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Artist's Statement
I design jewelry influenced by the textures found in nature. I produce
each piece myself, combining natural and tooled textures with etchings
and other materials to create one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, pendants
and brooches.
I experimented with many forms of craft during my lifetime. Growing
up on a farm in rural Virginia taught me many handwork skills as well
as a family-instilled love of learning. I started working with pressed
flowers in the mid-1980's and by 1991 was incorporating them into jewelry. In
the summer of 2000, I began working with Precious Metal Clay, and have
incorporated that desire for natural forms into my newest work.
PMC is a new material that fires in a kiln, transforming from soft clay
into solid silver or gold. Microscopic particles of the metal are mixed
with water and a binder that burns away while firing, creating shapes
and textures not possible in traditional metalworking techniques.
I enjoy all the different aspects of my work, from rolling out clay
and collecting leaves to creating graphics and demonstrating techniques.
Besides creating jewelry, I farm and teach middle-school art. My inspiration
comes from my faith and the lovely world around me.
Education
- 1991 Radford University, Radford, Virginia · Teaching Certificate
- 1981 Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia · Bachelor
of Fine Arts
- 1979 Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts · Certificate,
Summer Design Exploratory
- 1977 Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, Virginia · Associate
of Science, Magna cum laude
- 1990, 2000 Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
(affiliated with University of Tennessee) · Graduate studies
- 2001 Workshop, Asheville, North Carolina · Certification,
Precious Metal Clay
Professional Experience
- 1989 to present · Art Teacher, Pulaski Middle School, Pulaski,
Virginia
- 1991 to present · Jeweler, home studio, Draper, Virginia
Additional Professional Activities
Awards
- 2001 PMC Guild "One Lump Challenge", tie for third place
Exhibitions
- 1998, 2000 Longwood College, Farmville, VA, Made in VA
- 1997-2001 Gallery of Local Artists, Christiansburg, VA, Christmas
Gift Gallery
- 2001 Gallery of Local Artists, Weekend Gallery
- 1999-2001 ACV Gallery at the State Fair of Virginia, Richmond
- 2001 Wall of Faith Gallery, Christiansburg, VA
Ongoing Retail Outlets
- since 1998, Mountain Memories, Hot Springs
- since 1995, Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Clifton
Forge
- since 1993, New Mountain Mercantile, Floyd & Roanoke
- since 1993, Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley, Pulaski
Ongoing Shows
- Virginia Mountain Crafts Guild, Salem and Claytor Lake
- Chautaugua Festival in the Park, Wytheville
- Hungry Mother Arts and Crafts Show, Marion
- Highland Festival, Abingdon · 4th of July Festival, Wintergreen
- M-Pac, Fairfax · Bizarre Bazaar, Richmond
- Festival in the Park, Roanoke · Lazy Days, Durham, NC
- Autumn Leaves, Mt. Airy, NC
Community and Personal Activities
- Member, Chautaugua Festival Craft Committee
- Member, Draper's Valley Presbyterian Church (PCA)
- Active in choir and music, youth
- Demonstrating artisan
- Farmer, raise beef cattle
- Friends and Neighbors String Band, banjo, guitar and vocals
Martha Biggar
Forget Me Not Studios
PO Box 323
Draper, VA 24324-
(276) 620-0025
E-Mail: marthabiggar@yahoo.com
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