Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
About Us: An Artisan Journey
Artistic Aspirations
Fred grew up in the Bailiwick, the former home of the esteemed Ash Can School of Art artist Everett Shinn in Plainville, NY. From an early age, he embraced the beauty of art, while my own artistic journey began to unfold during our college years. We both attended Oklahoma State University, the University of Denver, and Southern Illinois University, where we nurtured our passion for art.
After graduation, we wholeheartedly embraced the artistic lifestyle. We created captivating works and successfully sold them at craft fairs and galleries, driven by our unwavering commitment to our dreams as artisans.
Fred and laurel
In 1971, we began our journey in Southern Illinois, close to where the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers meet, and it was here that we founded our first ceramic art and jewelry business, "Lick Creek Pottery." The process of kiln firing clay not only transformed the material but also fueled our commitment to creating beautiful jewelry from natural elements. Recognizing that both ceramics and jewelry arise from the foundations of fire and earth, we thoughtfully developed our craft, progressing from porcelain to elegant silver and gold creations.
The Jewelry and Art Studio
Established in 1979, our art studio is located in a one-room schoolhouse just six miles from Woodstock, NY. In this creative environment, we explore a variety of art mediums, including silver and gold jewelry, acrylic painting, ceramic sculpture, and pottery. We work together as a team, though there are times when Fred assumes the role of the artist, while I act as his muse.
Laurel at the Art Jewelers' Bench
We are both art educators and studio artists currently managing the ceramics program at a small college in upstate New York. Our well-equipped studio in Woodstock allows us to work with various mediums, including jewelry. This enables us to create wearable sculptures that reflect our lifelong dedication to the arts.
18K Gold Artisan Jewelry
With years of hands-on experience in the arts, we have honed our advanced skills to design and craft unique artisan jewelry in gold and silver. Our stunning Tahitian Pearl pendant, meticulously handcrafted in wax and beautifully cast in luxurious 18K fine gold, embodies our dedication to excellence and the spirit of creativity.
Making Arts and Crafts Jewelry
Our jewelry offers a unique alternative to the trendy, mass-produced pieces commonly available online and at major retailers. Each item is thoughtfully designed and meticulously handcrafted by us, talented artisans, employing traditional metalsmithing techniques to work with precious metals. We do not utilize 3D CAD software, machine printing for wax, or mass-casting processes. Instead, our approach involves hand-carving models in wax and casting them in our studio, resulting in limited-edition and one-of-a-kind wearable sculptures.
We deeply value the artistic essence of our jewelry, which reflects the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement. As such, we view our creations as a continuation of artistic exploration, proudly crafted by dedicated studio artists.
"Here is a cherished photo of Fred and Laurel from our younger years."
Clay Artist at Work
Here, Fred captivates the audience as he expertly demonstrates the art of clay sculpture.
Grendel Beowulf Dragon
Since its inception in 1971 with a commission for Grendel's Dragon by the renowned novelist John Gardner, the captivating image of a dragon has frequently reemerged in our artistic expressions, gracing intricate jewelry designs, vivid paintings, and striking sculptures, each a testament to the rich tapestry of our creative endeavors.
Ceramic Figurative Sculpture Fireplace
The image highlights a stunning catenary arch fireplace, beautifully adorned with figurative ceramic clay sculptures and a striking portrait of Laurel, whose flowing hair radiates grace.
Explore our ceramic section to uncover a world of clay artistic treasures, from bas-reliefs murals to captivating three-dimensional sculptures, elegant pottery, and exquisite porcelain jewelry.
"Children of the Sky" - Cupid and Psyche Painting
In the painting section of this website, explore a portfolio of artworks that celebrate the boundless power of an artist's imagination, brought to life through the medium of paint.
The painting depicted here is a romantic portrait titled "Children of the Sky," created with love using acrylic oil on linen and featuring Fred and Laurel. If you take a closer look, you'll notice a quiver and arrows on Fred's back, which evoke the timeless story of Cupid and Psyche. This detail is a gentle reminder of the powerful notion that "Love Conquers All," reflecting the heartfelt union of two artists' dreams, united by their shared passion for love and art. It is a touching representation of our journey together.
Fred and Laurel