Why Do We Fall?

 "Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up."

Transition can sometimes feel like falling...the end of October and most of my November had plenty of transition (falling), so much that I had to look to the super hero gods for support....even though Batman is..well...Batman...my super hero god is...of course...Tank Girl....

"Every now and then something comes along to upset our apple cart, but I find that if you kick a problem HARD ENOUGH in the balls, eventually it will cave and crumble."

Oh this is gonna be a feisty one...I can already tell...

Like all epic battles that take place in LaLaLand, this one was filled with hot buff men wearing dresses with long hair and really, really bad acting...oh wait, Troy is on...wow, that takes epic to a whole new level, of something...there was a battle til I realized that was the fever and codeine talking, welcome back to the city...filled with a lot of peeps and their germs...I spend a few days in a Thompson-est induced reality (of sorts)...while in this state I realized that my transition to LA was going pretty damn well....actually kind of kickass....

So after I rid myself of the evil clutches of the dark enemy Strep (thanks to my bros homemade potato soup) I paid my LaLaLand hazing dues of parking tickets and car towings. And in an instant I crossed the line of commitment from dreaming to doing (referring to the mtbing commitment not the Peter Pan killing type) and I am now part of this crazy, sun-kissed, car bearing fellowship of Angelenos!!!

Angelenos celebrating Cinco De Mayo...we Angelenos really get into the festivities!!!

 

Here ya go LaLaLand...this ones for you!!!

 

On the studio front....well I was super excited to find out that I am a part of this kickass online exhibit "Buckle Up: Belt Buckles Beyond Function"...created by Erika Uzmann...I am a big fan of belt buckles and it was great to see what others came up with...makes me wanna push my designs further...thanks Erika for provoking some creativity and showing some radness!!!!

http://crafthaus.ning.com/group/buckle-up-belt-buckles-beyond-function

Looks like I haven't scared them away at Art Jewelry Magazine cause I've been approved to write a few more "How to" articles...guess you can't get away from me, can ya!?!?!  A big thank you to the killer team at Art Jewelry Magazine, they are constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas for their publication...nice to see them spreading the love of  techniques, knowledge and community!!!

Check out this online exhibition of Non Traditional Materials...make sure you look at all the artists, my friend Jennifer Merchant has her layered acrylic jewelry featured as well...kickass Jen!!!!

http://cs.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/art/bonus/m/nontraditional-materials/98154.aspx

Like I said before, I'm feeling a little feisty but it's also the holiday season, so here is a video that, well, makes me smile...I know it's not Columbus Day but I still think it's fitting for friends, feasts and feistyness all around...Thanks Adam, you are the best!!!

 

  Photo Opp Time

 

Perch, rooftop restaurant downtown LA...super rad views, killer food and breathtaking jazz...hellz yeah... 

Sunrise out my window

Adventure Dog!!!

 

Jilly and Aaron rocking out...

 

India digging Coming to America...

Making Hinges...

Sketching...

Oh since we seem to be on a holiday kick...here's one for May the 4th....

  

Things to come....headed home for Christmas, Lincolnites I expect ya to be ready for drinks, biking/skiing and lots of DISH!!!! In January I will take part in the Lux Jewelry Show (sorry I won't be in Lincoln but my jewelry will)...and I'm sure much much more....Everyone have an awesome Thanksgiving and enjoy stuffing your face, know I will....

 

We all go a little mad sometimes.....

I'm sitting here attempting to write but I'm so creeped out by Anthony Perkins staring at me like that...man, Hitchcock knew how to make 'em, skREE, skREE, skREE....damn I'm really getting freaked out now...but suck it up Sheppard cause this is a creepy, scary, edge of your seat, think I just peed myself Halloween-esk update.....So let's stand and face the hounds of hell, but you first...

How bout something not sooo scary to start off with....(thanks Josh)...






Now for something spooky....I've been in LaLaLand for a little over two months and besides totally digging into the taco trucks I've also found a place for my work!!! Gold Bug is a super kickass shop in Pasadena...Not only is the work at Gold Bug totally awesome but so are Shelley, Stacey and Theodora, the family that runs this super cool place...They are having a 6th annual anniversary party this Friday and you are invited....so stop on by, check out all the killer new work and see what this shop is all about, oh and say Hi!!

 Gold Bug
22 East Union Street
Pasadena, CA

6-10pm

http://www.goldbugpasadena.com

 The kind of freaky thing, Theodora pointed out that Evan Chambers also has his (ahhhmazing) work at Gold Bug and he also happened to be featured with me in last years Aug/Sept issue of American Craft , I had no idea....FReakY.....

For the past month I've been off the (social media) grid...and yes Schmidty I'm  back....what have I been doing...well, a bit of writing...I know, scary right....looks like I know a bit bout this jewelry thing and people wanna read what I have to say...gotta say that's pretty damn cool...So I'll keep ya posted when and where you can get your own copy which will have not only a "how to" by me but also a shot in a photo gallery spread, yes that means CSD makes two appearances in Art Jewelry Magazine!!! RAD!!!

And if you have not checked out this gem of a publication, crawl out from the rock you've been living under and check them out....

http://art.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/en/Magazine.aspx

I feel like this is a tough crowd, no goose bumps, no screams, no droplets of sweat or even pee....let's see if I can take care of that, hold on once again to your panties for this very unique cover of the Talking Heads "Psycho Killer" which seems appropriate....

 

Did it work???...well...can't say I didn't try.... What else have I been up to???? Well check it out....photo montage time!!!!

 

" D Zed" Cuff inspired by Terry Gilliam's Brazil

 

Such a proud sista...my bro's show at Western Projects, up til Oct 26th so go see it!!! He also did a super impressive performance art as well....killin' it bro!!!

Check it out online as well!!!

http://www.western-project.com/2013/08/01/aaron-sheppard-new-sculptural-works/#1

New earrings in the works and a view from a trail near my house
(my lalaland wilderness)

 

With Hipsters and Get Rad Jesus at the 6th Street Bridge Wolfpack Hustle

http://wolfpackhustle.com/



How I spend a LOT of my time now....



There are some super beautiful places here too....Blue Bug trail and Venice Canals....makes ya wanna come hang, right!!!!

 

Riding outside San Fran in the Redwoods

 

Visiting friends in San Fran (not a finger!!!) For the India lovers out there she's loving LA and our new roommates but she is still a lil princess.

I'm gonna leave ya with one last video...trying to decide if I should be my fav Tank Girl (again) for Halloween or go as Techno Viking ...my bro thinks I look like Techno Viking because of how I style my hair, I thought it would be cause of my rad dance moves or my facial hair...TG or TV??? Hard choice right??? They are both sooo badass...okay I know, Tank Girl could totally take Techno Viking...done....

Til next time....have a safe and fun Halloween filled with a palithera of sugar highs, wax lips and shenanigans....
 

  

'Cause when you are dreaming....you see for miles and miles.....

 

Oh damn Tommy boy you are so right....I've been dreaming bout LA for 6 months and now that I've moved here gotta say I see for miles...well at least to the Hollywood sign that I can see from my street....but now that I am among the laid back, sun kissed, tattooed and swarms of hipsters (almost as infections as zombies but more trendy, if that's even possible) I am ready to take on the city, full speed but is this city ready for me???

Set up and ready to Roll at the DMAF

Before we get too deep let's get down to some business....A recap of my last couple of events...Had a great time at the Des Moines Arts Festival, Stephen King (a much less scary Stephen than the author) and his crew really know how to take care of not only the artists but the peeps attending the event and the community...Thank you all for a great show, all your help (Tabitha you were ahhhmazing, much thanks for all the pee breaks) and for the awesome 

press...

Also a big thank you to the La France family for hosting me for the weekend, you took really great care of me, many thanks to you all....

 This is a great article about the 13 highlights of the DMAF, really flattered to be number one....hot damn...thank you....

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130623/ENT/306230006 

  Right after the DMAF I headed back home just in time to pass out, pack the car with more food and clothes and hit the road...next stop, Denver for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival...

I was there for a week, I took part in the preview show which was on Tuesday...was nice to see everyone come out and show their support, event was at the JW Marriott, perfect setting for all the rad art...The festival took place that following weekend on the streets of Cherry Creek, here are some photos and a kickass interview of ceramics artist Andy Rogers, painter Tres Taylor and me!!!

http://www.9news.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2528863271001

Here are some fun photos from the festival and fourth of July

303 Magazine

Art Fest Fam

Thanks to everyone for a fantastic art festival summer!!!





Even though I've been busy moving cross country I still had time for an interview with Modern Midwest Magazine...Kick Ass Morgan, you rock...was a blast talking to you and I totally dig the story...thank you thank you thank you...

http://modernmidwest.com/people/casey-sheppard-jewelry

I am super honored that a piece of my work will be PUBLISHED along with many very talented artists!!! That's right kiddies...due to the amazing and talented Lorena Angulo who came up with the idea for creating a book that features the back of a brooch, the part that is usually never seen..."Behind the Brooch:A Closer Look at Backs, Catches and Pin Stems" will be available Feb 2014, and yes you can pre order it too, just click on the link below!!!

http://www.schifferbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=956_837_412_413&products_id=5372


While I'm doing a little press make sure and check out my bros upcoming show...talk bout WOW!!!!!

Opening night is September 7th at Western Projects
Culver City, Los Angeles, CA...Get your ass there....

http://www.western-project.com/2013/08/01/aaron-sheppard-new-sculptural-works/

And one last shameless plug for my bro and his studio mate Jaime....they are in the running to have Tig Notaro perform in their studio space...won't that be RAD!!!! I do have to admit I had no idea who she was til now (Tig has smart press peeps)...anyways, this video is really fun....



 As if this wasn't enough, guess what, there is more...it's a special addition of CASEY TIME...it's a photo montage of "The Adventures of Casey Sheppard and Her Designs"...oh shit ballz, let's get down and dirty...

MTB in Lyons with Malcom

Lyons, CO

Going away Party...feelin the luv

Gma's 80th Bday Party...Hot Damn....

DH in Winter Park

Finished Tattoo...for now...

Last night in Lincoln...

Cross Country Moving...NM, I think???

Are we there yet???

1am roll into LaLaLand

Bro and me running errands in LA...

India and Malcolm, best new buds...sort of...

Malibu...pretty damn nice...

That's bout it for now...getting settled, I will keep ya posted...til the next time....

But I'll leave ya with the song I've been listening to on the Freeway, thanks to my bro...god damn Lita kicks ASSSSS!!!