It is hard to walk through our galleries without stopping to caress the fine textiles and apparel, admire our eclectic collection of pottery, ceramics, and home decor, or eye our stunningly unique selection of handmade jewelry. Curating the aesthetic and philosophy of Fire Opal is our true dedication. We love connecting with artists and cultivating relationships with each one individually. We choose to stock craft from people not only for the appeal and quality of their work, but also because of their own philosophies and commitment to their art. But finding these artists is no easy task. Over the years we have nurtured relationships with Massachusetts College of Art & Design and the Rhode Island School of Design, promoting and supporting graduates from many different departments. We’ve also fostered relationships with artists based in our community and are local to Boston and Massachusetts. But we are always on the lookout for new talents, techniques, and trends. That’s where trade shows come in. There are a few we attend every year. Our first this season is one of the largest in the world, the New York International Gift Fair, but our favorite is the American Craft Council Show.
The American Craft Council has a rich history dating back to the early 1940’s. Originally called the American Craftsman’s Cooperative Council in 1942 the ACC has been a pioneer organization for the promotion of the education, research, and archiving of American handcrafters. In 1956 the Council opened the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (now the American Craft Museum) in a brownstone on West 53rd Street in New York City, with the exhibition “Craftsmanship in a Changing World” featuring 314 objects by 180 craftsmen from 19 states. In 1957 the council hosted its first conference, “Craftsmen Today” in California and in 1966 they held their first craft fair “Confrontation” in Stowe, VT. Since then the ACC has expanded its outreach to include a series of craft shows held all over the country each year. Many of these are retail craft shows, open to the public, serving the artists and communities with an opportunity for new inspiration, relationships, and information on American Craft. They are the embodiment of the ACC’s mission to “champion craft”.
But each year there is also one special show, just for trade’s people. This show is a place where artists come together with potential stockists. It is through the ACC trade show each year that we have come to find some of our favorite artists, including:
- Eric Jensen. Eric’s modern and architectural dinnerware is a collection we consistently keep in stock. Hand-made of high-temperature porcelain his dishes are as durable as they are beautiful. Each piece is food, microwave, and dishwasher safe and are meant to be used and enjoyed. Available in round or square shapes and a selection of color combinations, this dishware adds artful elegance to any table.
- Michael Baxley. Working in wood, lithographs, acrylic paint, and porcelain, each of Michael’s wall hangings has an elegantly organic feel. Focused on flowers, these pieces are far from conventional, but rather they offer a serene and muted glimpse into the floral world. Michael’s work has been comissioned by hotels, hospitals, office buildings, and private collections across the country and can be found hanging in both of our galleries.
- Nicole Alfieri – Pico Vela – One of our newest additions, we absolutely love the remarkably wearable Pico Vela sweater collection by Nicole Alfieri. Established in 2011 and based in Washington DC Nicole’s sweaters are made of high-quality natural fibers and are 100% hand loomed. Her combination of subtle colors and exquisite lines make each sweater a unique piece of clothing and art. Each piece has a distinct shape and flow, meant to flatter the body and showcase the beautiful loom work.
- Reiko Ishiyama – Haling from the Japanese island of Shikoku, Reiko has been a New York based artisan for over 20 years. Originally a sculptor and now a self-taught jeweler Reiko is inspired by the tradition and attention to detail she witnessed in Japan as she began her work as an artist. In her artist’s statement Reiko says “My work has an almost fragile quality, stressing lightness and mobility.” Meant to be worn as art, not simply as adornment, Reiko’s jewelry is delicate yet bold with clean lines and flowing shapes.
Each of these artists is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship the American Craft Council has dedicated itself to promoting. We are so lucky to represent them here in our community. This year we’re excited to see some new trends, great art, and old friends while we’re at the show in February. Stay tuned for an update of new artists and new stock in the Brookline & JP galleries this spring.
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