Meet Charlene Anderson, our next “Ask an Artist” contributor!

It’s that time again – time to meet another fantastic chainmaille artist who has agreed to let us pick their brain for our “Ask an Artist” blog seriesCharlene Anderson is an incredibly talented chainmaille jewelry artist (who incidentally uses Blue Buddha rings frequently!) and was Step-by-Step Wire Jewelry magazine’s Featured Artist of the Year in 2010. As someone widely recognized for coming up with new and interesting designs, weaves and projects, she is the perfect person to ask questions about creating your own original designs.  Read more about Charlene below and learn how to submit your questions for her at the end of the post.

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Charlene Anderson grew up in Hemet, California, on a Thoroughbred horse ranch. After college she moved to Hawaii, (sea level) where she lived for more than twenty years, before finally moving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (6237 feet above sea level, oxygen tank optional).



Being fortunate enough to extensively travel the world, her time exploring the cultures, architecture and artwork in over 100 countries has given Charlene an international perspective to design; borrowing inspiration from different cultures and continents and combining them in original and eclectic ways is a hallmark of her work


Her work has been featured in many books and magazines, including Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Spin-Off, Interweave Knits, Handwoven, and many more. She has held numerous one-woman gallery shows and has been featured in juried exhibitions around the world

Charlene also sells her jewelry and jewelry making tools and supplies through her web site www.charanderson.com.
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It’s your turn to pick Charlene’s brain about how she turns her widely varied sources of inspiration into beautiful original designs. We will be accepting questions until Friday, April 8th! Here’s how to get your question to Charlene:

1. Write it in the comments section at the end of this blog entry
2. Post it to our wall on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlueBuddhaBoutique
3. Tweet it to us using @BlueBuddhaBtq: http://twitter.com/BlueBuddhaBtq
4. Email it to me at [email protected]


Learn more about Charlene:
Website: http://www.charanderson.com
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/charleneandersonartist
Twitter: http://twitter.com/char_anderson
Blog: http://charleneanderson.typepad.com/unravelings/

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5 Comments on "Meet Charlene Anderson, our next “Ask an Artist” contributor!"

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Guest
13 years 8 months ago

Super gorgeous little works of art.

Guest
13 years 8 months ago

Hi Charlaine – love you work and your creativity. I recently made your Okinawa bracelet out of Artistic Wire (I wrap all my own jump rings), and it turned out beautifully. I haven’t had much luck in getting the small wires out of sterling silver, however. They seem to have more “spring back” then the copper based Artistic wire. Is there a formula to compensate for this? Thinner gauge wire? Thinner mandrel? Would love to take the leap and make it out of sterling silver.

Thanks,

Laura
dragonflygirls.ca

Guest
Dion Brodeur
13 years 8 months ago

Namaste’,

I am relatively new to the jewelry scene. While I have been practicing the art of Chainmaille for quite sometime from the armor aspect, as a hobby, I have switched gears to the more marketable Jewelry application (within the last 3 years to be more precise). B3 has been a great source of inspiration as well as a “wellspring” of knowledge, not to mention my source for, what I think, are the BEST rings on the market. You guys “Freakin’ Rock”!!!

My question is for any advice for someone, such as myself, wishing to make their mark in this creative line of Artistic Expression/Creation.

What are the best ways, in your experience, to get exposure both locally, and outside of the immediate area? I am currently utilizing a local consignment shop to sell my products, in addition to always wearing one of my creations while out and about. I have had a lot of interest shown in my work recently, some have asked if I could be tempted to teach a “How to” class. I am contemplating organizing a gallery showing in the immediate future, in addition to setting up a booth at one of the area’s Renaissance Festivles. I know these are great opportunities. However, if you have any other ideas that can help set me on the “fast track” to success, I would greatly appreciate any input.

Thank you very much.

Guest
13 years 8 months ago

Hello,
The steep rise in metal prices, especially silver, has had a huge impact on what metals I am now using in my jewelry. I am wondering if other maille artists are feeling the crunch, what alternate metals they are choosing to work with, and how it is influencing overall design of pieces. Thanks.

Guest
13 years 8 months ago

Hi.

I love Charlene’s work and think having artists on your site allows others to expand their business also.
Thanks for being so thoughtful!!!

Sometimes I can look at a pattern and get lucky to figure it out, however, I am at a loss when it comes to choosing the correct ring size. Is there any sort of formula to follow? Any help from anyone is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Thanks for your time and efforts in everything.
Dorie