Gifts – ALICE E. SHEPHERD

2016 Mission: Bringing back the METAL!

January 22, 2016June 7, 2018 aeshep

What a head-banging start to the new year already! We’re on a mission to bring our passions with a vengeance: hard rock, heavy metal and motorcycle riding culture back into our lives and art. Big dreams and plans for new designs that come full circle to where this journey started: wearable and sculptural kick-ass art from Artwork Cubed! Speaking of, here are are some of my coolest custom pieces:

“Tattoo for Sarah” – Custom, hand cut kiln formed glass; hardware fabric and industrial parts. Approx. 8″ sq.

Wrist cuff of leather, copper and stained glass.

Custom Light Box

“Common Thread” – Stainless Steel and Plastic Mesh, Leather cord, Various industrial parts

We started by checking out a set by metalcore band, Play the Victim, to welcome into the family our new 19 year old, vocalist nephew. Great set at Rocketown in Nashville and proud to have another metalhead in the clan! Check out this track http://playthevictimtn.bandcamp.com/track/catalyst and show ’em some love on their facebook page. Gotta keep an eye on the up-and-comers!

This week we raged on at Lamb Of God’s “Sturm und Drang” tour with the mighty Anthrax at Marathon Music Works. KILLER show that also included the band Power Trip who put in a thrashin’ performance. Next month, the relentless, “Repentless” SLAYERRRRRR!!!!! https://www.wmarocks.com/events/detail/slayer-2016-wma. Shout out ya’ll to let us know you’ll be there and we’ll hook up!

We’re on the prowl for future show dates and scheming ways to connect with YOU…we and 68 Artwork Cubed initiates did some major connecting at the July 2015 show. Here’s the coin (logo on reverse) they all got and me, post-show, with a sample of some of the love…washable ink stamps of my logo, one for them…68 for me!

My handwriting on the other…

Initiate’s stamps

Afterwards…”The End is an invitation to begin”, (Stephanie Pruitt Gaines from “Close Reading”)

We need you to continue to connect and inspire with us to create awesome new designs to bring to the Nashville metal community. We know you’re out there! Help us bring the 2016 metal evolution and let’s ride!

Motorcycles came a little later.

Kiln Formed Glass, Metal & Mixed Media Sculpture, Uncategorized

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” Emily Brontë

January 19, 2016 aeshep

I kicked off the new year by creating a piece I started in 2011 that was originally intended as a wedding gift for our nephew Daniel and his talented wife Eden (Eden Frangipane Photography). Things were going splendidly when suddenly the muses fell silent. Something was missing, elusive, beyond me. Maybe I would finish it for their third anniversary, but no, still it was not yet time. Until recently….

Fused Glass

Here is the fused glass component as it was in 2011, (double layer kiln formed glass with mica letter inclusions and transparency of their photo), patiently awaiting the right moment…

Then the moment came. The couple has brought forth a new soul, their first child, daughter Basil. And the muses sang, now they are three!

The concept and design are inspired by their enchanting ceremony/reception, and are distilled from their lovely, organic wedding materials: the photo (included in the wedding invitation), the rehearsal dinner invitation cover (copy seen here, original now permanently affixed to the back), the shape of the leather hang tag from the envelope address label…

now with the addition of an element that literally ties the entire piece together: the tricolor braided wire to symbolize three souls now woven into one. (Click for larger pics; Detailed description at bottom of post)

Back, “Souls”: Quote from rehearsal dinner invitation

Serendipity graced us when I presented it yesterday: with Basil’s parents, grandparents and great grandparents all present on Mimi’s birthday (her great grandmother and my loving mother-in-law)! I was delighted to meet and hold sweet Basil and, as icing on the cake, the piece coordinates with the decor in her room so they plan to display it there. All things in good time, indeed.

The muses are smiling. I am happy and thankful. It is one of my favorite pieces.

(Glass suspended by braided copper wire (through channels in glass) in painted wooden box padded with white leather and trimmed in torch fired copper. Hand tooled and aged leather tag, quote from original rehearsal dinner invitation written in the hand of Daniel’s creative mother, and my signature on back. Stands on rubber feet or hang.)

Art Events, Bowls, Kiln Formed Glass, Uncategorized

The Birthstone Collection – Now Available Online!

November 28, 2014November 29, 2014 aeshep

Hey Cube’sters!

I have two exciting things to share: First, my Special Edition Collection of kiln sculpted glass is on display for purchase at Picture This Creative Framing and Gallery. The new location is celebrating a grand re-opening on Dec 4th from 5:00p to 8:00p and I look forward to seeing everyone! The works are also available for online purchase at http://www.picturethis-gallery.com/alice-e-shepherd-kiln-formed-glass/ thanks to Matt Fischer! Be sure to click on the “View Details” button in the “Quick View” window to get the whole story. I do love a good story, don’t you ? 🙂

Say hello to Turquoise Sky, the birthstone of December. The visual effect of the mix of brilliant blues and sunset colors made it easy to choose her name. And there’s a piece for every month of the year! These substantial bowls weigh 22 ounces and are approximately 8-1/2″ in diameter by 2-3″ deep.

Dec - Turquoise Sky — Dec – Turquoise Sky

AND if that isn’t enough…I am just back from setting up at Treasures for the Holidays at Gaylord Hotel and Resort (https://www.facebook.com/treasuresfortheholidays) with the “Birthstone Keepsake Collection”, mini versions (5″ diameter) of the gallery pieces complete with the most precious little “hat box” you’ve ever seen! It has self-threaded, replaceable ribbon. You just tie the bow and voila! Gift! These are perfect for bedside, bureau, or sink-side as a safe place to hold your valuable rings, earrings and other jewelry while you get on with your busy life. You might say they’re “Gems for Jewels”!

I love it when a plan comes together. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy your holidays!