The Value of Lessons Learned

As I was preparing my tools and materials for my next project, I thought about the project inside the zip lock bag. It was a rectangular pendant with three 4 x 6 mm blue topaz gems. I needed to address this before moving on to my new project. First, it had two layers of silver that separated during firing. Second, two of the prongs were loose on the gemstones. I pried the layers apart as I accessed the bond between the two layers. I learned some things by dissecting my work. Now I’m ready to create something and build on what I’ve learned; the value of this knowledge is worth its weight in silver.

Gratitude

Today, I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for a functional and creative brain and two hands that are useful in making art. I am grateful for supportive family and friends. I am grateful for living in a land of opportunity. Not that I have merited any of these things, but that I feel the need to thank Him.

As a group of artists, the Impressionists have had the greatest impact on me. Monet painted and tore up an number of canvasses while striving for perfection in his depiction of water lilies. Vincent van Gogh struggled with depression. Renoir was so poor at times that he did not have money to buy paints. Initially, their works were ridiculed by the art critics at the time. I like to keep the Impressionists in mind as I work on my art projects.

Smile like you mean it

Explore theories of management such as Theory X, Theory Y and Theory Z. Theory X can be compared to the old school of management. Theory Y and Z represent more modern styles of management. However, these theories are not mutually exclusive. In the real world, work cultures may be a combination of all three. Theory Z assumes that you have engaged, intelligent employees. Therefore they can be trusted to significantly contribute to decision making. I first learned about these theories in college.

Considering the information above I decided to create my own reality with art. I will create the best manager in myself. The great thing about my artwork is that I select the content and scope of my projects and the rate at which I complete them. I'll apply Theory Z to my own work. I trust myself to create a better reality each day. As for the corporate world; "Smile like you mean it."

Peoria Art Guild Member's Show

I started thinking about making fine silver jewelry in 2007. Finally, this year I took a metal clay class at the Peoria Art Guild. Family and friends have encouraged me. I entered my work in the Peoria Art Guild Members Show (June 19th - August 5th, 2009)

Michelle and I went to the Peoria Art Guild Member’s Show last night. I learned that I was over dressed when I showed up in a dress shirt tie and dress pants; most of the artists were dressed casually.

We met and discussed other artists work and my work and had a great time. I was encouraged by the professional artists to keep doing what I’m doing with jewelry.

I didn’t win any formal awards but I learned a great deal last night. Michelle thinks i should have won something. Of course she is not looking at this objectively...I'm happy for the experience.

On Finishing Art Projects...

I can relate to the sentiments of one of my favorite artists about finishing my projects.

“It is difficult to stop in time because one gets carried away. But I have that strength; it is the only strength I have.” Claude Monet

A rusty corrugated steel shack...

About the Artist

David Nicholas is married and the father of two adult children and one teenager. He currently works full time as a Manufacturing Engineer in Peoria, Illinois.

David earned his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology from Eastern Michigan University.

He has always been interested in art and is currently focused on Precious Metal Clay. His friends and family have encouraged him to continue his exploration in fine silver after seeing his initial art work.

David sometimes likes to say that he’d rather live in a rusty corrugated steel shack as full time artist. That might be when he is wits end. David's art provides a creative outlet. He derives great satisfaction from the process of creating.