Updates

Exploring Art: Works in Progress and Exhibitions

This page will host a sample of WIP….work in progress through a series of short descriptions about the making as it takes place….OR…. edited images of current finished projects….OR….Exhibition pieces.

Expect a variety on this page….

My entry into Wonderland

A hot glass enamel white rabbit set as a sterling silver button.

“Ocean Fantasy”

Selected for the Gallerium/Biafarin online exhibit “Aquarium”

7/2/25-9/2/25.

She is a 2″ diameter Grisaille enamel set in sterling with color complimentary natural gemstone beads and pearls.

“Cancelled”

Selected for theGallerium/Biafarin online exhibit

“Shapes and Colors”

6/18/25-8/18/25

Check out the process page to see more about this little Devil.

Happy Tombo Confetti Button

My entry into the National Button Society 2025 Studio Artist event

“SPIN”

To see a slide show of the making, visit my Process page

“SPIN”….my reflection about how information is altered through sight, sound and speech, often with harmful results as represented by the bullet casings and the wire connecting the enamel squares. Each small enamel depicts an identifiable human expression or transmission. Sometimes what is said, heard or seen is unreliable, a matter of perception which can be misinterpreted either intentionally….or not. Even though truth is illusory and often difficult to accept, it offers strength that cannot be found in deceit. The truth will set us free.

Gallerium exhibit 3/1/25 – 5/1/25

BUTTON GAMES

My contribution to “Button Games”, a WBA challenge for creating art with buttons! I used vintage glass sports intaglios and designed pendants using Mother of Pearl vintage buttons in the settings.

“Cancelled“

Elon’s coming…..

This little devil had been waiting for a suitable frame for years….then the WBA inspired a solution….BUTTONS! The task was to create a collage of buttons in a 6″x6″ format. Check out the making on my Process page.

Big Hole Buttons

Big Hole Button Limerick Cards

OK….a diversion and a challenge from WBA which I found irresistible….make something with Big Hole Buttons! What a fun project! For a slide show of this project, check out my Process page.

“EX”

Selected for the online exhibit Kingdom Animalia

hosted by Exhibizone

8/31/24 – 10/31/24

“Abe in Space“

Back to the FUTURE

“Two Good Eggs”

2 GOOD EGGS

Bolt N’ Bones #2

My latest custom order for a very special lady, Bolt N’ Bones #2 is a 24K cloisonne set in a mixed metal 22K & Sterling pendant with an Ethiopian Opal bail. Check out the following slideshow for a closer look at the making….and the happy recipient….

Lovely Lindsey!

“I-See-U”

“Wendel can’t Resist”

“Wendel Can’t Resist” selected for the Gallerium online exhibit I- SEE-YOU

1/25/24 – 3/25/24

“Abraxas”

MAGIX exhibition poster

“ABRAXAS” Selected for the Exhibizone online exhibit, MAGIX

11/15/23-1/15/24

Beth Kelley Zorbanos wrote:22-Dec-2023

❝Wow! Wow! Wow! Joan combines master craftsmanship, creative genius, and a wild imagination to manifest works that are mesmerizing, memorable, and dynamic! ❞

Exhibit review

A slideshow visualization of the various steps in the process of creating ABRAXAS

Plantarium exhibition poster

“Fractal Fiddleheads” selected for the Gallerium online exhibit, Plantarium 9/15/23-11/15/23

Lucy Gibson wrote:

20-Sep-2023

Exhibit review

❝What a sassy little fern! It seems to be challenging the viewer to engage in a conversation. I really like the way the copper elements below imitate the fern when it first pops up – fuzzy and tightly furled, then gradually relaxing and reaching for some sun. The coloration is also lovely, from the yellow-green of a sprout to the chlorophyll rich green that enables it to thrive on the forest floor.❞