This past fall I had a wonderful experience entering the American Heritage contest for the first time. I hope to participate again in the future and I encourage my peers to join in with making something fresh and having a bit of fun. I look forward to trying some new techniques in 2017 and will continue to hone the craftsmanship and experiment with some new processes. 
A new kiln is coming in for Summer 2017 and our studio will have more opportunities to work in gold, silver and porcelain with this kiln.  If you love metal work and jewelry you will love the new media.  

As many of my friends and family know I have been working on some changes with the business this past year.  I am moving towards more gallery work, once again. I currently have artwork on display in a multi-disciplinary exhibition at The Evansville Museum of Art for Indiana's bicentennial celebration.  The exhibit will celebrate life on the Ohio River and be on display until the end of 2016.  

The business changes has been brought on by several factors this past year including meeting and marrying Mr. White.  Our family has been working towards some physical healing as we have had quite a few medical moments this year.  So if you have been wondering about new gallery pieces... stay tuned. 

The 2014 WKU Mountain Workshops was a successful experience.

Please check out my story about Dr. Chris Hyland who is a local Daviess County vet making a difference to his community in so many ways.  The story link is here.  Step by Step, photos by Kimberly Faye McClellan.http://www.mountainworkshops.org/workshop/2013/slideshow/1583/kimberly-mcclellan-step-by-step/

I'm heading out to Owesnboro, Ky on Tuesday morning at 5 AM for the 2013 WKU Mountain Workshops.
Please see the photos I submitted for the event.  I'm thrilled that I have been accepted to participate because of this photography portfolio!

http://kimberlyfayemcclellan.weebly.com/portfolio.html

Local Community News for Art Exhibit, June, 2013.  Photography series;  
Time Traveling In Blue ~ Faye McClellan

As the grand-daughter of a coal miner, folk artist and maker I embrace who I am.  If you've heard of Merle Travis you will find Muhlenberg County, where I was born.  The sound of bluegrass is a sound you will hear when driving through, our rural town.  I was influenced by the coal culture.  My great- aunt Lucille worked at the company store.  Stitch by stitch she would sew the most beautiful quilts.  Oh, how I wish I could give this to her, for she would appreciate it the most I believe.   Finally, we have real silver company money.  

Coal flickers were used by miners to buy goods at the company store.  They were made of tin.  Many miners stayed in debt to the company as they could always get an advance.  Who else would give them credit?  If you listen to the songs of lore by Merle Travis, John Prime and other thumb pickers you will hear the sounds of heritage in the community.  I am the great-niece of Raymond "Red" McClellan.  Raymond known by a few as Red was credited with assisting Merle in finding his unique thumb-picking sound.  Merle would come in to see my great-uncle who just happened to be blind.  Raymond was born with tunnel vision, he was premature & nursed to health by his sister Lucille who kept him inside of his crib in a shoe box.  She vowed he would live even though the doctors said he would not.  He lived and contributed to the rich history of my hometown.  Our family has been connected to this community for over two-hundred years.  My ancestors settled in Muhlenberg during the 1800's, two revolutionary soldiers and their wives.  I am a lineal descendant of John Hunt, Sr.  and Captain Henry Rhoads, Jr.  The godfather of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.  With love in my heart for my homeland I cast this piece for my heritage collection, paradise pure.

Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Darling! 

When I was young girl I was intrigued with Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution.   I read all the books I could find on the subject, including a diary she had kept.   Wax was used to seal letters during her life and later In 1809 when Napoleon was in power a girl living in the french restoration period would have had a wax sealer for letters such as this.  It would have been part of her writing essentials.  

The image reproduced in this fine silver pendant is over 200 years old and quite rare.  I am proud to have over forty seals from a historic french seal set in my collection.  When I design with this it reminds me of that little girl I used to be a long time ago.  Chasing rainbows and daydreaming about traveling the world.  

Mother nature made the best season of all when she created spring.  Considering all of them my favorite is by far springtime. 

I was born in the spring & I look forward to it every year. When going through some semi-precious stones this morning I saw a white one and became inspired by how the stone looked.  It looked just like a marbleized egg and I just couldn't get the idea out of a little birdie out of my head.  After a few minutes I decided to put the design in paper first then I took it to the metal. 

Right now I just can't help but smile. I think in this idea I may have found a storybook pendant line in my future. I realize I may WANT to do a lot more mama birdies with eggs. A story in a pendant?  This is just a simple birdie in love and a one of a kind piece!

A English Rose of 99.9% pure silver dangling from a sterling silver chain graces the neckline enlivened of pride and prejudice.  I could only hope that Jane Austen would appreciate this precious piece. 

This weekend I was lucky enough to be involved in a jewelry class with four other artists.  We discussed creative techniques in metal and worked on our certifications in these methods.  

When I reflect I understand that I've really had an amazing journey this past year.  I never really realized that I see the world a bit differently than everyone else.   

In learning these techniques in metal I've been able to reclaim a part of me that I had forgotten about.  I had forgotten what it felt like to enjoy making wearable art. It feels amazing when you can give a little piece of yourself to others and see them smile.  This year I have had a lot of ups and downs in so many areas but I am blessed to realize I was inspired by nothing less than faith, trust and silver jewelry dust.