The fellowship has allowed me to take the time to explore
new techniques in my craft. In 2003 I was accepted into the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
My studio is located in Huntsville, Alabama. Please feel free to call for an
appointment (256) 536-4653. I look forward to seeing you.
Location
Businesses
- Connie Ulrich Gallery, 1989-1999
- My work and fine crafts gallery, representing 200 artists
- Connie Ulrich Design, 1999-Present
- Studio Artist by appointment, jewelry design work
Education
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, BFA with Honors, 1984
- Goldsmith Apprenticeships 1976-1978, 1986
- Gemological Institute of America, Advanced Stone Setting, 1991
- Penland, Metals with Richard Mawdsley, 1993
- Gemological Institute of America, Diamond Grading, 1994
- Penland, Clay with Kathy Tripplett, 1997
- Penland, Iron with Shawn Calver, 2001
- Appalachian Craft School, Blacksmithing, 2001
- John C. Campbell Folk School, Steel and Stone, 2001
- Drake Technical School, Welding, 2001
Teaching, Workshops, and Lectures
- Time Warner PBS, Video taping of my craft, 2001
- John C. Campbell Folk School, Beginning Silversmithing, 1999, 2000
- Stering Committee for Alabama Craft / 2000, 1999-2000
- Alabama Craft / 2000, Stone Setting Workshop, 2000
- Lecturer at the University of North Alabama, Metalsmithing seminar, 1995
- Lecturer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Metalsmithing seminar, 1994
- Speaker at Randolph School, Careers in the Arts, 1994, 2000
- Speaker at Huntsville High School, Senior Art Student Forum, 1993
Exhibitions
- Fellowship Award Exibition, Alabama State Council on the Arts
- Montgomery, AL, Nov 15 2002 - Jan 13, 2003
- A Mark in Time: Masterworks of Contemporary Alabama Craft / 2000
- Tennessee Valley Art Center, Tuscumbia, Jan 9 - Feb 6
- Ferguson Gallery, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Feb 20 - Mar 11
- Birmingham Museum of Art, Mar 26 - Jun 25
- Gadsden Cultural Arts Center, Apr 4 - May 20
- Alabama Artists Gallery, Montgomery, Jun14 - Jul 26
- Heritage Hall, Talladega, Aug 1 - 27
- Wiregrass Museum of Art, Dothan, Sep 12 - Nov 5
Awards
- Monte Sano Art Show, 2007, Huntsville Museum of Art Award
- Monte Sano Art Show, First Place 2005 & 2006, Third Place 2004, Merit Award 2002 and 2001
- Taca Tennessee Arts and Crafts Association, Merit Award 2005 and 1999
- Kohler Art Show, Merit Award 2004 and 2001
- Fellowship Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, 2001-2002
- Helen Keller Festival, Award of Distinction 2005, Merit Award 2006
- Art on the Square, Madison, WI, Invitational Award 2001 and 2002
- Bluff Park Art Festival, Honorable Mention 2001, Presidential Award 1996
- Kentuck Arts Festival, Merit Award 2006, Two Purchase Awards 2001, Two Purchase Awards 1998
- Tupelo Arts Festival, Best of Jewelry and Glass 1998
- And many other Regional and National awards
Professional Affiliations
- Southern Highland Craft Guild
- Society of North American Goldsmiths, SNAG
- Alabama Craft Council
- Tennessee Arts and Crafts Association
- Visual Arts and Crafts Alliance of Nashville
- Jewelers Board of Trade
- The International Sculpture Center
- TACA - Board Member
- Mid-South Sculpture Alliance
- Jewelers of America
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