tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33403431056619401812024-03-13T00:30:05.362-07:00The Breath of HephaestusRon Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-3505711108771409582014-05-18T05:21:00.001-07:002014-06-23T17:08:56.654-07:00So I went and did something...Alright so I just pulled a bunch of content from my website and posted it here. I am not totally sure what I will be doing with my site as of yet so this happened. I may be getting a new site all together and deleting my old site and this blog too. So anyway if any of you are still around watching this blog here are some posts you may not have seen!Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-8097759386543852992014-05-18T05:17:00.001-07:002014-05-18T05:17:23.188-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
And so it happened again... I got bored and sort of depressed with how my work was going. I figured it was time to do something wild again, something to really break the mold, something really sexy! I had an interest in body chains and body jewelry but was not sure of the direction I might go if I designed them. After looking around at what everyone else was doing, and not doing I questioned myself. How could I bring my style to this type of jewelry??? hmmmmm I thought, I will mix my signature hammered metal look with chains in a visually pleasing yet functional way. Part statement piece, part body chain and a whole lot of sexy. That was the idea anyway and I just ran with it! </div>
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<b>Peyton Drew wearing the first G2G Jewelry body chain! </b></div>
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I contacted local model Peyton Drew and asked if she was interested in this project. Part of the deal was to become the face of my brand in stores and on my new business cards. She agreed and we set out to do something amazing. This was a real turning point in my work and my thought process regarding design for woman's jewelry. I needed to challenge myself like never before and create a piece that was not only stunning to look at but also functional and wearable. I love the mechanics involved with designing a piece like this and making it fit so perfect and move and flow with a body in motion. Below I am going to show my process with this piece and try and give you an idea of what goes into a custom piece like this. </div>
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<b>This is the initial sketch and design from my first meeting with Peyton.</b> </div>
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<b>Starting to do the full size layout sketches.</b></div>
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<b>After a full size template fitting the design changed and evolved!</b> </div>
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<b>With plans finalized its time to cut metal! </b></div>
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<b>Hammer time! </b></div>
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<b>Top and bottom pieces cut, hammered, and polished, now it's time for a fitting.</b></div>
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<b>Tedious work measuring, cutting, and attaching the chain piece by piece. </b></div>
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<b>So many pieces of chain went into this! </b></div>
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<b>3 hours later and it's all done! </b></div>
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<b>From concept to reality.</b></div>
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<b>Final fitting before the shoot.</b></div>
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<b>On location with photographer Gloria Budiman and Model Peyton Drew.</b></div>
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<b>Rocking poses with an old tractor! </b></div>
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<b>And that is how its done! </b></div>
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So there it is, my most challenging piece EVER. From the actual design, layout, and construction to the final shoot this was an intense time for me! I was amazed at how perfectly everything fit and actually fit in real life. Peyton could dance and jump around and this piece was just a part of her. This was such a great way for me to break the mold and really push myself to new levels. I can't wait to keep moving in this direction and doing wild challenging pieces. </div>
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Now on somewhat of a side note I am starting the design process for a collection of beach wear specific body chains. These body chains will be designed to wear with swim suits, and for the beach environment. Here is a preview of what is coming! </div>
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<b>Peyton totally rocking this piece at the first prototype fitting!</b></div>
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Finally I want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in this project, you were all awesome! </div>
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<b>Photographer Gloria Budiman</b></div>
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<b>Model Peyton Drew</b></div>
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<b>MUA Kristy Jahn</b></div>
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Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-46306935577895669782014-05-18T05:16:00.004-07:002014-05-18T05:16:50.007-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
So here I am one year from when I really started to push my jewelry line G2G Jewelry. It seems to me like it's been much longer but at the same time it feels like it went so fast. I consider my "start" time to be when I started at the amazing clothing store Symmetry here in Ft. Wayne IN. I was given a chance by the owner Laura and things really started to happen after that. I was finally in the market that I was shooting for and it was evident by the sales. Laura and her the wonderful staff at Symmetry have been instrumental in helping me grow and learn the fashion industry. It was a chance that changed everything and a chance that changed me! Sales have been very consistent over this first year and are growing as I have established myself at the store. My fan base is still growing and those who love my work really love it! It's such a great feeling to see my hard work start to pay off. I can't wait to see where this next year will go. </div>
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<b><i>How I started at Symmetry! </i></b></div>
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<b><i>One year later! </i></b></div>
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I would like to thank all of those who have been so supportive and helpful in this first year. I really appreciate all of you and what you have done for me. I think I will name a few names now, some of the most influential people who have helped me and continue to do so.</div>
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Carissa my wife for putting up with my s*** for all this time. </div>
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Laura the owner of Symmetry, the one who gave me my "big chance" an expert in the fashion industry and a complete professional.</div>
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Taber a wonderful employee at Symmetry and the one who does such a wonderful job of arranging and displaying my jewelry. She also helps me with pricing and is a great source of encouragement. </div>
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Lyse the most amazing photographer I have worked with to date. She is able to see my vision and make it better than I imagined. She is a woman of great character, strength and wisdom and has helped push me to new levels. Lyse keeps me on my toes and asks questions that make me think, she also intimidates the hell out of me! </div>
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Emily the one I call my G2G top model, and the face of my business cards. She is a pure natural in front of the camera and has taken my look to the next level. Emily is such a easy and fun person to work with and can really nail the look I want. She can bring the attitude but does it with high fashion class! </div>
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Amanda who is Emily's sister, also a great model and just as easy as her sister to work with. You can now see her in print as part of the the official G2G Jewelry signage at Symmetry and more stores to come.</div>
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Kristy who does the makeup for all my shoots. She is a world class makeup artist and gets it perfect every time! She can really pull the look together and is a wonderful inspiration in every aspect. </div>
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There are many more who have helped and continue to help but I wanted to name the major players. I truly appreciate each and every one of you more than you know. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </div>
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Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-11511011180054778962014-05-18T05:16:00.002-07:002014-05-18T05:16:10.982-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 23.33333396911621px; text-align: center;">
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Chengdu Fashion Week 2012</div>
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<b>Rachel Bougher... International model...Where do I start?... Midwest Fashion Week 2011, Dayton Fashion Week 2012, Chengdu Fashion Week 2012, Numerous print magazines and even acting, the face of local International designer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarleneHauteCoutures?fref=ts">Marlene Haute Couture</a> for 2 years, the list goes on and on! Born and raised in the Midwest right here in Fort Wayne Indiana she has made an impression on the local high fashion scene. I met Rachel though socal networking and started following her modeling and soon met her at a local event. I was immediately impressed with how this 18 year old handled and presented herself. It was obvious from her grace and poise she was quite a model. Naturally when I heard she had been accepted to walk in Chengdu fashion week I was very excited for her. I watched intently on Instagram for pictures and updates about her trip, as it was just about the only line of communication. I knew when she got back I had to hear the whole story... and so I asked. Not long after she arrived back in town we met up and I had the privilege to to hear that story complete with pictures, lots of pictures! So without going on forever and ever lets get to the interview! </b></div>
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<b>How did you first get started in modeling?</b></div>
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I started out with a modeling and acting class known as Barbizon. I was enrolled in the MidWest Barbizon which took place in Fort Wayne and I was a part of the 2011 class. Having this extra help gave me a huge booster not in only feeling able and ready to start my modeling journey, but in other ways such as higher confidence and being able to sing in front of an audience. After finishing Barbizon, I started to search for work on my own. Thankfully a local photographer known as Fisher Fotography wanted to help get me started on the right track. Eventually I was able to start reaching about around town and became very close with International Fashion Designer Marlene Haute Couture. She took me under her wings and helped me grow and develop into a high fashion model.</div>
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Chengdu Fashion Week 2012</div>
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<b>The story of your modeling trip to China is fascinating. Tell us about how it happened.</b></div>
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Well Marlene Haute Couture was invited to Chengdu Fashion Week many months ago. My mom at the time was helping assist her and Marlene asked for my mom to come along there with her. I was very excited for MHC! My mom was in contact with a woman named Vivienne over in Chengdu, she was able to help give me the opportunity to come and model in Chengdu after I sent her my measurements, height, experience, etc. After finding out I was accepted, there were only two weeks before we had to leave for China! I was so excited and trying to wrap my head around my thoughts. All the way from getting my first passport photos, to going to Chicago for a weekend to receive a Chinese Visa AND taking all my college finals a week early! Whew!<br />In the end, it was very humbling to know I have had so many wonderful opportunities to enjoy what I love.</div>
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Chengdu Fashion Week 2012</div>
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On the flight to Beijing China, and things sure get interesting!!! </div>
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<b>From what you told me you had quite the adventure getting to China, and once in Beijing a frightening incident! What happened?</b></div>
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Just thinking about the trip and the way there gives me a headache, it was a long 12-13 hour flight! When we boarded our flight in Michigan to take us to Beijing China, Marlene, Karen, and I started to experience the different culture on the plane. It was noisy, loud, smelly, and very unpleasant! We even had seats right next to a bathroom! Landing in Beijing was where things started to take another turn. It was very early in the morning when we arrived (around 12-1AM) and our flight for Chengdu didn't leave until around 7AM (If I remember correctly). It was a huge culture shock! We looked very confused and when trying to ask for help, many people didn't understand us.</div>
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It's a crazy thing to think about just simply saying "Hello, do you speak English?" and no one can understand.</div>
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When we found someone who actually spoke English, we later on found out he was a con artist trying to scam foreigners into staying at very sketchy hotels and ask for "tips" for his help. We sadly believed he was someone who worked at the airport because he was dressed in a suit and looked very professional. He was able to take us away form the airport and stick us in a hotel room, but thankfully we figured things out before our flight and got out of there and back to the airport! I just know now to only trust yourself when traveling and to always be aware of what's going on around you at all times! </div>
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<b>Let me tell you that after hearing Rachel tell this story and then reading her response here... This my friends is the PG version! There is just no way of really telling this story without writing pages and pages it seems. I can't imagine what it would be like to arrive in a place like that with such a communication barrier. I would chalk this up as a character building life experience! </b></div>
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Arriving in Beijing China</div>
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<b>Once you arrived in Chengdu, what was the time line like from arrival to walking the runway the first time.</b> </div>
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Well all 3 of us were extremely tired but finally made it to Chengdu! Only thing was, it we didn't have our luggage because we forgot to check it in when we reached Beijing! So we had to file and claim luggage and hope the airport would bring our belongings to the hotel. We had met other designers, assistants, photographers on the flight from Beijing to Chengdu. (and we were not the only ones who didn't get our luggage) Finally reaching the hotel we met Vivienne and others in charge and were placed in our rooms. Our hotel was BEAUTIFUL! I went to my room, knowing I would be placed with a random model, but found out I was there a day earlier than all the girls. The next day came and the models started to arrive as we had to learn the new walks for the runway, figure out which rooms to go to for fittings that night, etc. My roommate was Anna Kolesnik. She was from the Ukraine and was one of the youngest models there being only 17. At first I was taken back and got the feel that she didn't like me, but we bonded over my shoes I had brought with me from back home and started a friendship.</div>
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Outside the hotel</div>
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Here they are going over different walks and learning how the show is going to run.</div>
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Diagram for different walks and designers. That outline is the shape of the runway.</div>
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Some of the models hanging out backstage</div>
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Such a beautiful venue for the show!</div>
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<b>You said you were the only American model at Chengdu Fashion Week. How were you received and how did you mesh with the others? </b></div>
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If I could take another trip back to Chengdu, I would in a heartbeat. Modeling was a big deal to go over there for, but the friendships I brought back in my heart are ones I will never forget.</div>
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At first I had a better relationship with all of the students and helpers for Chengdu Couture Fashion Week. There were many helpers, boys and girls, for this Fashion Week. They were all students there assisting because they wanted a possible career in fashion, design, music, etc. in their future. They were so nice and polite to me! Most spoke English very well so I was able to communicate easier with them. They even knew how to pronounce my name. In Chengdu, many of them watch the show "Friends" and recognized my name, Rachel, because that was who Jennifer Aniston played in the TV show.<br />I had many of them ask me where I was from. I would tell them "America" and they would just reply<br />"Oh wow! That is my future homeland!"<br />"I want to move there!"<br />"You are so lucky! What is it like?"<br />They told me they loved my eyes and my hair because it was so different. Always complimenting me saying "You so beautiful Rachel!" I'm telling you, they were way too nice to me! </div>
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Signing an autograph for one of the student helpers</div>
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Outside the Hotel with some fans</div>
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Later on in the first week I became really close with two of the models there. One was Anna and the other was a girl named Silviya. They were my two Ukranian red heads! We grew closer because Anna spoke more English to me than the other girls did. Most girls spoke their own languages to each other and I would try to act like I knew what they were saying. Silviya understood Russian but didn't speak it very well, so she spoke English all the time. Silviya took me out some nights to bars to meet some of her friends (It's legal for me over there! Don't worry!) And Anna would take me to the black markets during down times between shows during the day.<br />Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things for me to do the day before I left. I gave Anna one of my shirts as a "remembrance of me" And Silviya and I talk on different global phone apps still to this day... </div>
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Rachel and Silviya out on the town</div>
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<b>Did you have a favorite designer you wore on the runway?</b></div>
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Honestly, each designer brought their own unique expressions of creativity to their designs....it was hard to have a favorite! Along with Marlene there were a couple other US designers and a few from Russia, Ukraine, etc. Walking for Marlene was always an incredible opportunity and since I was able to wear her designer showpiece the last night of the show! I also enjoyed a designer from California and his partner. They were very nice to me and said I wore their dress beautifully (all black with slit at bottom of dress with a red, orange, yellow flower on the side) They keep in touch with me for any upcoming work they want me to be a part of. </div>
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One of her favorite designers <a href="http://www.jamilkhansa.com/">Jamil Khansa</a></div>
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A dress from <a href="http://www.jamilkhansa.com/">Jamil Khansa</a></div>
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A collection by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarleneHauteCoutures?fref=ts">Marlene Haute Couture</a> backstage. </div>
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<b>What was your overall experience like in China? Did it change you in any way? Is it something you would want to do again?</b></div>
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Chengdu, China holds a part of my heart ever since I left. Besides the dirty air and bad plane flights, I would love the chance to go back and be with some of the people who made my experience so worthwhile. Having the opportunity to be the only American model was a very big honor to me. I received a call from a random number asking me about being in Chengdu Fashion Week again, but was unable to understand the rest of their message or name to call them back. But hey, you never know! Maybe I'll have another chance to go back one day in the future.... </div>
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<b>I have to admit that even though I do not know Rachel as well as some I am very proud of her going for this and actually doing it! I hear pretty often about how boring our city is and nothing is going on... There are people doing big things and involved in big things, you just have to know where to look. Before I got into the fashion world I had no idea there was a "Fashion World" right here in our city. So before you think your city or our city might be boring take a look below the surface and find the stories like these! You just might be surprised like I was. So e</b><b>ven with all the buzz, excitement, and pretty much non stop action, Rachel did have some time to slip away and do some sightseeing. I will leave you with those pictures. Thank you for reading! </b></div>
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Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-15013845723273244682014-05-18T05:15:00.001-07:002014-05-18T05:15:10.333-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
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So here I was chugging along with my jewelry line and everything was fine. But that's just it... it was just fine. In the back of my mind I had visions of wild crazy stuff that you may see in the fringes of high fashion, but it ended there. And then it happened, one day while messing around on twitter I commented on a tweet from someone I had talked to for about a year. Her name is S. Avery and she is a celebrity stylist, basically someone who styles someones look. I think I could use some help in that area myself actually... ok ok I'm day dreaming again, it's way out of my budget anyway. So long story short in the course of the conversation we decide to do some sort of a collaboration. Well that turns into me designing a piece for her, which by the way scared the heck out of me. How was I going to design something for HER??? Well not being one to run from a challenge I jumped in with both feet. It was decided I would design this piece for her and have it in a local art gallery show coming up. That's all well and good but let me fill you in on the timeline I was working with. ....Big Breath...Pretty much my wife and I were expecting our second child at any moment this piece had to be big crazy and bold and surpass anything I had done before....breath.... oh and I had to have it designed, built, modeled in time for the gallery deadline of Aug 16 (I had just over a week)..... oh my that's not much time.... Whew ok ok lets do this! And then it happened! I freaking did it! I jumped so far out of my box I can't look back and see it, I am ready and not scared to jump now! Here are the details of the piece and the build I call my "Make a Statement" project. </div>
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Here is the sketch that Avery sent me. This is when I knew I was going to be in for an adventure!</div>
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So here we go with my initial design sketch, well after many other and much messier sketches. The design changed from this original concept you will see as we go. </div>
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Here my wonderful friend Chelsea is being very patient with me as I work on the full scale mock up of the piece. It's more tapered, or graduated now than the original design. On a side note she is wearing G2G earrings! </div>
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So here we are with all the pieces cut out and ready to hammer. I do all of my hammering with one hammer and it's free form hammering. I do not use forms to shape the metal. </div>
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Whew this was my first time hammering a collar piece and it came out perfect! It was such a relief to see this part come together because it was the hardest part to hammer. All the other pieces were flat. </div>
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Here are all the pieces hammered and just laid out on a board. Nothing is connected at this point, but I am very excited to see it coming together. </div>
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Its a bit hard to see here but I was gluing the sheer black fabric to the pieces. This is what makes this piece so flexible and wearable.</div>
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Here I am riveting the back plates on with copper rivets I made. </div>
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All put together here and polished. Ready to be modeled! </div>
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My friend Chelsea once again helping me, this time dress shopping just hours before the shoot! The model was busy working and Chelsea is the same size, just a few inches shorter so it worked out perfect in the end! </div>
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Here the amazing makeup artist Kristy Jahn is putting the finishing touches on Model Emily Berz and then we are ready to shoot! I am very proud that I styled this shoot so well, it was a first for me. Kristy took my idea and concept and really nailed the look, she is a truly talented professional. </div>
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A few shots from the shoot, I only needed one shot for this whole project. That ONE shot that really nailed it is the one at the start of this post. It is just WOW, a real statement and that's what this piece of jewelry is! A real STATEMENT! </div>
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Special thanks to everyone who helped me on this project.</div>
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My wife who put up with my craziness for the week. </div>
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S. Avery for giving me the opportunity to jump, and giving me advice and encouragement throughout the project. </div>
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Chelsea for modeling the mock up and dress shopping last minute.</div>
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Emily Berz for modeling and bringing that attitude to the shot and just being a fun person to work with.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
Kristy Jahn for the world class makeup artistry, you really tied it all together with that double wing hotness! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
Amber Sturgis for the photography and getting that perfect shot I needed, and for getting the prints done. </div>
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I couldn't have done it without all of you, I thank you all and appreciate each of you so much! </div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
Thank You</div>
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Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-91229513469827375452011-08-03T20:13:00.000-07:002011-08-03T20:18:18.077-07:00G2G Jewelry <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWieNAaY54_YMUj009WEEcVk4gFs1Nup9RtJFN8tRtMOEHwKFf5WDJcn_i9TgFGqzk_ijXnB_gsLaXMyzQIO5vO6hRUQzNVEV01xXOd3mSIJV9UxQP-v4pR-M1b4RLWyD5DLE5MAi506M/s1600/double+rings+and+necklace+min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWieNAaY54_YMUj009WEEcVk4gFs1Nup9RtJFN8tRtMOEHwKFf5WDJcn_i9TgFGqzk_ijXnB_gsLaXMyzQIO5vO6hRUQzNVEV01xXOd3mSIJV9UxQP-v4pR-M1b4RLWyD5DLE5MAi506M/s400/double+rings+and+necklace+min.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G2G model April wearing the Large Dual Ring earrings and the 3 Ring necklace.<br />
<br />
<div align="justify"><span style="font-family: inherit;">G2G Jewelry, what is it? What does it mean? Well I am going to answer those questions and hopefully any other questions you have about it. G2G Jewelry is a eco smart and fashion forward jewelry line from Ostlund Custom Works. The base of each piece is made from scrap metal I source from machine shops and scrap yards. The majority of it is high grade aluminum alloys used by PHDinc for making industrial air cylinders. Some of the scrap I buy from them actually was an air cylinder at one point but most is new material cut offs or rejects. This is metal that would go to metal recyclers for processing into "new metal" again. I take some of this material and turn it into art and fashion accessories like the earrings and necklace pictured above on April. </span></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">"Is it heavy?" I get asked this question a lot, and I mean a lot! I get asked by almost by everyone despite having made efforts to tell people its light. <strong>This jewelry is very light, much lighter than you would expect.</strong> So light in fact that once I have told you its light and you pick up a piece you will comment <strong>"wow this is really light"</strong> I have been told by many women who have wore my earrings that "They are so light it feels like I am not wearing anything!" </div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">"How do you make it?" Well I take this scrap aluminum tubing and cut it into rings which I then finish with a file, and that's the base of each piece. It has distinctive file marks nicks and scratches on the "raw" cut edge. This is my style of not over processing my work. I then add the jewelry hardware (beads, chain, cord, ear wires, clasps) and build it into a very versatile piece of jewelry.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSZs4nM85LpjLEBObE274Yec8bMNQEaHdIdL38e9muxzgTGc3tfD9PJIQ-WEk6TxlTd5OixGAm3HD6HiN4Lr-WVYFR6r7KHiVh-acN8248bm1o44CShKHbgqzWNriW6Hz_WHsYKo93ok/s1600/phd+scrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSZs4nM85LpjLEBObE274Yec8bMNQEaHdIdL38e9muxzgTGc3tfD9PJIQ-WEk6TxlTd5OixGAm3HD6HiN4Lr-WVYFR6r7KHiVh-acN8248bm1o44CShKHbgqzWNriW6Hz_WHsYKo93ok/s320/phd+scrap.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap bin at PHDinc</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnol4pHHGPlHTRJ0Bwvju1DQ1HyJT6aU2X5j4MdpWJNFU4kRQJjPaDLE4ZwYNtSah24roRQpL95fE9sAqXiSOCA0zQxfYIGlblxgDTtt8qELeFkfjPeRP9H5KpErocHXHq8KZvKXYFvTQ/s1600/dual+ring+earings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnol4pHHGPlHTRJ0Bwvju1DQ1HyJT6aU2X5j4MdpWJNFU4kRQJjPaDLE4ZwYNtSah24roRQpL95fE9sAqXiSOCA0zQxfYIGlblxgDTtt8qELeFkfjPeRP9H5KpErocHXHq8KZvKXYFvTQ/s320/dual+ring+earings.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dual Ring earrings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>"What does it mean?" G2G stands for Gothic to Glamorous. It's my motto that "From Gothic to Glamorous its all Beautiful" Meaning I believe that my line of jewelry looks great on any style and any woman. I have been working hard at getting pieces modeled with different styles and different woman to show just how versatile it is. Below you will see these beautiful ladies wearing the same jewelry but shown with polar opposite styles! From glam and pretty, to hard and goth its just amazing its even the same piece! So if you are looking for wonderful handmade jewelry that is unique, wearable and just YOU, look no further! G2G Jewelry is every woman! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe6ABtilmebrSa9wc2NCIq0dvq37KjocAkGJHjmXay3kRIrlRXOhOKEh8BXRfzFFt1ycHRO_Ygx5hFX-9SuEqQZchdej9l2JZ3_iaDqSEBhDbMjlLnO2V1yBUPFwAH6HXyTRQ_UlF-bs/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe6ABtilmebrSa9wc2NCIq0dvq37KjocAkGJHjmXay3kRIrlRXOhOKEh8BXRfzFFt1ycHRO_Ygx5hFX-9SuEqQZchdej9l2JZ3_iaDqSEBhDbMjlLnO2V1yBUPFwAH6HXyTRQ_UlF-bs/s320/016.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G2G Jewelry model Tawny wearing the Large Dual Ring earrings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8lZNHwLOMJySiig_R5KA1YcpR5qaBe-FgV0B0MTlllo8rodkvtexPgh4kyiwjkYpIVHu_EYy8wBamQ2k8zFh0SOdaSop3EJiFz9ciqeIUKlN2RE3PmF4U0_l5S-O4uregRzFhWTI2vk/s1600/Doublehoop1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8lZNHwLOMJySiig_R5KA1YcpR5qaBe-FgV0B0MTlllo8rodkvtexPgh4kyiwjkYpIVHu_EYy8wBamQ2k8zFh0SOdaSop3EJiFz9ciqeIUKlN2RE3PmF4U0_l5S-O4uregRzFhWTI2vk/s320/Doublehoop1.JPG" t$="true" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G2G Jewelry model Jacqueline wearing the Large Dual Ring earrings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEdFpb1WlywzMl513bOIGhG3a_m6WSsOoukpw8xsvgfeXK-2_-V4eVmZvY1zg-VyDN0oVtAm5iNAD0jfDiXLwNi4xKpYifBpCTIdKyVl80GqwIvdaTNwuBtgqmxWXJR_GU-qRIE1-H6w/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEdFpb1WlywzMl513bOIGhG3a_m6WSsOoukpw8xsvgfeXK-2_-V4eVmZvY1zg-VyDN0oVtAm5iNAD0jfDiXLwNi4xKpYifBpCTIdKyVl80GqwIvdaTNwuBtgqmxWXJR_GU-qRIE1-H6w/s320/037.JPG" t$="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G2G Jewelry model Chantel wearing the Large Dual Ring necklace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzE4O8j90jPwxViOmgrpqUNjDnx82kmBRgrbvTJbsu8HOiaTPYs6F1fRekbOYaOkkzucCW9PHMGvKpv-9rJVHWLY4fn4DdN0at5_45DOGGXnuqaOp5ybzyV28zs7inGdCbuLjJdFSxog/s1600/DoubleNecklace4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzE4O8j90jPwxViOmgrpqUNjDnx82kmBRgrbvTJbsu8HOiaTPYs6F1fRekbOYaOkkzucCW9PHMGvKpv-9rJVHWLY4fn4DdN0at5_45DOGGXnuqaOp5ybzyV28zs7inGdCbuLjJdFSxog/s320/DoubleNecklace4.JPG" t$="true" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacqueline wearing the Large Dual Ring necklace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRS1YmC2kwMIIPhY6hMEohRX88BwnHIXxBJuiyMw8rmypEidKxutBHPFJyr-7Q2BidWZbTTQw85gfC7QUWGtpNWhpDElZRxFC2KwGlA1jAqggjff-ZFakSrtfnjbuRrt5mOisCOauI8w/s1600/Choker2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRS1YmC2kwMIIPhY6hMEohRX88BwnHIXxBJuiyMw8rmypEidKxutBHPFJyr-7Q2BidWZbTTQw85gfC7QUWGtpNWhpDElZRxFC2KwGlA1jAqggjff-ZFakSrtfnjbuRrt5mOisCOauI8w/s320/Choker2.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gothic Choker</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMqem9F9zxCbfk-U46pzyHL8GX6rimQNEHoUGLa9sdLbFKr0IMXjaD3tH1EuK9cWrdB_uyjTx-8Xvw2QI539Czl6d_Vi3LCA-8UAFMQhPMpc0hWDR3tRffF8BCbst9D_9kJNFk1cCriA/s1600/Oval+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMqem9F9zxCbfk-U46pzyHL8GX6rimQNEHoUGLa9sdLbFKr0IMXjaD3tH1EuK9cWrdB_uyjTx-8Xvw2QI539Czl6d_Vi3LCA-8UAFMQhPMpc0hWDR3tRffF8BCbst9D_9kJNFk1cCriA/s320/Oval+earrings.jpg" t$="true" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple oval hoops</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="justify" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Please take a look at my website <a href="http://www.ostlundcustomworks.com/"><strong>http://www.ostlundcustomworks.com/</strong></a> to see more of my work. To see what is available for sale online now look at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OstlundCustomWorks?ref=si_shop"><strong>Etsy</strong></a> shop. If you want to see what some of my scrap metal was, or was going to be take a look at <a href="http://www.phdinc.com/"><strong>PHDinc</strong></a> If you have questions about my jewelry line leave a comment or email me through the contact me form on my website. Thank you for reading!</div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-37757719545280646092011-05-28T06:08:00.000-07:002011-05-28T06:08:10.413-07:00Little Mr Liam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx_GY4_OGVZ2iR2-9q_6GHU1Z7LEaBPdV0aPmOT0f_68yg3e_LQIHbDNWy7ve3XI8UVhpN1tlPVHdjD6N22ksq5hwOfAC0b2XggB3sCIeiP1qLo-Pc7RRm_tiJq6BUb_dAY87xcLmIUk/s1600/2011-05-179505.50.08-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx_GY4_OGVZ2iR2-9q_6GHU1Z7LEaBPdV0aPmOT0f_68yg3e_LQIHbDNWy7ve3XI8UVhpN1tlPVHdjD6N22ksq5hwOfAC0b2XggB3sCIeiP1qLo-Pc7RRm_tiJq6BUb_dAY87xcLmIUk/s640/2011-05-179505.50.08-1.jpg" t8="true" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Liam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_2880Amq4J-EZRJnU1MID4VSyweS5bhPjy2XCs9e7mMHeDzmXpXggtQk5wpbkCVrJ7PoAWQJh3xIFoBl5ax4ojH798USrRW3WkvUBTPSHYYZhRATx5sT8cCjdHVM6nDAD_DKe6MYeSk/s1600/IMAG0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_2880Amq4J-EZRJnU1MID4VSyweS5bhPjy2XCs9e7mMHeDzmXpXggtQk5wpbkCVrJ7PoAWQJh3xIFoBl5ax4ojH798USrRW3WkvUBTPSHYYZhRATx5sT8cCjdHVM6nDAD_DKe6MYeSk/s640/IMAG0088.jpg" t8="true" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for summer</td></tr>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">So here we are almost 5 months down the road and this little guy is really growing! People always said time would fly when you have a kid but now I believe it! Its been a time warp since he was born. Everyday is getting more interesting as he develops and learns. Its so fun to watch him rolling around on the floor and playing with toys while "talking" up a storm. He is such a happy baby and always wakes up with a smile and goes to bed without fuss. He is sleeping all night and has so much energy in the day its a bit tiring at times! He just had his 4 month check up (a bit late) a few days ago and got his shots so he has not been feeling very well. But I have to tell you the guy is tough! (just like dad) He really didn't get very sick and still has always had a smile for Mama and I. He was pretty much himself last night playing and carrying on like usual till he gets tired and ready for a bath and bedtime. Oh and Liam loves his baths! I see many a wet floor in my future as he gets bigger because he can already splash water out of the tub! He will get to thrashing and laughing and I end up almost as wet as he is! </div><br />
Did I mention he sleeps? Well he sure does, not only did he pick his own bedtime (at 9) all by himself but he goes to bed without a fuss. Just lay him in his crib and its lights out till morning! I hear we got really lucky so I wont question that and just be happy. He really is a wonderful son and just a perfect little person. Well I just wanted to give an update and share some pictures with all of you! Now its time for work, if you have time leave some comments below I love reading them and I respond to them all! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WP2MgAGJcdVaMP3WOFqVrTI1mPXeCXgQXd2-idH5ds8_KgmQQnTNReZhox7VIbAAKaQCRcCa0cGwVsKQ5055ivqeOuwYPn9cv7ry1S8bVQ_c29xNxLCX5_fh9NfipQhLngyANbeppH0/s1600/2011-04-279520.07.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WP2MgAGJcdVaMP3WOFqVrTI1mPXeCXgQXd2-idH5ds8_KgmQQnTNReZhox7VIbAAKaQCRcCa0cGwVsKQ5055ivqeOuwYPn9cv7ry1S8bVQ_c29xNxLCX5_fh9NfipQhLngyANbeppH0/s400/2011-04-279520.07.46.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zonk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCmIRU3ZaGo_8YWqHrcm6Rca1AWlXxfpkQaAaEPM1l6TV9Ql46mrgdMC2Cav3VSwQL9XNdHFSTc-y0BTNLvfuvBFEm1yiq_oPaYoCfncQYY_qEE7xhajLiw1m_jifrKkCBkFcJAvnEmk/s1600/IMAG0100-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCmIRU3ZaGo_8YWqHrcm6Rca1AWlXxfpkQaAaEPM1l6TV9Ql46mrgdMC2Cav3VSwQL9XNdHFSTc-y0BTNLvfuvBFEm1yiq_oPaYoCfncQYY_qEE7xhajLiw1m_jifrKkCBkFcJAvnEmk/s400/IMAG0100-1.jpg" t8="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh this is the life</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPufMGOTLalvxu1n-6qL23m4RUDI7s9hzZtau6_ua07j1BsIBjmYA1IQo3yqyTLjQDMCkbQnGaTHLUFeN7Go18PMbv41VveOzJbBf5QOe91dwzNMV155m84Dy8cUYxYbsdyOOr30LUA8/s1600/IMAG0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPufMGOTLalvxu1n-6qL23m4RUDI7s9hzZtau6_ua07j1BsIBjmYA1IQo3yqyTLjQDMCkbQnGaTHLUFeN7Go18PMbv41VveOzJbBf5QOe91dwzNMV155m84Dy8cUYxYbsdyOOr30LUA8/s640/IMAG0138.jpg" t8="true" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZVV0a3O73Em6CLR9KF6RxzWIsLOQWb8NFE_8ZW9hUI7XJnkXbdH7kr-HL1q0kgTmSJH-EvDc6Y-mBulaNIo3D8k2jzKSejUZGDiUzerVlHwDHs5933jnNJOgraqUCIG_cBY96WKxNlo/s1600/IMAG0091-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZVV0a3O73Em6CLR9KF6RxzWIsLOQWb8NFE_8ZW9hUI7XJnkXbdH7kr-HL1q0kgTmSJH-EvDc6Y-mBulaNIo3D8k2jzKSejUZGDiUzerVlHwDHs5933jnNJOgraqUCIG_cBY96WKxNlo/s640/IMAG0091-1.jpg" t8="true" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking away</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpsAR2wA2Ucsz8GWksI8FuC7UHR7tgocmTGSGv4t0_HMNsq6du0-NHw8XuiEpK9uStC23IehYaK-hE4AaThn5fylA3sjue5W2cOv93MQm0Z5yugQnoYHrvv3JSJDIPqyodACnNKsVj-s/s1600/2011-05-229513.33.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpsAR2wA2Ucsz8GWksI8FuC7UHR7tgocmTGSGv4t0_HMNsq6du0-NHw8XuiEpK9uStC23IehYaK-hE4AaThn5fylA3sjue5W2cOv93MQm0Z5yugQnoYHrvv3JSJDIPqyodACnNKsVj-s/s640/2011-05-229513.33.18.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I am so damn cute you cant help but smile at me"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-62499214123935878522011-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:13.043-07:00Rock Star of Jewelry<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vF2GUw8lIrm1beQKVEZw6qjqV52I3D10I44MRQr3KGKScZq_i5t_1iqOjCP0t2bBJXNCDbHjh6LmC1VA1ncYvZsiWaPorVD9P2BJX7YcTAVCIQe_BMfR6WlUPh8v4IslbQoKBm-AUyM/s1600/Victoria_headshot_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vF2GUw8lIrm1beQKVEZw6qjqV52I3D10I44MRQr3KGKScZq_i5t_1iqOjCP0t2bBJXNCDbHjh6LmC1VA1ncYvZsiWaPorVD9P2BJX7YcTAVCIQe_BMfR6WlUPh8v4IslbQoKBm-AUyM/s400/Victoria_headshot_2010.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgFPEnT_HtPmZQrQSUvXv1FoFAIVJMjjTCKeLVBv0tEOW9ch3e1QafB7cW0g4JF11WqrHo7bZajeFBTES_D1nidT_Le5cv8CK04BqTModitMWNH-nKUTY63fAKjo6BQ2_h8zZN7GhAus/s1600/small+vt-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgFPEnT_HtPmZQrQSUvXv1FoFAIVJMjjTCKeLVBv0tEOW9ch3e1QafB7cW0g4JF11WqrHo7bZajeFBTES_D1nidT_Le5cv8CK04BqTModitMWNH-nKUTY63fAKjo6BQ2_h8zZN7GhAus/s640/small+vt-logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">I first met Victoria on Twitter and little did I know she was a true rock star of jewelry! Not only are her designs worn by top celebrity's but she teaches people how to make it as well. She takes metal and makes it glamorous, pieces that grab you and make you stare! I decided this was someone I wanted to get to know as I am delving into jewelry myself. I wanted to pick the brain of the best! So here is my interview with the one and only Victoria Tillotson. </div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOR074s-7S5zencXW7C5lWomUZcxTZZZQQH_xS2kE75-Ru-DwKCPWh3SSNtfOpU9QNN-s-0aD6sz-yTdGUtkibOb-pjGhInlhyphenhyphenzM8-KN0cEgC8fKAvwZTPgjT7KrxJAIEf4ovbNqdvrY/s1600/IMG_3693_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOR074s-7S5zencXW7C5lWomUZcxTZZZQQH_xS2kE75-Ru-DwKCPWh3SSNtfOpU9QNN-s-0aD6sz-yTdGUtkibOb-pjGhInlhyphenhyphenzM8-KN0cEgC8fKAvwZTPgjT7KrxJAIEf4ovbNqdvrY/s320/IMG_3693_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Give us a bit of history on yourself. </em></strong>My background is firmly rooted in liberal arts academia, but I've collected jewelry my entire life starting with rhinestones and 1950s kitsch in the 1980s and moving through ethnic jewelry and finally modernism. I made kooki jewelry in high school with blue electrical wire, those bubbles with toys in them from a gumball machine, and vintage beads. People liked it! Why it didn't dawn on me then to go to design school I don't know, but i didn't. In 2007 I bailed out of my doctoral program in Comparative Literature and moved to NYC with my husband, where I had started taking jewelry classes in 1998. I did finish my Ph.D. but realized my passion was no longer there. I began assisting another professor at SVA (School of Visual Arts) One thing led to another and in 2002 I was offered a position at School of Visual Arts, where I have taught ever since. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">My main inspiration is sterling silver modernist jewelry of the 1950s-1970s, and within that Israeli modernism in particular. I love bold striking forms that make you look!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>When it comes to your work you combine a few of my favorite things, art, true craftsmanship, and function. What is your process from concept to reality? </em></strong>Since I don't have formal art training and don't draw (although perhaps I should not admit to this!!) I get flashes of images in my head and then write them down. Designing anything is a dynamic process as you know, and the object will take various permutations along the way. You kind of have to just let the piece take the lead. I may make a piece in copper or brass at first. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">Designing commercial work - meaning pieces to sell to mass market- and designing "art" pieces have two different processes: for commercial stuff, production ease and adhering to a price point are key and I design with them in mind. For the arty pieces it's more about vision and precision. The eye can see to 100th of a millimeter and it's hard to hide mistakes when you're making geometric shapes. It's easy to bury mistakes in the kind of jewelry people dub "organic," - and I get mad at my students when they try to get away with this! My one-offs tend to be very architectural, they need to be perfect and that takes time.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>In the world of jewelry and fashion the styles change almost daily, how do you keep things fresh and interesting? </em></strong>I don't worry about it. I make what I like and if I like it, someone else always does too.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>You are a professor of jewelry making at School of Visual Arts in New York City, give us a sense of the core base of learning and skills you teach. Also what is your goal as a teacher of your craft and what do you instill in your students? </em></strong>My beginners learn basic jewelry making skills including sawing, forming, soldering, polishing and stone setting. I start with making a sterling ring of their own design set with a round or oval cabochon. This teaches a lot of critical techniques in one project, and they have something to show for it. I always tell people: "I'm going to teach you the right way to do it, and then after that you can do what you want." Yes, I want perfection. Am I going to get it 100%? No. I mainly want people to make jewelry that expresses themselves and have fun doing it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;">My advanced students do more, well, advanced techniques like hollow construction, boxes/hinges, settings for faceted stones, gypsy or flush settings, chain making, etc. They design and create their own projects. I work on techniques one on one, but its more of a studio class.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>I look at your "laundry list" of accomplishments with awe and to me you are at the pinnacle of success. Is there one metric by which you judge your success? </em></strong>This is challenging to answer and my fumblings that follow will illustrate it! For me like many people, it's tough not to fall into the trap of feeling that money=success. For artists like ourselves, this is a particularly perilous way of thinking that must be avoided. Instead I think: what about my career do I like and what is fun? I like writing books, I like getting press and being in books, I like being on TV and opining about jewelry, I like teaching. So since these are the things I do and the things I like, I guess-guess?! - I'm successful. But the naked truth is that I am never satisfied with what I am doing or have done. It's just how it is. I think i could be the jewelry version of Oprah and still not feel successful! So the answer is... there is no answer.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcYgaXLvBqL_UaVxAfr4pWwJPCV2sbO6mPYzkayMdZ3yp9yBlMunmb3KwzZp8VNBhKjnKcWnhHLOi9A-AdtFnIE2xX1mlJc0LCT2k1o1-u5hm6Pjd6PEcMyXzXqksH2AGNhS7JjVJNBI/s1600/allure-speedloader-ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcYgaXLvBqL_UaVxAfr4pWwJPCV2sbO6mPYzkayMdZ3yp9yBlMunmb3KwzZp8VNBhKjnKcWnhHLOi9A-AdtFnIE2xX1mlJc0LCT2k1o1-u5hm6Pjd6PEcMyXzXqksH2AGNhS7JjVJNBI/s400/allure-speedloader-ring.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rcLYwB6G8NzaHVSxAjoH70GzOkHCr8F_28KwJxYXjgtCwQs_BzzcAmNofBq9_paa6CuA_uq-kVS3-2TU2-TqcNnCgGia6R6gF8KkD5uvKXg6K4WefXinGWlBujfmBndexG-GCF-XcdQ/s1600/Victoria+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rcLYwB6G8NzaHVSxAjoH70GzOkHCr8F_28KwJxYXjgtCwQs_BzzcAmNofBq9_paa6CuA_uq-kVS3-2TU2-TqcNnCgGia6R6gF8KkD5uvKXg6K4WefXinGWlBujfmBndexG-GCF-XcdQ/s320/Victoria+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TCG0Z3VYWCJyeCNdAHyM8WZpV-2mMkhLluf9dtVF3dJJBAnZkmGEuIwElNYh2kxiGr2WPYQJifyQbkZqgJXGEneQIPOTZ3FzCXbD4QLvaYaB__qwjF3spLh3_uvs69uWdBg35LUBWI4/s1600/Victoria+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TCG0Z3VYWCJyeCNdAHyM8WZpV-2mMkhLluf9dtVF3dJJBAnZkmGEuIwElNYh2kxiGr2WPYQJifyQbkZqgJXGEneQIPOTZ3FzCXbD4QLvaYaB__qwjF3spLh3_uvs69uWdBg35LUBWI4/s400/Victoria+28.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>What are you striving for at the moment and what are your future goals? </em></strong>I want to learn some new techniques. After all the more public ventures I just spoke about this must sound weird. But one thing I constantly battle with as a self-taught jeweler is the feeling that I'm inferior to those who went to, say, RISD or Pforzheim. I can teach anything; but I always want to be able to do everything. I don't like the "those who can, do; those who can't, teach" mentality that so many people unwittingly cling to. Otherwise, I am also involved in another book project way out of the realm of jewelry. More on that later!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Now to go off topic and away from jewelry, in an effort to see more who "YOU" are as a person tell us who "YOU" are! </em></strong>I'm 43, married and have a six-year-old son named Rijk. I was born and raised in RI and say it like Rhode Islanders do: "road-Eyelan." I went to Moses Brown School and tried as hard as I could to break the mold of the prep school student. Just to prove I was 100% weird, I chose Hampshire College. I love mid-century modern design, particularly Paulin and Jacobson; I have a weakness for Louis Vuitton; a favorite dinner is nachos and a margarita followed by pink cake from Amy's Bread in Manhattan; I will never say no to a jellybean; I almost exclusively listen to punk, old and new. My favorite bands are New Bomb Turks and Distillers plus lots of the archaic hardcore from the 1980s; favorite colors are orange and purple; I have a 1981 BMW R65 but it doesn't go; my favorite plants are cacti; when i feel truly unhinged, I get my ears stretched. Somehow this sort of lunacy grounds me. I will end up with 1" plugs when I'm in my 50s, and it's not going to be pretty! My favorite places are Bryce Canyon, Paris and the beach; favorite authors are Jean Genet, Oscar Wilde, Georges Bataille and Pat Barker. For fun i love yard sales and flea markets, going out for drinks, the occasional mosh pit even though I am way to old, eating to much popcorn at the movies with my son and, corny as it is, long uninterrupted hours in my studio.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><em>To end this can you give fellow jewelry makers and designers a bit of advice? What do you feel is the most important thing for them to remember? </em></strong>Never give up. Never! There have been many times I have thought about giving in and trading entrepreneurship for a "real job." It is so freaking hard sometimes. You just have to be able to keep clear in your vision no matter how many people try to push you this way or that, or just flat out tell you no. Train yourself to look at every challenge as an opportunity. Every single thing, from "oh no, they're out of the metal I wanted" to "Vogue Magazine said no to the samples I sent for a story for the twentieth time" to "I'm not going to be able to pay my bills this month." Learning this resiliency does NOT come easy and at first it's hard to weather. But you MUST learn how to convert a no into a yes. And you MUST do it again and again. And when you have truly mastered that, you will be successful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So much for emotional advice. From a practical standpoint, every designer needs a business arm of their company/craft. Whether it's a friend with an MBA who can help you with the basic P&L sheet to an expert in capitalization, you need someone. Why? Because without a business plan, the stresses of running a company will erode your creativity and you will be depleted. There are lots of people in your life who can fill this role, if you can't afford or don't want to hire someone and they want to help. Let them! Give them some beautiful pieces and it will be a 100% win-win. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMs0UajxuoELvhQPlFrwY_9n_1WEXa44JrB8oFd1wn74Xp50c3Du9bdqjhAaqCYS1667uahjPwknq3zN1tQs6niETctjJXDek0Or_AmKPW77BpLn4o1Ej4FdafWhiLpG3geAjv_SDJ5k/s1600/nataliya1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMs0UajxuoELvhQPlFrwY_9n_1WEXa44JrB8oFd1wn74Xp50c3Du9bdqjhAaqCYS1667uahjPwknq3zN1tQs6niETctjJXDek0Or_AmKPW77BpLn4o1Ej4FdafWhiLpG3geAjv_SDJ5k/s400/nataliya1.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFMAgbxTU_YhUSI2nNWiH_3papSRr3zwQIxj1RC5J8J3cF6G82XZRh1Go8O1E34pWH3Jd2YSe2VayAxYfH7cJar8a9UeFQ3zDwOHGx7yYLpHxr53MIpcy2Maf09tFrkqLgnMhgAdEH9M/s1600/EJ%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFMAgbxTU_YhUSI2nNWiH_3papSRr3zwQIxj1RC5J8J3cF6G82XZRh1Go8O1E34pWH3Jd2YSe2VayAxYfH7cJar8a9UeFQ3zDwOHGx7yYLpHxr53MIpcy2Maf09tFrkqLgnMhgAdEH9M/s320/EJ%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEilqwv7HUxvgSbtuTX8JbcYXQFpsShqXS0Jkmo9VhBl2xG0I-_O2-tSCysI9hmuljAEMs9RG4AzGbxAap1zBSaqOK0yFTDk4y6srD3XJUAuA-kDKs4u82lD7YPMhmtbb_4dRkPqav5Bk/s1600/new_for_slideshow_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEilqwv7HUxvgSbtuTX8JbcYXQFpsShqXS0Jkmo9VhBl2xG0I-_O2-tSCysI9hmuljAEMs9RG4AzGbxAap1zBSaqOK0yFTDk4y6srD3XJUAuA-kDKs4u82lD7YPMhmtbb_4dRkPqav5Bk/s320/new_for_slideshow_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I want to thank Victoria for doing this amazing and inspirational interview with me. There were some key points in it that I needed to hear as an artist, and I hope it can help others as well. You can find her on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/chicmetal">@chicmetal</a> and find her amazing jewelry on her etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chicmetal?ref=pr_shop_more">chicmetal</a> and if your looking for her book here is the direct link <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71445815/chic-metal-jewelry-making-book-by">Chic Metal Jewelry Making</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-48270785612070444892011-03-29T17:21:00.000-07:002011-03-30T11:34:49.155-07:00MMM, An Exhibition of Fine Art Fashion!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oGgHINoZJBqfQd4jBrCZHwUSdW6TlQHz_ldqX83w0EB4n7s9J_LpDy6jT59ogw4wD0QCZ9zw6hDOhN7qzuJ1KYWLYhDSS_9LpQ72F4bPnEdaRsIBp2cPQ-GYhGB8BcFbm1lsevXAI2o/s1600/mmm_logo_2.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 221px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589673769102742562" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oGgHINoZJBqfQd4jBrCZHwUSdW6TlQHz_ldqX83w0EB4n7s9J_LpDy6jT59ogw4wD0QCZ9zw6hDOhN7qzuJ1KYWLYhDSS_9LpQ72F4bPnEdaRsIBp2cPQ-GYhGB8BcFbm1lsevXAI2o/s400/mmm_logo_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">After doing loads of research on Marina L Makaron and reading many interviews I have to admit I am no fashion expert. I do not want to follow in the footsteps of the experts and do another cookie cutter interview. I would like to take a different approach and see it from the art side. Her clothing and accessory line is functional art at i'ts absolute finest! This stuff walks, talks and commands attention with stunning colors and patterns. If you wear MMM you become an exhibition of fine art fashion!</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZNVP0IhlTbYl8RR2r9cB4FMdCsj93DGUuEpn1kv0xcdGsbhWXxY38p80cmRj6SjhYq49tpJpciNK5a1PjQAchusHtL70GdN2fFYUAC3EoHEdksZuk9pdISyX8SICc08dFZtAhLc7Vec/s1600/marina+chair.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 374px; display: block; height: 391px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589673575104485138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZNVP0IhlTbYl8RR2r9cB4FMdCsj93DGUuEpn1kv0xcdGsbhWXxY38p80cmRj6SjhYq49tpJpciNK5a1PjQAchusHtL70GdN2fFYUAC3EoHEdksZuk9pdISyX8SICc08dFZtAhLc7Vec/s400/marina+chair.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Marina L Makaron</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><strong><em>Please give us a bit of history on yourself.</em></strong><br /><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>I was born in Moscow, Russia where I grew up. During my childhood my family traveled quite a bit since back then my father was in the army. When I was 12 I came to America but soon left to finish high school since Russian school education is stronger. After high school I came back to the USA where I graduated Drexel University with Magan Cum Laude. Then left to the UK for masters at London School of Economics and back to Russia for the second masters degree at Moscow School Of Economics. My higher education was focused on marketing, international business and media. While in school I traveled and worked in the field of study which helped me understand and develop what today is my brand.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em>After following your work as well as you personally on twitter and Facebook for about a year now, I see you are very driven. Where do you find this drive to press on and make your brand successful?</em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>Just like creativity, drive has been in my blood, therefore I can not take responsibility for it. My father is a colonel who spend 20 years in the military, so I grew up in a military family where order, endurance and to thrive was a way of life. When I take on a task I do not think that there is an option to fail or not finish, I focus on how high or fast I will achieve it.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em>I myself have always been blown away by your creativity with color and patterns. Some of my recent work has even partially been inspired by it as well. I noticed that you did not go to design school, but studied business. Where does this almost divine instinct for color come from?</em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>Thank you Ron, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=115110605195978&aid=14388#%21/photo.php?fbid=194523557254682&set=a.137956742911364.14388.115110605195978&theater">clock</a> that you have created is fantastic! I can not give a source of the "divine instinct" I guess its something I was born with and have to be thankful to my parents for. My father has an impeccable taste and my mom is an artist (she paints, sews, makes wall pieces out of corks, etc) so creativity is something I grew up with. Also, when I was little I was left with my grandma who spent her time raising me on fairy tales, which undoubtedly contributed to the light within my designs.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em>I am aware that you pride yourself on high quality products and not "fast food fashion". Your silk is of the highest quality, and made with secret old fashioned Russian methods. I know full well that making silk is an art in itself. Please talk about you're attention to detail and the level of craftsmanship that goes into each piece.</em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>Production platforms is what differs each designer. I carefully test and choose people and materials before working with them. I strongly believe that there is no need to stay within the barriers of the box (regardless of how trite that may sound) yet while getting all creative I focus on quality and safety.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em>You told me when we first started talking that you originally wanted to start with furniture. I hear now you have plans to start a home decor line, what might we expect? Will you be bringing your vibrant colors and flashy style into this venture as well?</em></strong></div><br /><div align="justify"><strong><em></em></strong></div>First I will focus on carcass free furniture like <a href="http://mmmakaron.com/english/Collection/Interior/609.html">tear drop seats</a>. And of course I am incorporating my designs in the furniture since that is what I am as a brand.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em>Now to get away from everything above, I know that you are quite the world traveler. I have enjoyed seeing pictures of you from various trips and adventures. Tell us one of the most memorable or funny stories from your travels.</em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>I have traveled quite alot. It has been in our family tradition plus living in Russia made it easier to visit places. Yet it is difficult to select a single story, I guess I will go with Dubai only because it is a very diverse world filled with oxymoron's. First of all, the visual space is beyond description. Everything is of world record proportions. Tallest building, biggest indoor skiing, biggest outdoor light show and so on. Facilities are clean, organized , and nothing like the stereotypically depicted Arab world. Abundance of food and alcohol, royal attendance, its a dream. Yet you understand that all of this is in the desert where oxygen levels are half of what you are accustomed to and temperatures are of cooking caliber. However, while being a business woman and a leader it was quite difficult to take the back seat since in that culture women are still viewed as submissive. So it was a mixture of head spinning all access heaven and a confusing restricting regime.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em>To close this out tell us what Art is and means to you and how that pertains to your work.</em></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><em></em></strong></div>To me Art is a frozen in time flash of emotions, feelings and perception of the world taken through the personal filter. It is vital to my work since I base my designs on color and shape combinations, which clearly are influenced by my inner state at a particular moment. I believe Art is a way to share your soul with the world.<div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Dn1usERVxJ5SPXDDH_pWbn2ap86LrezMVuw_QtEghR-vXPhjphD6ojKHBYNQLYYttJ1dwUsfIxE4R6DGypWjaHme6QwojqFATXTk3tzWgX3da_GPYizHnxg5BL7BckKYOwUYClMIpMk/s1600/DS2_1586.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 266px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589672901113969298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Dn1usERVxJ5SPXDDH_pWbn2ap86LrezMVuw_QtEghR-vXPhjphD6ojKHBYNQLYYttJ1dwUsfIxE4R6DGypWjaHme6QwojqFATXTk3tzWgX3da_GPYizHnxg5BL7BckKYOwUYClMIpMk/s400/DS2_1586.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">I think this is my favorite so far.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE5MpyFNYyBRQul8wA0qqirOfzUqNGL9ZSs_w2evMY-_GijINhtBypEoch6de-IuoBqerVkqjZkvyaC5rNL1zBdNHrPhzbzSy3AnokkRTZ85sQKu-3N_31giUt18hjo-gpe8l6ymojhk/s1600/DS2_1617.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 266px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589672252930047570" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE5MpyFNYyBRQul8wA0qqirOfzUqNGL9ZSs_w2evMY-_GijINhtBypEoch6de-IuoBqerVkqjZkvyaC5rNL1zBdNHrPhzbzSy3AnokkRTZ85sQKu-3N_31giUt18hjo-gpe8l6ymojhk/s400/DS2_1617.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS0vb8XD697cxeq_oaLdKSJFMo9FajbhugDv8EQ8LfQU8bKmoFo-StbYUZGxsYnU2hnhTH4pKp3rtCCNQOFQIx8-xbmscNiqI5dyecFNdWmhtMXPtY0jYtuWid3EEQavSzt_6H0BGV6I/s1600/DS2_1622.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 266px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589672048586437602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS0vb8XD697cxeq_oaLdKSJFMo9FajbhugDv8EQ8LfQU8bKmoFo-StbYUZGxsYnU2hnhTH4pKp3rtCCNQOFQIx8-xbmscNiqI5dyecFNdWmhtMXPtY0jYtuWid3EEQavSzt_6H0BGV6I/s400/DS2_1622.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Above are pictures from the Miami Beach International Fashion Show 2011</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pdxjs-0goVHj9B57sg-O9bFgBS78qbn5ma0cirmU9SFvG3vQx3MHnNAPuLiOdIfIbZaDRA7zq28EW0zwSD0WX8MOg3UsWOFkPpeE9I41WDq27X0OUBv2Bs4tpRrQv0XAsb7cMKzewaY/s1600/marina+industrial.bmp"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 266px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589671528027484482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pdxjs-0goVHj9B57sg-O9bFgBS78qbn5ma0cirmU9SFvG3vQx3MHnNAPuLiOdIfIbZaDRA7zq28EW0zwSD0WX8MOg3UsWOFkPpeE9I41WDq27X0OUBv2Bs4tpRrQv0XAsb7cMKzewaY/s400/marina+industrial.bmp" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">A favorite picture of mine from an earlier industrial photo shoot</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfY6g8PzBTQCyC_lF3GuQfLDWj-ubSbaLIxo0c6sMyxsfAD5GdhXzu9eOS2o3aeAM-yPCQwRvRnfM_iEujA1NkR3Ceqcf2KyCIsdvLyj353ncNTW9n8VIH3AaFDIL-op_8gjCt1K_35w/s1600/marina+jump.bmp"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 266px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589671399214696274" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfY6g8PzBTQCyC_lF3GuQfLDWj-ubSbaLIxo0c6sMyxsfAD5GdhXzu9eOS2o3aeAM-yPCQwRvRnfM_iEujA1NkR3Ceqcf2KyCIsdvLyj353ncNTW9n8VIH3AaFDIL-op_8gjCt1K_35w/s400/marina+jump.bmp" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">One of my favortite pictures of Marina in her travels. This really shows the excitement for life that she has! </span><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div align="left">Please visit <a href="http://mmmakaron.com/english.html">MMM</a> and find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mmmakaron">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/MakaronM">Twitter</a> as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you want more info about silk and how it is produced check out this blog post from Tania at <a href="http://passport2design.com/visit-to-a-cambodian-silk-farm/">Passport to Design</a>.</div><div align="left"></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-20117217077651754992011-03-20T14:00:00.001-07:002011-03-30T11:33:32.577-07:00Ostlund Custom Works New Release<div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OstlundCustomWorks?ref=pr_shop_more"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586273181309137890" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFQYXJjMS_7DWWzF80NjwTj7um5S6lvZRdKr6L8aegojLl8x9tMkE2JxIbs-GRkdQ_tcnijUXrsmWxCjZaA5vUGMdi5KDUO_YPUU7NfeMfho5UddkIRbq4qGFWnkS2HKmGVI66W1kp-k/s400/037.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"> <strong><em>"Curvilinear Abstract"</em></strong></span></a></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div>Well here it is, the anticipated release of my new work! I have been busy in the shop for about 2 weeks now and have decided to do some things differently. I will be releasing groups of work rather than one at a time. I am also thinking about doing sets of pieces that all go together in a category. You are going to start seeing some things you didn't expect from me! Like the above clock "Curvilinear Abstract" Lets just say I have been inspired a bit!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxadJ853UB4IVH4yyHMaWMpd2qh39NbHuAA3STrOBsxer6q1Dq3sA18Gz_95-pkk76IJq3y0CWftLa-9Fdbu_IX63dPoooxChx1Wgs2XpdoDMvQ5zT9_hAw65fp_FEPi3yd9WhvOWvuE/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586273106302399922" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxadJ853UB4IVH4yyHMaWMpd2qh39NbHuAA3STrOBsxer6q1Dq3sA18Gz_95-pkk76IJq3y0CWftLa-9Fdbu_IX63dPoooxChx1Wgs2XpdoDMvQ5zT9_hAw65fp_FEPi3yd9WhvOWvuE/s400/039.JPG" border="0" /></a>This clock is more than a clock! It is a stunning piece of functional wall art and is HUGE! I call this clock "Curvilinear Abstract" This was a sudden inspiration I had one morning while looking at my two of my favorite artists online. The first of which is April with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LucasLeafCreations?ref=pr_shop_more">Lucas Leaf Creations </a>she makes the most amazing concrete castings using real leaves! The colors and color combinations just grab you and you can't resist staring! I own one of these leaves and I can tell you that pictures do not do it justice. It is quite mesmerizing actually, I just look at it and feel its energy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN2BkJnBj6sU-1oWq8QAIJf8Ij6pA7nhdsfAewg7wec79YyQTTOq_xOMF_5DwC28710F9vD31SLzP-FXUbLtOeN5qSxowG01ZLX81PMxUkVLf-I3gToUt-M2sN2zBLbtclhjVPnDtWuw/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586273003617627682" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN2BkJnBj6sU-1oWq8QAIJf8Ij6pA7nhdsfAewg7wec79YyQTTOq_xOMF_5DwC28710F9vD31SLzP-FXUbLtOeN5qSxowG01ZLX81PMxUkVLf-I3gToUt-M2sN2zBLbtclhjVPnDtWuw/s400/042.JPG" border="0" /></a> The second person is actually a fashion designer but she is an artist none the less! What she does with silk.... the silk worm wishes it could do! Her colors and patterns are in your face and spicy! The styles she comes up with are what true high fashion is all about. Marina L Makaron of <a href="http://www.marinamakaronmoscow.com/">MMM</a> (Marina Makaron Moscow) really knows how to get it done! So what this all comes down to is I have been inspired by these people and when you look at their work you will understand why.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnITYJunuVVPe4zdcJgbQFqaGkxBFcO28xYjzFKKpUWpQSnw-Y21zmDVmpwgDD5zh0MBy69W14FPz8LfmU0i2yx5yEIaQYTyEi3_GgShSSlIDn2tzwgZ11z7MWKlZ19A_GR6K7YHn_ffU/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586272913978016914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnITYJunuVVPe4zdcJgbQFqaGkxBFcO28xYjzFKKpUWpQSnw-Y21zmDVmpwgDD5zh0MBy69W14FPz8LfmU0i2yx5yEIaQYTyEi3_GgShSSlIDn2tzwgZ11z7MWKlZ19A_GR6K7YHn_ffU/s400/043.JPG" border="0" /></a>"Curvilinear Abstract" is a Huge clock! It is 4ft tall and 6in wide in the center. The aluminum rods are also 4ft long and are upcycled aluminum from Huth machine shop here in Ft Wayne. It uses a high torque movement to turn those long hands! The minute hand is 22.5in long and the hour hand is 18in long. You will really make a statement with this clock on your wall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQyPYXHgXim9bs5ejRo4GEev3xX7NuTPhSORszYBJI0ircGGDR0jjl4HX4WPM2HJMR2m7Gc4FoIP0N6r8YYsxzQuKLvZ2pCiZ-L61kQZ6zzqqxWp_IcIf0991Hvo7kE552BGGtRxrkG8/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586272206283690530" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQyPYXHgXim9bs5ejRo4GEev3xX7NuTPhSORszYBJI0ircGGDR0jjl4HX4WPM2HJMR2m7Gc4FoIP0N6r8YYsxzQuKLvZ2pCiZ-L61kQZ6zzqqxWp_IcIf0991Hvo7kE552BGGtRxrkG8/s400/034.JPG" border="0" /></a>This new wall clock uses extruded aluminum air cylinder tubing for the body and a painted face. This deep blood red face was an experiment for me and it turned out great. It is a combination of two different spray paints I had around the shop. It features a continuous sweep clock movement which is my favorite. It has a nice smooth motion instead of the ticking type associated with most clocks. I have to say that this Gothic style is something out of the ordinary for me but it really works. The serpentine hands I had in my "clock stuff box" and they just never fit anything till now. I love it when a plan comes together.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Wwb9ubcPw9yvvvobb5e1fucVwvM1buImhzlniZzgnWM3nptsq2RdiDvmgfHWYFhIqCIUe_-qH8wDFdBp7XTsgdGXHKpsMza32h-eTob7cbfefGH5_0oTeJ69Oj9x2XU4Si1WVOMkMYc/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586272108741404434" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Wwb9ubcPw9yvvvobb5e1fucVwvM1buImhzlniZzgnWM3nptsq2RdiDvmgfHWYFhIqCIUe_-qH8wDFdBp7XTsgdGXHKpsMza32h-eTob7cbfefGH5_0oTeJ69Oj9x2XU4Si1WVOMkMYc/s400/030.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586272018416507618" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUC6XvWJIQbzzL0T-CMRN_l3rMLdJAxW-ip4NnGK3w9D9JtvtCKj_n1HR6PR5Tol5b6nBUhdx9x3TOzfSm4Kn2We-F57UIlbdIY2SsdvXFAD1XHz6SzXs44VXrjCUhsYR_5FHYCFrS3g/s400/028.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><em>"sexy pendulum"</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><em><br /></em></strong></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span>This next clock is called "Red in the Face" and you can see why! I am going to start with the pendulum because I think it's really cool! It is delicate and even sexy, and is made of a slice of extruded aluminum air cylinder tubing and aluminum rod. I love having more moving elements in my work and a pendulum really does that. The red insert in the bob section really catches your eye! I think you almost start there and then work your way up to the clock. This time I decided to go big with the body and used a much bigger piece. It is an unusual look and really stands out! (no pun intended) This piece also has the Ostlund Custom Works engraved signature plate and title plate included.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OstlundCustomWorks?ref=pr_shop_more"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271921396925698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmovPrdpI-OzF6xG8NWPBG-P_FSGArtE4ZR2URnea_046k4rkgRI6oS8lSSkel5IfeDZSijhiLdFdFseaVoOU0SCzxbfhcwXz5OMRNZjMvSBAXPsT_5DDfccvSyARaQ57NkGJtmCTSGM/s400/027.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OstlundCustomWorks?ref=pr_shop_more">"Red in the Face"</a> </em></strong></span><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jb0wmaC4hOtcfs8rrJjqguqb8xpAoNCK9iPWaw6HnUTcgz8uyXQ55xTLDvWwyrHQjFA2nH7GFFBr0BhYllIPtm4oKx9b0X7N2o7JUMxGorHNgRWkvmLogZBiBnDKUbbWtzj2mtIezPM/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271834356081026" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jb0wmaC4hOtcfs8rrJjqguqb8xpAoNCK9iPWaw6HnUTcgz8uyXQ55xTLDvWwyrHQjFA2nH7GFFBr0BhYllIPtm4oKx9b0X7N2o7JUMxGorHNgRWkvmLogZBiBnDKUbbWtzj2mtIezPM/s400/025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_NUPIV80GdePuoL5odvgSDOMUwEObIo5pKFNorQRrnjmuEQxocdeJgLJAiOFaU_dlHkC0s6HKt_b6mAgIRkE-Uqya44Nsl6HYSkWHbyqCuLuHEG1ezjm54yh-ccVAXWMw7xxuTr5yEw/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271744069099138" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_NUPIV80GdePuoL5odvgSDOMUwEObIo5pKFNorQRrnjmuEQxocdeJgLJAiOFaU_dlHkC0s6HKt_b6mAgIRkE-Uqya44Nsl6HYSkWHbyqCuLuHEG1ezjm54yh-ccVAXWMw7xxuTr5yEw/s400/017.JPG" border="0" /></a>Simple is best sometimes! These tea light candle holders are simple but elegant and the perfect accent for your home. These slices of extruded air cylinder tubing from <a href="http://www.phdinc.com/">PHDinc</a> are just right for mixing cold metal and hot flame. The ambiance of a candle flame is hard to beat. An interesting shape and multiple facets lends itself to being placed and arranged in many ways. These sets will be in regular production and not one of a kind pieces!<br /><br /><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 271px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271649299350578" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9FMxh8luvSiqXZJqIeKL5zX6jFaslHUxqsi3xxEsjMn2TkXUAXkuKjGPDvYTaF6GYJYfgRxXdoQKDz8Ik6iIzWfScyXn9xovNjJ0xqAuWJLJz3viQkqfHTtX7GV6yOzcBKJa8yMBIvE/s400/019.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwpahaOEaydZ63bXtDMIW6Bjr8Lx_Wm2QFwIQJXZdB0PzRkjx0u7dg7tlEl5dnrS2HIGsrX_PAi9s-ymhov1mKoYe1v7B0nPvM2vFHcCO8kttVnxj1Vs57M610n77Go43Wob6lB1DFOk/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271557688889906" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwpahaOEaydZ63bXtDMIW6Bjr8Lx_Wm2QFwIQJXZdB0PzRkjx0u7dg7tlEl5dnrS2HIGsrX_PAi9s-ymhov1mKoYe1v7B0nPvM2vFHcCO8kttVnxj1Vs57M610n77Go43Wob6lB1DFOk/s400/015.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWApSY3de_YCIMMdOz1FVIURAkYWJkm2ERZnBKDNlv09Vxfzcl6eX0k4mC3oI3l15hNR6enFOf0nYc0IrhC6wCpNqpPFU4hYJ5tJCTjEcYhT1iF9j61hwXDT1dxgfRPB3Uxu2lb54cwg/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271445989855218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWApSY3de_YCIMMdOz1FVIURAkYWJkm2ERZnBKDNlv09Vxfzcl6eX0k4mC3oI3l15hNR6enFOf0nYc0IrhC6wCpNqpPFU4hYJ5tJCTjEcYhT1iF9j61hwXDT1dxgfRPB3Uxu2lb54cwg/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /></a> My love for lamps continues here with this cute little MCM style flicker flame bulb night light. The flicker flame bulb is on of my favorites bulbs for its unique flickering filament that mimics a flame. I have this lamp shown here in my son Liam's room on his dresser it is also made of extruded aluminum air cylinder tubing from PHDinc. I really love this material because of its amazing shape and great versatility in my art. </div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF2ms-2UfcCilUu-gMqxTwFE_o4PZdsmr5eN6fYjX5zu97ZT2-HzVqUMy6nG3dskoMYDp1bBSPhY8NRGFT-vGo5N0wxHo0ofNFlopgvKXrEeeuRbPljw1e2CBhsX3v3LW6XrRvmQ2lBM/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586271369380752466" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF2ms-2UfcCilUu-gMqxTwFE_o4PZdsmr5eN6fYjX5zu97ZT2-HzVqUMy6nG3dskoMYDp1bBSPhY8NRGFT-vGo5N0wxHo0ofNFlopgvKXrEeeuRbPljw1e2CBhsX3v3LW6XrRvmQ2lBM/s400/006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GL18uIOyoz59Gq77ggfn0BSERrM3TCRwJvK44zvxomfvT826Cpq_heJaBkcztM21FF6EaqqmCirbzBH6P7izv3JSa1W6M2vshdY2R4M8NH7lB6z87siEYyMj6VJynr7e5ypd53bMi0g/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586270357815214610" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GL18uIOyoz59Gq77ggfn0BSERrM3TCRwJvK44zvxomfvT826Cpq_heJaBkcztM21FF6EaqqmCirbzBH6P7izv3JSa1W6M2vshdY2R4M8NH7lB6z87siEYyMj6VJynr7e5ypd53bMi0g/s400/011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now here is my second necklace I have made. It is a thin slice of the same tubing I use for a lot of other things, just a smaller diameter. I filed and polished this pendant pretty well but I didn't want to get away from my style so there are still nicks and scratches in it. I don't like to over process anything and my jewelry will be no different. It is an industrial, simple and even beautiful necklace that a man or woman can wear. The closure is a loop and bead style with the bead made from aluminum rod upcycled from Huth machine shop. This will be another production piece and not a one of a kind item. One last thing.....but I wont say too much, Ostlund Custom Works will be coming out with a jewelry line soon! Keep an eye out for it! </div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02serpoTJp2LgqInl1c-sOs0H8I5CiAZUEtzZUsPb_w2bbC6iDXZY8G_X_aBhuIu-68sFl0Vx1Ah27GnAXzCijJDJA3Cu_1jUA_ysPN19cfOCpJFWh24VpKrPfVjlbSOTFAJYwAHaOJE/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586270217276954002" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02serpoTJp2LgqInl1c-sOs0H8I5CiAZUEtzZUsPb_w2bbC6iDXZY8G_X_aBhuIu-68sFl0Vx1Ah27GnAXzCijJDJA3Cu_1jUA_ysPN19cfOCpJFWh24VpKrPfVjlbSOTFAJYwAHaOJE/s400/009.JPG" border="0" /></a> Thank you for looking at my new work and taking a bit of time to look at the links on my sidebar. You will find amazing things!!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-46301790905928530512011-03-05T05:12:00.000-08:002011-03-30T11:37:43.157-07:00Sayaka Ganz, Art that will move you!<div align="justify"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581086431158713650" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLHeG6irtvPuVcePYu-Jj2m5unuvGWkRMquUkvhDyWtCXmGFhcTsftUhzXrGig_3LKmIQY1lUKf52GjO-Y5mAQdLXQNmKtvP4qkvLGKW_ypjdmVI7JnYiFDcDsAL1Kz9m0s9jSbNjUzU/s400/011.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Sayaka with her new piece</strong></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Not long ago I decided I wanted to start doing interviews on a few of the things that I enjoyed. Art, interior design, and fashion. I knew right away who I wanted to ask to be my first interview, none other than my favorite artist Sayaka Ganz. I will admit that she has become an "idol" of mine! My good friend Julie Toles intoduced me to her work (back in my art hater stage) and I was moved to tears by what I saw. I was not ready for the impact and emotion I felt looking at this amazing art. A change had occured in me and I have been different ever since. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I first met Sayaka at an art opening at Continuum Art Gallery here in Ft. Wayne. She is one of the nicest and most humble people I have ever met. I was quite nervous to be meeting this amazing artist and was a bit starstruck! Ok alot starstruck, and I still am! Well let me start this interview before I blab my way down the page!<br /><br /><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 301px; display: block; height: 414px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580989720585943394" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JSdEgo6KQss95oKh2ii5Y8_gQXR85aQwEs4CX2mhXQ6NKHf97aDzycEgcaek3UzWDMYvGXyB8wZqAJYxV1_uHlLrjmPMXN1y9iVTILdfRzNO69AC-59xj1ura71SyiqanV8n2G94Kew/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /><em><strong>Tell us a bit about yourself</strong>.<br /></em><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I was born in Yokohama, Japan. My family moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil when I was 9 years old and we lived there for almost 5 years. We went back to Japan when I was 13, then moved to Hong Kong and came to the United States to attend university. Up to high school I never graduated from the same school I started in. All these relocations have affected my thinking. It has made me flexible and also made me crave a sense of belonging. I get great comfort from fitting things together, perhaps partially because of these experiences.</div><br /><br /><p><em><strong>Explain to everyone what you do as an artist, in a general sense</strong></em>.</p><br /><p>I make organic forms from discarded household plastics that I collect from the thrift shops. Mostly I make animal forms of various colors but I also make more abstract sculptures. I try to use motion lines in my sculptures, just like some old cartoon drawings, to create the illusion that my animals are moving. My process is very experimental and non-traditional but my techniques are almost primitive, I drill holes in the plastic objects and tie them together onto an armature.</p><br /><p><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580989639322258930" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXHmvPTKcS-8ydXS7MFJVBcE6P15Z6kbUe-4FxwEGHWYrKCN-mrbu3aSGzdCOB2w5E9afonuXVZKypB1Dvs2KazQgt-YA3aFrlTbHlxHD-IRsLx5WdUpkDD-H1wKgFDphYtq4t3J0Pxo/s400/002.JPG" border="0" /></p><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580989499577710034" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0dtYi-174gBcckX4VSY7DBlNiXLM1ZiJxEnc0a3-tzXVwEMg0BXjsFd9CeMpSEppBQFUeJSjxnCW_8UZtKtGPDCQaOKTEWtzKEjIKdzHu_6ZnVAgbq2Wk8TrYKE_1wbKv4yAoKRct6s/s400/005.JPG" border="0" /><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580989389400600770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk6qn32mLG6CA7RjnT7h9YH3gEgjWRPzHcy42rxgLX9W4qEzbJApewcT3Qe6-eKsU7gXL27Dphq77bFZxMyN95zFhP3w321vZ0yqh0kPHPNf2OIM_ljxDmkiWjovweKHkcM2cnlqHIGQ/s400/006.JPG" border="0" /> <em><strong>I have known you for a little while now and am continually amazed at your work. What drives and inspires you to create new work?<br /></strong></em><br /><br /><p>I get the inspiration from the discarded objects themselves. The human history behind each piece is very interesting, someone designed and created this object, someone used and later discarded it. I am also inspired by nature and the life energy of animals. The motion, wind, water current, waves and time. </p><br /><p><em><strong>I feel a tremendous amount of energy in your art. Please explain your philosophy behind your work and how you bring your pieces to life.</strong></em></p><br /><p>My philosophy is that beauty is all around us, but sometimes a shift in perspective is necessary to find it. I try to use the organic forms of the man made plastic and align them in a way that funnels the directional energy into a flowing stream. </p><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580989307771797938" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw552RdUrOV4uNInrKGrgVq6MIQvUSM-RKwcQF9zPwtRoq6YCyaLFz26yAKN939gBLjFzwQbjqUYuPq1d4wfsXbhw9IVIXuPGgUy3__7UBa0niwACv20puvqMClHaCXQN4xjWlpeFCIs/s400/007.JPG" border="0" /><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580989143259415426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ln29fZhfn9dQBbQcBzpYnp6qWMbzSp47EhPGxRrliJ4bl6spLhBf5XbbHEz_SCkEzR2H8I04gGOBGFYRw1Zi239QzZv3UJjxCRoiC-Um_DCxVWZZ_rwg1q2um1dVE2anzn7D3tVTeHo/s400/009.JPG" border="0" /> <strong><em>What do you like most about the medium that you work with?<br /></em></strong><br /><br /><p>The objects that we use around the house are often designed to fit our hands or body and have beautiful curvilinear forms. I love putting odd shapes and forms together like a puzzle, so these objects work very well. I also like all the colors they come in, and that there are subtle variations in colors within each spectrum.<br /><br /><strong><em>Do you have any plans and goals for the future of your art that you can share with us?</em></strong></p><br /><p>Jim Merz and I are applying for a public art commission in Seattle. I'm in a group exhibition in Washington D.C. in March. I have a commission to create four horse sculptures at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man">Isle of Man</a> in October and I will make a series of four sculptures (three of marine animals and one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pacific_Gyre">North Pacific Gyre</a>) for the <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/">Monterey Bay Aquarium </a>using plastic debris from the ocean in 2012. My goal would be to find the good balance between having enough work and having too much. Its sometimes difficult to decide which shows I should enter, which invitations or commissions I should accept or reject.</p><br /><p><strong><em>Art tends to have many deffinitions, and means something different to each person. Give us your definition of Art and what it means to you.</em></strong></p><br /><p>Art and beauty cannot be separated in my mind. Some people look for more intellectual stimuli in art, but to me it is more about aesthetic and visual engagement and the messages you broadcast through them. I want to challenge the viewers to try to find beauty in the mundane, find hope in difficult situations and be kinder toward the little "stuff" around us. </p><br /><p>I would like to thank Sayaka for letting me do this interview with her and for the wonderful answers she provided me with. I hope that her work can inspire many more people like it has inspired me! If you want to go look at more of her art take a look at the links I have provided. I highly recomend that you take the time to look at them and to "Like" her page on Facebook</p><br /><p><a href="http://sayakaganz.com/Home.html">http://sayakaganz.com/Home.html</a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Sayaka-Ganz-Sculptures/139396576111031">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Sayaka-Ganz-Sculptures/139396576111031</a></p><p></p><div></div></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-37966981745359721822011-02-28T04:43:00.000-08:002011-02-28T07:49:35.570-08:00Coming Soon!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwSEPRaLNmJgsAil6WpmOpFWJdmoGx6SBuWKn5FaAKRbV_SGprNeImxsY5SvaAfp4dxOc1puGZU1K3aftKGmo7VgkVKLT5j076TiSX4qUgY5VVZSXRYQ7s31mFd7Fx_hge-yWKaBSPuE/s1600/OSTLUND+EDIT+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578724279548436802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwSEPRaLNmJgsAil6WpmOpFWJdmoGx6SBuWKn5FaAKRbV_SGprNeImxsY5SvaAfp4dxOc1puGZU1K3aftKGmo7VgkVKLT5j076TiSX4qUgY5VVZSXRYQ7s31mFd7Fx_hge-yWKaBSPuE/s320/OSTLUND+EDIT+2.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Coming soon to Ostlund Custom Works are some big things! Everybody knows me for clocks, lamps and generally small pieces. Once my new shop is put together you will start seeing furniture! Yep that's right! I have some tables planned at the moment, as well as some very interesting other pieces! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Also you will be seeing a badge from Passport2design on my blog! We have worked some things out together and I will be advertising on her amazing interior design blog! You really need to go look at this blog and follow her. Tania REALLY knows her stuff and always has interesting and informative articles. I feel like this is a huge step for OCW and will be a great partnership for us both. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You really need to see this post! This furniture is beyond amazing to me! I know its not every ones style, but its mine! I just love it! </div><br /><div><a href="http://passport2design.com/furniture-friday-marine-mine/">http://passport2design.com/furniture-friday-marine-mine/</a></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-40647000224790308942011-02-13T18:22:00.000-08:002011-02-13T20:23:41.162-08:00Mindless RamblingsAs I sit here and wonder why somethings happen I am forced to realize it all has a purpose. There is a purpose for all energy in this world. It cant be created or destroyed and sometimes we can control it, mostly we cant. This energy I try to harness in productive ways and some of it is channeled into my art. I want each piece to breathe and have a life separate to mine. It has to stand on its own without me. Maybe that sounds crazy to you, maybe not but for me it's how I work. I am just lost in thought right now and trying to make sense of the swirling thoughts as they pass my eyes. Where will the inspiration come from this time? What shape will spark a fire in my mind? What direction will each decision take me, what has fate laid out for my life? Should one even take the time to ponder these things or should you just let it flow? I guess I do both, but the best thing I feel is to just let it flow. Don't over think anything, accept the path and remain positive. That works best for me. Ultimately your energy and believing, negative or positive will dictate your direction in life. If you find yourself stricken with bad things, check your mind! What are your thoughts? What are you actions? Remember thoughts dictate actions, and actions speak louder than words! Well I may have rambled along far enough, so remember to stay positive. It takes work and practice but keep at it. It WILL change your life! It has changed mine and it has therefore changed my art!Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-13280219989933180962011-02-06T20:48:00.000-08:002011-02-07T15:20:21.798-08:00Masterpiece!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570805931276550146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhY4JGZfHdLw9WMhdAZqJ8gZ8wnoA7fSy3datPgQ9HTcSzfjX9PTDMVIhb8AO7O9rdtC6xC8k0ThEKDtd4wRAf-mjVEhnnaagh1x3qz1K2RgZJO1delclE5rF4ZL4TV1qHUJWl7KXmyI/s320/s41830ca129813_7_0.jpg" /><br /><br />The day Liam Alexander came into this world, was a moment that changed me to my core. I never knew I could love anybody or anything to completely and so much. My love for my first child and son is something i cant even begin to describe adequately. It fills me to the brim and overflows. I look at this sweet Innocent child and am overwhelmed with emotion. He is my Masterpiece! The most magnificent piece of "Art" i have ever made. Now please don't think i am leaving my wife out of this! She actually did most of the work, carrying this little angel for 9 months. And now feeding him what seems to be constantly, along with changing diapers doing laundry and getting up at all hours of the night. He is quite the mess machine but it doesn't bother me one bit! Life as we know it has changed in a huge way, but for the better! I cant imagine not having him here with us.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwvMc52tIfOa9ewhOE9OmMW2z97SIoBZiq6h-bcQxeZmRL1wgTyfz9wMNPlXTjGTnBYjwnybIiVjy0aybSXMxh_sLQuDFbc9xMmXq-RYpVSKnlFZyE1RzV3SDiWS7hZL6pPXQZVD-hWw/s1600/s41830ca129813_4_0.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570805811962813474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwvMc52tIfOa9ewhOE9OmMW2z97SIoBZiq6h-bcQxeZmRL1wgTyfz9wMNPlXTjGTnBYjwnybIiVjy0aybSXMxh_sLQuDFbc9xMmXq-RYpVSKnlFZyE1RzV3SDiWS7hZL6pPXQZVD-hWw/s320/s41830ca129813_4_0.jpg" /></a><br />Now we live hand in hand in a way that never existed before. Our thoughts are always with him, and we cherish every moment and sound he makes. The cute little coo after a sneeze or the grunting of a soon to be messy diaper! I love it all! He motivates me to be better and to make what i do really count. I want him to be proud of his daddy. Liam is a reason to reach a higher standard. A reason to excel in this life and give him the best I can. I cant wait to teach him all the things I know, and to build our relationship as a family. To build that father son bond and build a birdhouse for mom. These are the best times of my life, and I am happy to share them with the two people I love the most! My wife Carissa and our beautiful son Liam! Stay tuned for updates! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>"like" my Facebook Fan page and see more pictures of my son and of my work!<br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-17512499870162777302010-12-16T19:01:00.001-08:002010-12-19T18:59:49.585-08:00A new life begins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOdwU0xUDl20FUgCkFa4n8GUw1lglYez5orjCvYXj9tDVYvRewkrgPunhTkBWN5uiGmPIr3I25L5LOKj25AdA_T0FN_is8cOBsQAkiZUernWR690zBuL6bHnQmXG3Phlg8AUM-LM4WB4/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551497962068191442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOdwU0xUDl20FUgCkFa4n8GUw1lglYez5orjCvYXj9tDVYvRewkrgPunhTkBWN5uiGmPIr3I25L5LOKj25AdA_T0FN_is8cOBsQAkiZUernWR690zBuL6bHnQmXG3Phlg8AUM-LM4WB4/s320/012.JPG" /></a> When one is inspired there is not much you can do about it. But what you can do about it is to act on that inspiration. I chose to act instead of sit and do nothing. I have wanted to explore a different side of art and to bring something different to my work. I am known for making functional pieces ( clocks, lamps, home decor) of art. I, however, want to break out of that. To become better and more versatile artist is a dream that had to start somewhere. This whole idea of bringing my feelings and emotions into my art has been nothing but a concept in my mind. I didn't have a clear answer as to how I should go about it till now! It started with me sitting on the couch listening to some music with a sketch pad, a pen, and a bit of vodka! As I sat there and my mind cleared, it became clear that i was on to something. "This is a bit risque" I thought, well after what I saw at the last 2 art shows I attended that was the least of my worries. I wasn't even going to start building it for awhile but because of the way things went it happened the next day. So the real story begins!<br /><div><br /><div><div>My wife and I met through a crazy random set of events that confirms our belief in a higher power. I won't get religious on you here but we believe we met because we were supposed to, and a higher power set it up. Our energy was powerful and really seemed to match phase when we met, meaning things really just worked for us. We have wanted to have kids from the very start and it was a dream of mine for a long time as well. Most people don't really think about how and why everything happens, but I tend to often. Sitting on the couch that night I realized that it was quite amazing that we were bringing a new life into this world! This was what I was going to show, and I didn't care what anyone thought.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C84IJF95PkUUtXwQbJdauOTsj7s8y8TKHPZhLbQ7HEfiEDy2yL_Z3Duuxm9_jpOiZ9hLRM0xHzQAFNqaTfkNKooJue-p4Nb7-MoGLXrS9l6a8nBRRPmk55BzMlCD1YqZvpi_mQc4HIM/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 352px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551498355585122786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C84IJF95PkUUtXwQbJdauOTsj7s8y8TKHPZhLbQ7HEfiEDy2yL_Z3Duuxm9_jpOiZ9hLRM0xHzQAFNqaTfkNKooJue-p4Nb7-MoGLXrS9l6a8nBRRPmk55BzMlCD1YqZvpi_mQc4HIM/s320/008.JPG" /></a>So here it is, a symbolic show of our winding lives and how they came together at one point. Thus enabling us to change the world by bringing a new life into it. It is also symbolic of the biological process involved. The sperm on its path to find the egg and set in motion the creating of a new life. My emotions as I sat there and thought about this were intense, something so small and unseen is changing my life in untold ways. I had to show this in a way that was visible to anyone who cared to look. For them to look past this "giant aluminum sperm" and think about the meaning behind it. That's what art is supposed to do, make you stop and think! To cause an emotional response at some level, and to move you. Look beyond the physical and stare into the depths of your own mind. Think about how life works, that one microscopic spark of life, that changed your world. This my friends is the beauty of art! Through it we all have the power to effect our own thinking and emotions and to show others this in a physical form.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t0NZg6OyfAG3h5VkNXRakHf3_t3N3610kb9UXzeJhiYDkWT-g7VnQn6oOZilmul0BmkzHJ0DCrkRtaT0MJQB7vsnPYuG0EYnlteRQz3JqYkT59jJRosrhTGp3DAOeQgslz_FuUbvUkY/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551493786907711570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t0NZg6OyfAG3h5VkNXRakHf3_t3N3610kb9UXzeJhiYDkWT-g7VnQn6oOZilmul0BmkzHJ0DCrkRtaT0MJQB7vsnPYuG0EYnlteRQz3JqYkT59jJRosrhTGp3DAOeQgslz_FuUbvUkY/s320/010.JPG" /></a> Another thing that excited me about this project was that I take objects and make them into something greater. The combined energy is greater than the individual energies added together. Its a synergy just like with people, the baby is of a greater energy than the two parts that made it. I also wanted to stay true to my medium which is mostly found objects and materials. Branching off into another medium didn't feel right. I have taken this junk and gave it a new life with a greater purpose and power than it would have had. All the metal is aluminum and is up cycled from various places. The base and top are from the scrap yard Hoosier metals and the rod is from Huth Tool & Machine Corp. The small piece of wood is scrap oak from other projects. I am looking to get this piece into several different galleries in Fort Wayne and at the moment am not sure if I will be selling it. If i do have it for sale it will most likely just be local and not through my etsy shop. Thank you for reading and I would love to hear your comments!<br /></div><div>Check out my Facebook fan page and like! Keep track of all my work! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Ostlund-Custom-Works/115110605195978">http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Ostlund-Custom-Works/115110605195978</a></div><div></div><div>And check out my Etsy Shop. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OstlundCustomWorks?ga_search_query=ostlundcustomworks&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">http://www.etsy.com/shop/OstlundCustomWorks?ga_search_query=ostlundcustomworks&ga_search_type=seller_usernames</a><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs1iC_2OUBH8LOawv4Lp4H45eTwwcyaXlxkAevoN7dnM9OR-phmvS6ORbKohcbF3xDGVIrYQCwpMDS6pznNK-_TNf41RfHWNS4-2QRPxbSHCWn53A3vMyWiLzwMYuL1qCXFpnGRkr92A/s1600/008.JPG"></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRs1iC_2OUBH8LOawv4Lp4H45eTwwcyaXlxkAevoN7dnM9OR-phmvS6ORbKohcbF3xDGVIrYQCwpMDS6pznNK-_TNf41RfHWNS4-2QRPxbSHCWn53A3vMyWiLzwMYuL1qCXFpnGRkr92A/s1600/008.JPG"></a></div></div></div>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-9000164662084495382010-11-02T18:30:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:02:27.140-08:00Escape...What is your escape? Do you have more than one? I know what my escapes are, my bike for one. Sometimes everyday life can just be a drag and get you down. What is it that makes all that go away, if even for a moment? I know some people turn to drinking and drugs as an escape. Well for me its my bike, working out, music, and my art. When I do these things I can enter another world where my problems of this life are no more. When I ride its me and my bike against gravity and a mangled body. Its my skill against physics to pull off a sweet line. When I jump off the picnic table I just hopped up on, its guts and a prayer that I land clean. Trusting in my body, my sense of balance and my equipment saves my ass, most of the time!<br /><br />Working out is an escape from the mundane. Once again its me against gravity. The weight I put on the bar must be overcome with sheer strength. Nothing else will move that iron, but my will to. Its the pain of the exertion, the mental pain of pushing my body to new heights. Its the rush of breathing forcefully with purpose, and moving mountains. In this world its just me and the weights and the strength of my body and my mind. Can I break myself this time? NO because I can't be broken! That's the mindset anyway.<br /><br />Music is an escape on many levels for me. I tend to feel very deeply and strongly, even if I don't show it on the outside. I like many kinds of music, and can workout with rage, or fall asleep to the heaviest of rifts. Music is an energy that speaks to me and matches phase with my emotional state. The lyrics of a song and the music that goes with it can be very moving. I am sure everybody knows this, but is it an escape? Do you drift off into the rhythm and beat? Does it make you forget reality as you know it? Are you immersed in the sound, and bob your head and sing along? These things all describe me as I retreat from reality and into the music. What does it say to you? What does it say to your partner? How does it make you feel? If you can't answer those questions, turn on some music and lose yourself in the magic.<br /><br />And finally my art. Well for me I design and build from the deepest parts of my consciousness. People familiar with my style and who know me personally will understand. Even though I haven't built anything recently doesn't mean my brain stopped working! I am working on some amazing ideas. I want to be able to express myself more in my art. Not just building things that are functional, but pieces that are pure art. I want someone to look at it and be moved (beyond "hey that's a cool clock") to their core. I want them to see and understand the inner workings of my emotions and feel what I do. I have no idea how I am going to accomplish this but I am going to try my best. I feel it will take me to the next level as an artist, and as a human being. It is something that I am going to strive for, in an effort to "perfect" my style. I want people to see "WHO I AM" through my work, my words and my life. My thoughts dictate my actions, and maybe I can live up to certain standards expected of me? Nothing in life is a constant, minute to minute things change and thus our lives are shaped......<br /><br />I hope what I leave behind will be an example to others and not a mockery to all.............................Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-30754136885742129462010-11-01T04:38:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:04:44.063-08:00Art?So I have come to wonder in this past month, what is art? I had been pushing the business side of Ostlund Custom Works too hard. I didn't realize what I was doing except that I was starting to hate it. I was starting to prepare for a big show and it was making me crazy. So I decided to just let it go. What I thought I wanted to do didn't seem like such a good idea anymore. So I embraced the art, I let it soak in and it changed me. I used to despise art, until I got into it, until I met some amazing artists! I actually bought some art books and started studying on my own. What I started learning and seeing is amazing, and I think differently now. Its been an interesting change in my life, one that i never saw coming! So now you might ask what is on the table for me? Well I will design and build when I am inspired to do so. I will not force the creativity, or pressure myself into doing something I don't want to. If I do that I will hate it instead of love it and all this work will be for naught. Here is a poem I wrote one night at a coffee house as I was thinking about all of this stuff. There was a musician there and I was just looking around the room at shapes and colors. My candle sconces were on the wall not far from where I sat and the candles caused thought!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Coffeehouse Sketch</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Uninspired ramblings fill the space between thoughts.<br />Mindless symphony of math, angles become undefined.<br />Art is what...?<br />Serpentine in its nature, it defies conformity.<br />Imagination stirred by lines, causing emotion, its tension is broken.<br />Piercing the soul with paint, nudging heart strings with form,<br />as a flame sings color in kelvin.<br />Plucked strings, rhythmic compressions of fluid, pneumatic vibrations fill my ears.<br />Yet my paper is still blank...<br /><br />Ron Ostlund Jr.Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-25250323771614941912010-08-28T04:43:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:25:27.303-08:00Finding Art<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaHTWhkj2ZSFqEHNizRyHitMWGhQ7iG6yfPIhyphenhyphenyuPnAAor0g0KAi9Uni9HE07HUVP6vEXdiH6yZQ2CQnjGvl5kIvLeF6YvC18dMHHseBsJMjXOW44awHIodhWkQiYGIrn_t4-0_i4sjY/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510439645029032994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaHTWhkj2ZSFqEHNizRyHitMWGhQ7iG6yfPIhyphenhyphenyuPnAAor0g0KAi9Uni9HE07HUVP6vEXdiH6yZQ2CQnjGvl5kIvLeF6YvC18dMHHseBsJMjXOW44awHIodhWkQiYGIrn_t4-0_i4sjY/s320/002.JPG" /></a> Finding art has been quite an adventure so far! It has started out with the chance meeting of just the right people. I moment in which our paths intersected that started a chain reaction. I have always been kinda interested in art but never embraced it. I always saw it as some elitist junk with people who knew better running the show. Well turns out that there is people like that in the art world but not all. Its a good thing that I met mostly people who are not "snobs". I decided that if I really wanted to take my work to the next level as far as sales and getting it known I had to mingle with "art geeks". It was something that I didn't want to do but thought I had too. Ok now, I will admit that I had some, if not many preconceived notions of who these people were! I decided I was not going to change but stick to my guns and just be me. Well that has not changed but I have opened my mind to art instead of keeping it shut out. One thing i can tell you is that I have done my best work when I stopped fighting the change and fighting "ART" but opened myself to it. I have started studying and learning where I fit and what my styles are and how to best use the abilities I have to produce what I now call art. I didn't call myself an artist before. I just said "I build stuff." Well I still build stuff, but now I really consider and believe that it is art. It has been a huge change on my part. I really didn't want to go down this path that I didn't know anything about. I really felt stupid and looked down upon by these "smarter than me artists". You know the ones with the degree! I can't say that I will ever get a degree in art, but I can tell you that I will listen and learn from someone who has! Open my mind to change and greater possibilities than I ever thought could happen. I just keep improving upon myself and my work follows!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510436477627047394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmPRmSuX6KC0IZ9FL-2fxAFGXMvFL6aW26mKx4KbED_apWRSdN0xtK8crj4NTGuvBjp84cMj2tDW4n3DYlEKQoIlnx_I4LwKTlPsBBERra-QxFV5SJ4zSK0gu-XqAdL5sGYyu_jiakoM/s320/012.JPG" />Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-89969110196974301662010-07-07T03:31:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:13:32.092-08:00Death by PoisonSo I'm sure this title sounds horrible right? Well it is, anytime someone or something is poisoned its usually a horrible death. It usually is not instant, but a long slow process. Well that's what most of you are doing to your bodies! You are poisoning your bodies with this crap you call food. Sure its not going to happen right away. It will probably take a lifetime. But in the end its going to be a long slow death. Not to mention a decreased quality of life on the way to dying. You might have any number of these problems; cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, impotence, arthritis, osteoporosis, and the list goes on! Why are these all a problem in our society? Well its because we have become dependant on science and convenience, thereby becoming lazy as hell. A lack of education and people who just don't care because they don't know better. You might know how to read but can you read a nutrition/ingredient label? If you wanted to read an ingredient label on your cleaners there is not one in most cases! NO! (thats another blog post) Just look at the epidemic levels of health problems in the world and most of all in the United States. We are as a whole one FAT, UNHEALTHY nation. The government is not a good source for info and the damn FDA is a huge joke. They are wrapped around the finger of giant corporations and do what "they" want them to. In the end, it comes down to money, money, money, he who has the most is the strongest. These drug/chemical companies have no interest in your health and well being! They just want more money in their pockets. So what can you do about it?<br /><br />OK to start with you can begin to educate yourself! Oh damn I just said that you must do something for yourself! OH NO CAN YOU MUSTER THE COURAGE TO DO THAT?????? Well you can slowly kill yourself or you can do something about it. For the most part this information is not readily available to everyone. I have started seeing a slow and steady change in the past year though. More of this "radical" healthy type stuff is getting into the mainstream media. But at the same time there is more and sometimes violent opposition to it. Shows with Doctors giving sometimes bad advice and down right wrong information. So called "Myth Busting" of "Natural Cures" that stuff really makes me mad! To the average person who just believes what is thrown in front of them, this is REAL information. They believe it because its a doctor telling them and they trust them! Well doctors are taught a certain way and that's what they are bound to teach and practice by law. So they might have your best interests at heart but if you are healthy they don't make money. And down the line it goes, the big food, agriculture, and drug companies don't make money. And if they don't make money the stupid government doesn't get their share either! So how do you educate yourself?<br /><br />LEARN TO COOK!!!!<br /><br />The best way is to take small steps, don't jump right in or it wont "stick". Begin to understand what you eat and how to read a label. Then understand what that label means, what are the items listed and what do they do. Once you learn how to do that you will realize that alot of it is not food! You need to slowly shift away from the processed foods with unreadable ingredients. You have to eat naturally, the way God intended not the way man decides. Eat whole foods because that is what your body knows how to use. When its processed it is missing parts and usually they are the most beneficial parts. Your body then craves those missing parts and it causes you to eat more and more. The ingredient labels should have very few items or only one item! It shouldn't be fortified because that is not good for you either! If you eat a balanced diet of whole and minimally processed foods you will get your vitamins and minerals. Now here is something else alot of you say you don't like the taste! Well maybe that's true to start with, most likely it is because you have a false sense of what a certain food tastes like. Were you raised on artificial flavors and products? Well now you associate those fake flavors to be the taste of that particular food. The real food item will not taste the same!! So what you must do is clean your palette of this garbage!!!<br /><br />LEARN TO COOK!<br /><br />Once you have learned what is real and fake start eliminating the FAKE crap from your life. It doesn't have to be organic but it has to be all natural and minimally processed. Try new things and discover how they taste. Eat CLEAN and learn to like it, you will acquire the taste for new things as you try them. You will understand how and why it is healthy for you and what it does for your body. That is why you start with research! You don't have to start all at once either just pick an item or 2 a week maybe. You will realize that as you start ridding your mouth of the trash that new flavors start to appear! The wonderful flavor complexity's of real food start to come through. They will not be masked by artificial flavorings and chemical preservatives. The true flavor will be there and the nutrition! Once you have become "Clean" you will see how bad and truly disgusting fake processed food tastes! And you will appreciate how real food tastes. I noticed that when I did this years ago I was able to taste the chemicals and artificial flavors in almost all "poison foods". They just tasted wrong and sometimes actually made me physically sick after eating them! So now whats next?<br /><br />LEARN TO COOK NEW AND DIFFERENT THINGS!<br /><br />ORGANIC!!! All i can say about the flavor difference of Organic is that it is PURE! Now i understand that organic is more expensive! What you have to do is spend your money in the best way possible. Clean up the dirtiest areas, the ones most rife with chemicals. (fertilizer's, hormones, antibiotics etc) My belief is that these are dairy, meat, and grains. So much of this stuff is becoming so affordable now, but you have to look for it. Most big stores have a line of house brand organics that are similar if not cheaper than name brand non organic products. Where I live <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Meijer</span> is a great example, they have a huge line of house brand organics that are amazing in quality. They are as good but much cheaper than the name brand organics and superior to the name brand conventional foods. I bet you will find that if your eating sensibly and healthy with organics that you will lose weight! Yes lose weight without doing anything but eating healthy! If you eat proper amounts of calories with balanced nutrition your body will self regulate. You will slowly hit your ideal weight, if you must gain or lose it will happen.<br /><br />Now What?<br /><br />LEARN TO COOK!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> you might say after I have screamed it between paragraphs! Because you are dealing with whole/minimally processed foods you have to know how to cook them! You cant just open a package and "nuke it" and then proclaim that dinner is served! (microwaves are the devil but that's a different blog post!) You must know how to cook things. And more importantly cook them for maximum nutrient content. Pretty much it comes down to don't overcook things! Make cooking fun, get the kids involved or your significant other. Try new foods and ways of preparing them. Eat in season because those are the nutrients your body needs at that time of year. Buy local if you can and get to know where your food comes from. Meet the farmers and learn of their practices! Let me tell you that as you start this journey you will become amazed and more self aware. You will become a better you! YOU will not be so selfish, and will help spread the word to other people. Why? Because you have seen a difference in your life! You are healthier, your ailments and disease have gone away and you are whole! Yes it can happen! Proper nutrition is the CURE!!!!!<br /><br />a great website for finding local food<br /><br /><a href="http://localharvest.org/">http://localharvest.org/</a>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-2589234379068544592010-06-23T17:26:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:15:12.873-08:00RageSo tonight on my way home I saw something that just set me off! I won't go into the details but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">WTF</span> kind of world do we live in where people are just slobs? Maybe it was just a long boring day at work or the general <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disdain</span> for certain things lately, but I got mad. So I got myself worked up for my impeding workout and I sure made it a good one! I put some rage juice on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ipod</span> and flogged away! The more painful the workout the more I like it. I probably get some weird looks when I go to the YMCA and brutalize myself. I know I get a crazy grin on my face the more it hurts. But <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok,</span> I know that pain will only hurt so much and then it goes away. You might see this as crazy but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> just me. I have always been a "mutant" as some people call me. I always push myself as hard as I can just to see if I can break myself. It <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hasn't</span> happened yet. Some of you might be a bit surprised at all this! This is an outlet for who I am under the calm emotionless face and "Mr. Nice Guy" so sorry if you had some grand impression of who I was. I am not always nice or PC! I realized lately that I was not going to let somethings come between me and what i really love. 1st is my Wife and then cycling and working out. I love art and building things but I realized quick that it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wasn't</span> staying fun and was ruining my life. I was making it something i <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">didn't</span> want it to be and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> come to an end. I will be doing things differently these days.Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3340343105661940181.post-44095948714843976052010-06-12T22:57:00.000-07:002010-12-19T16:17:30.164-08:00new to blogging!Well this is all new to me but I decided to go ahead and make the plunge! After a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recommendation</span> from someone I respect and who also blogs here i am. Now I do not profess to be a great writer or that I will make profound <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">statements</span>, but I will be ME! I will be posting whats going on with my etsy shop on a regular basis with pictures and small talk. Who knows I may get into doing more in depth things as well like interviews! The name of my blog is top secret, and in time you will find out its true meaning! Well welcome to my blog and I hope you come back and check on what I am up to! And check out my Etsy shop and Facebook Fan Page.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ostlundcustomworks.etsy.com/">http://www.ostlundcustomworks.etsy.com/</a><br /><a href="http://http//www.facebook.com/pages/Ft-Wayne/Ostlund-Custom-Works/115110605195978?ref=sgm">http://http//www.facebook.com/pages/Ft-Wayne/Ostlund-Custom-Works/115110605195978?ref=sgm</a>Ron Ostlund Jrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02010857350406132696noreply@blogger.com7