Dzignz On You - Lee Richards

Elements of Surprise: An Artist's Statement
As an artist I find myself drawn to shape and form and texture. I find the play of metal wire against a natural element, extremely appealing. I strive to create a fluid or playful form from the rigid wire and stone or glass.

I enjoy the challenge of seeing possibilities in elements that we take for granted. I like the idea of taking a surprising element like a sea-worn piece of shell or weathered glass as the base for some of my pieces. However, sometimes the clean look of shiny glass or a gemstone cab is what is needed for the piece I have in mind.

I usually create spontaneously, inspired by the look and feel of the base element being used. Sometimes it is the look and feel of the glass or shell while other times the wire dictates what the piece will become. Sometimes it is close to what I imagined and other times it is totally different. I have no preconceived notions as to what it will look like other than a vague image. I let the wire guide me -- it seems to have mind of its own. Color and texture are important in the overall piece. I try to play these up as much as possible to get the effect that I feel will best complement the piece.

Most of my pieces use a variety of elements and texture. Glass against metal, metal against shell, I like the idea that you need to reach out and touch it to completely "experience" a piece. Wearable art is truly an experience to be touched and not just seen.

Lee Richards, Metalsmith

Education
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana B.S. in Art: Major in Metals, Minor in Drawing

Awards:
Ball State Student Art Show, 1st place in vessel category
September 1986 awarded an undergraduate fellowship in photo-etching to develop and explore techniques in this process on a variety of metals.

Organizations
American Craft Council Member
National Honor Society
Society of Midwest Metalsmiths
Best of Missouri Hands

Currently
Developing my business "Dzignz On You: One Of A Kind Wearable Art" and I have recently had or currently have pieces at:
Spring Street Gallery, Jeffersonville, Indiana
Studio Jewelers, North Manchester, Indiana
Morgie's Gifts & Things, St. Charles, Missouri
Elm Street Company, Washington, Missouri
High Plains Art & Design Center, Valley Ridge, Missouri
The Painted Daisy Artique, Eureka, Missouri

Juried Shows Include:
Boulder Creek Festival, CO
Celebration of the Arts, Charleston, IL
Artist's Boutique, Kirkwood, MO
Washington Fall Festival, Washington, MO
Central West End, St. Louis, MO

Dzignz On You
Lee Richards, Metalsmith
707 S. Oak St.
Union, MO 63084
636-583-7947
http://www.dzignzonyou.com
e-mail Lee Richards



		Elements of Surprise: An Artist's Statement As an artist I find myself drawn to shape and form and texture. I find the play of metal wire against a natural element, extremely appealing. I strive to create a fluid or playful form from the rigid wire and stone or glass. I enjoy the challenge of seeing possibilities in elements that we take for granted. I like the idea of taking a surprising element like a sea-worn piece of shell or weathered glass as the base for some of my pieces. However, sometimes the clean look of shiny glass or a gemstone cab is what is needed for the piece I have in mind. I usually create spontaneously, inspired by the look and feel of the base element being used. Sometimes it is the look and feel of the glass or shell while other times the wire dictates what the piece will become. Sometimes it is close to what I imagined and other times it is totally different. I have no preconceived notions as to what it will look like other than a vague image. I let the wire guide me -- it seems to have mind of its own. Color and texture are important in the overall piece. I try to play these up as much as possible to get the effect that I feel will best complement the piece. Most of my pieces use a variety of elements and texture. Glass against metal, metal against shell, I like the idea that you need to reach out and touch it to completely "experience" a piece. Wearable art is truly an experience to be touched and not just seen. Lee Richards, Metalsmith Education Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana B.S. in Art: Major in Metals, Minor in Drawing Awards: Ball State Student Art Show, 1st place in vessel category September 1986 awarded an undergraduate fellowship in photo-etching to develop and explore techniques in this process on a variety of metals. Organizations American Craft Council Member National Honor Society Society of Midwest Metalsmiths Best of Missouri Hands Currently Developing my business "Dzignz On You: One Of A Kind Wearable Art" and I have recently had or currently have pieces at: Spring Street Gallery, Jeffersonville, Indiana Studio Jewelers, North Manchester, Indiana Morgie's Gifts & Things, St. Charles, Missouri Elm Street Company, Washington, Missouri High Plains Art & Design Center, Valley Ridge, Missouri The Painted Daisy Artique, Eureka, Missouri Juried Shows Include: Boulder Creek Festival, CO Celebration of the Arts, Charleston, IL Artist's Boutique, Kirkwood, MO Washington Fall Festival, Washington, MO Central West End, St. Louis, MO Dzignz On You Lee Richards, Metalsmith 707 S. Oak St. Union, MO 63084 636-583-7947 http://www.dzignzonyou.com e-mail Lee Richards Home \| Artisans \| Membership \| News \| Contact \| Featured Craftsman \| Mission \| Links \| Members Only
		Web design by Sullivan Creative Contact Sullivan Creative Copyright 2001-2005 Sullivan Creative. All rights reserved.