Rubies and Vines -Lane and Kline

First, I have to say, I just love this title for their show. It's a title that came from the imaginations of Michael Kline and Stacy Lane. Husband and Wife, Father and Mother, Potter and Jeweler, and all around outstanding community members. At it's inception in 2010, this show was to be a celebration ofthis well respected duo from the Mountains of North Carolina. A celebrationof their skill, dedication, fortitude and kindness.

The idea was to display a body of work not yet seen by Michael's collectors; work in porcelain, and a body of work form Stacy that connected the two artists in some way. Stacy comments below on how the show progressed from idea to exhibition.
"I have loved making the work for this show. I gave myself permission to play with some new materials, and think that this work will serve as a new beginning in the studio in several ways. At the end of the stash of my real rubies, I have been struggling with whether to buy more when it is so difficult to trace where they were mined, and under what conditions they were cut. I decided to experiment with super sparkly faux rubies in much of this work, and I love the juxtaposition of the somewhat crude metal surfaces with the crazy brightness of the stones. It was also great to be able to use as many “rubies” as I wanted, without concern for the cost of the stones. With the gold market at an all time high, I have also been drawn to the yellow color, but unable to work freely with gold. I tried casting an Ancient Bronze alloy - the color is great, and the patina appeals to me because of the feeling of age it conveys. I explored bi-metal pieces – something I haven’t done in a long time. I am particularly excited about some signet-type rings with silver tops and gold bands.Because I am sharing the show with Michael, I have been searching for subtle connections in our work over the course of the past year. I found some beautiful blue faience (clay) beads, and have made two necklaces using this material – one is a choker with a little twist, and the other a bit more tribal in feeling. Michael is experimenting with a glaze on porcelain that hints at this aqua color. I also found some beautiful dendritic quartz stones, which remind me of little gardens. The stem and leaf motifs seem connected to his painting, so I’ve used a few of these in necklaces. There might be a few snakes appearing in our work, too…

As I review the pieces for the show, I am grateful for the challenge that trying to push myself brings. This work is definitely related to my previous jewelry, but feels like a step in several new directions. Thank you for the opportunity!" - Stacey Lane, Studio Jeweler
May 7th marks Michael's 50th year on this planet, Happy Bithday Michael. Some of the pieces in this exhibition have "50" marked on the backside, one has it glazed! A collectors dream for certain. Friday we will post again about this show and hear a few words from the birthday boy himself.

Exhibition begins May 7th online and in the gallery. Check it out online @ www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com

David Trophia
Crimson Laurel Gallery