Hi,

Well, what can I say except that I tried. In September I entered the Saul Bell Awards, a competition for Jewelry Artists. We had to submit a rendering, or a picture of the piece that was to be made, or what was already made. I was up for the challenge, so I did a rendering of a necklace that I wanted to make...a piece that I had not done before and with the use skills that I don't have at the moment.

I surprised myself as well as close friends and family of what I came up with. My rendering was done in graphite, which I haven't really done in a while, so rusty and all I went for it. I was very excited to say the least...watched Chihuly many nights, (or rather put the DVD on for background noise while I drew my heart out) and he kept me going!

So, the day came, and I mailed off my rendering...glad I had a print made 'cause I wouldn't have gotten my rendering back after all was said and done.STAR GAZER: My rendering for the Saul Bell Awards.

Patiently waiting, I received the news today, and yes, I did not make it into the finals. I knew what I was up for, and took the gamble. I wanted to see what I could do, and how far I could go with an event like this one. To say that I'm not a little bummed would be a lie, and after all I am human with a desire to achieve.

What I discovered after all was this: I realized how much I loved to draw in graphite, and didn't know if I could actually draw something from my head (I'm more of a still life Artist), and that I had the best time doing it. A couple of major challenges were getting the lite just right, so I struggled a bit with the highlights and shadows, but still pulled it off as best I could. I even pulled out some of my old drawing books and started reading them again...it was nice to get back to some of the basics.

This experience was amazing , and I really got in touch with who I am, and how far I'm willing to go. Maybe you could say the experience alone was more valuable than being accepted as a finalist or winning for that matter.

After all I had a great weekend at the Fine Craft Show in my booth with all my creations. A man who saw my work at the last show I did drove many miles to see my ideas on a piece he wanted to commission me to do for him. He loved the ideas, and paid his deposit for me to start the job.

I made many great connections and networked with other vendors who were willing to help out with advice. My work received many compliments, so I feel all the long hours have paid off.

Along with a great weekend, I shipped off my jewelry to Artful Sol Gallery in Vail, Colorado. The owner wants me to fly out in March for a show that she wants have(not sure if it's only my work) and promote...she knows a lot of people in the area.Anti-clastic Tappered Ring: Vail, Colorado

So, that's my story bitter sweet in all...kind of like the rich taste of dark chocolate. I will not give up...I won't look back...the future holds many more mysteries just waiting for me to unfold!!!
Fluer De Lis Necklace: Vail, ColoradoStar Cuff: Vail, Colorado

Cheers,

Jamie Santellano