Commonwheel Artists Co-op

ESTABLISHED 1974

Artist Information:
I’m the daughter of a farmer, a daughter of the 60’s, a former recording engineer and I spend my time creating art.

I was interested in all types of art from the time I could hold a crayon. It seems only fitting that art is the way I choose to make a living. I’ve worked in other disciplines, dabbled in many art forms; but I keep coming back to metal and stone, time and time again.

I’ve lived in Kansas, California for a good portion of my life, and Colorado. I’ve traveled as often as I’m able and would like to do a lot more. The things that are important to me: my family, my art, my integrity, growing old gracefully and having some fun along the way, paying attention to my surroundings.

If I’m not doing art for a living, I’m still doing art. It extracts every emotion from me and then returns it, without it I would be colorless. I hope my work conveys that message.

Artist Statement:
I make jewelry the old fashioned way. Each piece is produced one at a time, by hand, and given the attention it deserves. I don’t use large manufacturing techniques because it detracts from the individuality of each piece. Minor flaws or variations in design are part of the appeal. Detailed hand finishing sets my jewelry apart from other PMC artists.

Although I have been an artist and metal smith for over 30 years, I have spent the past 12 years working almost exclusively with pure silver (.999% - also known as “fine” silver) Precious Metal Clay (PMC).

My approach to this very new material is very old fashioned. Each piece is created in a traditional metal smith’s style to enhance the materials. My designs vary between organic forms and textures, and classic linear structures; but I also draw influences from early 20th century architecture and design. I like to combine elements in very non-traditional ways. The most enjoyable moments in my studio come from combining skills from different media to create something truly unique in metal.

What is Precious Metal Clay?:
Precious Metal Clay, or PMC, is an exciting new material developed and patented in the 1990's by Mitsubishi Materials of Japan. PMC was originally developed for the aerospace industry but, due to its amazing versatility, it has found popularity in the art field as well.

How Does it Work?:
Microscopic particles of silver or gold are mixed with a moist organic binder to create a material that has the feel and working properties of modeling clay. Using simple tools, objects are easily given shape, texture and character. After air-drying the objects are heated to temperatures approaching the melting point of the metal, where the binders burn away and the particles fuse together to form a dense, fully metallic object. Fired PMC work can be polished, soldered, enameled and enjoyed like any other silver item, and with much less tarnish than Sterling allow. PMC is available in both Fine Silver (999) and Gold (18 and 22ct).

Curriculum Vitae:
• Precious Metal Clay Instructor – 2006 to Present Bemis School of Art
Colorado Springs CO

•Precious Metal Clay Private Instruction – 2006 to Present
Fire Dog Studios – Monument CO

•Exhibiting Artist – 2007 to Present
Common Wheel Artist’ Co-op, Manitou Springs CO

•Exhibiting Artist – NASA Art Exhibit 2009-2010
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs CO

•Certified Artist and Instructor in Precious Metal Clay
PMCC Level 3 Certification Workshop – 2007

•Certified Artist and Instructor in Precious Metal Clay
PMCC Level 2 Certification Workshop – 2007

•Advanced Workshops - PMC Connection Retreat – Dallas TX 2007

•Established PMC Education Programs at:
Bemis School of Art – Colorado Springs CO 2006-Present
Fire Dog Studios – Monument CO 2006-Present
The Bead Corner – Monument CO 2007-2009

•Advanced Workshops – PMC Guild Conference – Abluquerque NM 2004

•Certified Artist and Instructor in Precious Metal Clay
Rio Certification Workshop – Los Gatos CA 2003

•PMC Intermediate Workshops – Santa Cruz CA 2002-2003

•PMC Introductory Workshop – Santa Cruz CA 2002

•Intermediate Glass Bead Workshop – Kiss My Glass, Santa Cruz CA 2002

•Glass Bead Workshop – Kiss My Glass, Santa Cruz CA 2001

•Metal Fabrication, Casting, and Forging Classes
Cabrillo College, Aptos CA 1997-2002

•Accounting and Business Management 1983-1995

•Degree: Recording Engineering Technology 1979-1981
College for Recording Arts – San Francisco CA

•Degree: Fine Arts - Dodge City Community College – Dodge City KS 1979

MELISSA WAGNER