I created an Etsy site where you can peruse and possibly purchase my custom marquetry pendants. Check it out and let me know what you think!
www.etsy.com/shop/WearableWoodwork
Category: Uncategorized
R. Blitzer Gallery – Confluence
Confluence: a flowing together; the act of meeting or gathering together; a place of meeting, as of rivers.
I, along with eleven other far-more talented artists, will be hosting a First Friday Reception at our Confluence Exhibit. Its at the Blitzer Gallery on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
Here is a sneak-preview of my first-ever mobile, an object too large to fit into one email, so you’ll have to come take a look yourself.
This eclectic exhibit includes paintings, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture, woodwork, and glass, from Alanni Lanni, Dana Weigand, Sally Fuess, William Winkler, Rachel Smith, Yeshe Jackson, Keith Millar, Cheryl Moreno, Biagio Scarpello, Russell Brutsche, Matthew Werner, & Chris Johnson.
First Friday Reception, December 2, from 5 to 8pm.
Quick heads up too that there will be a Holiday Art Show at the gallery on Saturday, December 10, from 11 am to 3 pm. I am putting the finishing touches on some new Wearable Art (pendants, possibly earrings) that I will be offering at that time.
Show runs until December 29. Special Holiday Art Show December 10, 11 am to 3 pm. R. Blitzer Gallery hours: Thursday through Sunday 1 to 4 pm.
R. Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission Street, Santa Cruz , 95060
CONFLUENCE at the R. Blitzer Gallery
The Latest from Matthew Werner Handcrafted Furniture
I may have been quiet for the past few months, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy. I had the amazing opportunity to design and make multiple pieces for my client’s remodel project for their home in San Francisco. Every piece had marquetry, and I think it’s some of the best work I’ve done. Now that the project is nearing completion and the building is getting cleaned up in preparation for move-in, I had a chance to go up and have the work photographed. I’ll show a few samples below, but be sure to click on the link to go to my website and see the full project.
Star Jasmine and Banks Roses are the theme for this pair of dresser cabinets that flank a walk-in closet, with a wall panel over the door that completes the garden trellis look. Figured cherry for the cabinets, bigleaf maple on the fronts, and custom wenge pulls.
Just a few details to whet your appetite for more. Living room bookcase trimmed out in red roses, made with bloodwood, carob, vera, and wenge, and trimmed in black walnut.
Fireplace mantle adorned with orchids made from satinwood, yellowheart, holly, and bloodwood.
Mandevilla mirror over the fireplace, bloodwood and carob flowers with yellowheart centers, and vera foliage.
Thanks for looking. I’ll be doing Open Studios in October, and hope you have a chance to visit then.
Matt
Interview
I recently provided content for a UCSC student video project. Its an edited interview over still images they captured in my studio, runs 2 and a half minutes. I expected it to be cringe-worthy, but I think its actually rather sweet. Thanks to Edgardo Chavez and his partner Dale.
Learn Marquetry – Upcoming Class
new work: Chickadee Panels
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 These panels were installed into existing walnut door frames to replace cracked glass. Click on the chickadee to see an image of the complete doors. The bigleaf maple background has a beautiful tight ripple, and the trees depicted are bigleaf maple in the upper left corner, and hazel, both local natives, along with the chestnut backed chickadees. |
upcoming: Cabrillo Classes
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And if the 2 day class is more than you are ready to sign up for, there is also an “Artist’s Doorstep” program with 90 minute visits in art studios. Sign up here for Sunday 20 May visits to my studio.
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Thanks for reading. Wishing everyone a wonderful spring!
Matt
Open Studios Art Tour in October
NEW WORK – Jewelry Chest with Barn Swallows
This piece is ready to fly home, but the owner has generously offered to let me show it during Open Studios (which is fast approaching).
Every drawer and compartment is lined with gorgeous blue velvet. I spent a lot of time using scissors instead of saws and chisels for this project! Come see it during Open Studios.
OPEN STUDIOS in October
Visit my shop during the Open Studios Art Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8, and 21 & 22. Hours are from 11am to 5pm. I will also have painter Linda Curtis showing her work outside my shop. Come and meet 2 artists in 1 visit!
I put together a postcard representing all the Open Studios artists in Scotts Valley, including a map on the back. I’ll have plenty on hand in my shop, and will also distribute some around town. Open Studios is a great way to meet local artists in the spaces where they work and create. I hope to see you!
NEW WORK – Flying Crane and Vizslas
FLYING CRANE RELIQUARY
There has been lots happening in the shop lately, and I wanted to report on a couple projects that I felt particularly good about.
The Flying Crane Reliquary is a box that will contain the client’s loved one’s cremains. I feel privileged to be able to do work that holds such personal significance.
VIZSLA TROPHIES
These days my sidekick in the shop is a vizsla dog named Zak. A recent commission combined my love of this amazing breed, with my passion for woodworking and marquetry in particular.
The Vizsla Club of America held its annual show in Del Mar, CA this year, and I made trophies for the winners in a variety of categories. Below is a photo of one of the winners displaying her awards, and below that, the winner of the agility trial.
Anne & Mark’s Art Party in San Jose
I was invited to show new work at Anne & Mark’s Art Party, along with my colleagues in Santa Cruz Woodworkers. It is described as an occasional and irrational art fest, and the opening gala is September 24. The theme is taken from Alice in Wonderland, so what better place to unveil my new White Rabbit Music Stand!
Anne & Mark’s Art Party takes place September 24 through October 1 at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds. Check their website for more info. Hope to see you there.
Santa Cruz Woodworkers Exhibit at R. Blitzer Gallery
The Santa Cruz Woodworkers are exhibiting members’ work May 6 – 28 at R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, CA. The 9-member organization is a collaboration of professionals, dedicated to fostering appreciation for locally produced, one-of-a-kind, handmade woodwork.
I will be showing a music stand, a bed, and several other new works. My colleagues will be showing newly created furniture, decorative turned wood, and musical string instruments. We have also invited woodblock artists Andrea Rich and Aaron Johnson to display woodblock prints and the carved wood blocks used to create them.
The R. Blitzer Gallery is located at 2801 Mission Street in Santa Cruz, telephone 831-458-1217. An Opening Night reception will be held on May 6, from 5 to 9pm. Hope to see you there!