Ring of Life

My name is Zandra Rivera, and I've recently begun to work with Simply Wood Rings as a creative support. I am inspired everyday I come into the studio and am surrounded by so much beauty and love. I wrote the following based on hearing Gustav speak on a daily basis about his feelings towards his art and nature, as well as my personal reflections amidst this Earth.

As winter slowly approaches, the leaves turn various robust colors of yellows, reds, oranges, purples and browns, die and fall to the ground. I’m reminded of the delicate but intrinsic circle of life, where birth does not exist without death. The absolute abundance of life is viable only through the continuous process of decay. Gustav tells me this is the time upon which he reflects and is always inspired to create something new from the old, continuing and adding to this never ending cycle.

To work in the artistic and family oriented environment that Gustav provides, I am able to reflect upon the way we as a society are giving way to old systems of thought regarding the Earth and respecting her fury. This process seems too slow sometimes for me; I’d like more people to get with the flow of sustainability, to plant more trees, to recycle at every opportunity available, to teach the younger generation about ecology and the importance of the green movement as early as possible. "I am reminded by my loving family that I can only do as much as I can and hope that it causes a ripple effect for generations to come," Gustav reflects.

Though, at this time I should feel the shivers of a Winter almost upon me, I am warmed by the thought of a better future for all of us. Amidst death there exists life’s delicate thread awaiting our gentle pull.

Zandra River
Creative Support

A Ring for a Cause: Simply Wood Rings donates to CASA

As part of my personal commitment to community, "Simply Wood Rings" donated a custom piece of art jewelry for an amazing, Chicago-based cause.

This month, the CASA (court appointed special advocates) program of Cook County held a cocktail reception and silent auction in hopes of raising funds for their non-profit organization that advocates for children’s rights in the Cook County court system.  All proceeds from the reception help to ensure that CASA of Cook County can continue providing trained volunteers to abused and neglected children in our communities.  These volunteers ensure that children have a voice in court and a chance to grow up in a safe, permanent home.

After the silent auction concluded, I was pleased to hear that the winning bid for my donation exceeded its actual value, so CASA received more compensation than I had intended!  I feel it is my responsibility to continue to support causes like CASA and believe we should all be more proactive in our respective communities.

Please visit www.casacookcounty.org for more information on how you can help.

Simply Wood Rings in Garth Johnson new book

Simply Wood Rings is in Garth Johnsons new book due out this November. If you are interested in having your very own copy you can reserve yours here. Garth also maintains a blog called Extreme Craft which is a must see. Oh wait this guy also does this amazing pottery check it out at wondabread.com. Where he gets the time I don't know, but I would like to thank him for highlighting my work.

1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse
Remake, Restyle, Recycle, Renew
Garth Johnson

"Artists and crafters have always been recyclers, but for many, it has not only become a thrifty choice, it has become a moral imperative. 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse contains a cutting edge collection of the most inventive work being made with re-used, upcycled, and already existing materials. The work in this book ranges from clever and humble personal accessories to unique and important large-scale works of art, including paper art, fashion, jewelry, housewares, interiors, and installations."

What Knot to Wear - Wood Bracelet

I learned at a very young age what wood could do, and my new work is not it. I am excited to introduce a new limited-edition piece that has kept me busy for the last couple of weeks. This piece is very simple in design, but for me it holds wondrous promise, promise in the way a young boy learns what can be done by working with wood, promise in the way it is

constructed. Each of my new bracelets are hand-crafted in an eco-friendly way with 80% less waste than the traditional method of wooden bracelet construction. Each piece will be signed and numbered.

gustav

Gustav Reyes in the Niche - Simply Wood Rings

This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing my work featured in the newest issue of NICHE Magazine. As part of the “Reclaim, Reuse, Recycle” article, it was such an honor to be featured alongside several artists and craftspeople whose work is governed by the same environmental concerns and practices. It was especially meaningful to see that NICHE, an established publication in the art and fine craft world, geared particularly towards small business retailers, devoted the entire summer issue to “green” work. I see this is an indication that “green” is moving finally from trend to lasting way of life.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show - I am sad today.

I have been selected to participate in the 33rd Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art's Craft Show November 11-15 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

I cannot say that I was not jumping for joy when I received my acceptance email a couple of days ago. Today I decided I was going to post about how I was humbled by the recognition and how one of the few male figures I respect as much as my own father Sam Maloof also exhibited at Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show in 1978. I found out today Sam Maloof died. He once said he was simply a woodworker by his own account, by the rest of the world he was a giant. You can google his name and see the impact he has had on it. As for me his impact on my life is beyond words. I am sad today.

-gustav

Wood goes Couture.

Today, I had an entirely different blog post in mind – one about new work with which I have been experimenting – but more about that later. Excitingly, I was mentioned in a New York Times article today about how wood is making a come back in couture jewelry. Reading the article, I was reaffirmed of my belief that it is the impermanence of wood that I connect with most and the idea that life in all its glory is simply a process of growth and decay. Victoria Gomelsky mentions other designers, creators and artists, with which I am humbled to be mentioned. Her article illustrates how wood was used for jewelry in the past and suggests that the pendulum is swinging back. You can read the article here.

gustav