National Transit Jewelry Series

As I've mentioned before, the National Transit Building in Oil City, Pa is an example of gorgeous architecture.  Anyone who has ever visited has noticed how amazing the building is, both inside and outside.

Inspiration for art most often comes from the artist's life..... what they see, experience, feel, hear and more.  So the designs that I pass everyday on the way to my studio is a natural inspiration for design.

The designs I used are basically literal.  How else will people who briefly pass through be able to associate with the jewelry.  What I have done is try to use them in a variety of ways to make them each different.

The ground floor is tiled and has a narrow tile border that reminds me of a celtic design.  (Not sure that it is.)

This is the design created from the original tile. (Couldn't find my photograph of the tile itself.)

I created a couple of very long necklaces using the floor tile design; one in copper and one in bronze.   The bronze piece took awhile to make as I incorporated some of the chain I bought at the bead show.  I really like the look of combining chain with beading (not to mention how much further the chain will go.  I have enough left to make another necklace.)

Now I want to create more necklaces to be worn with these.  (One thing always leads to another!)

The "Hub of Oildom"

Oil was discovered in 1859 in Titusville which is just north of Oil City, Pa.  Because of Oil City's location along the river and it's access to the railroad, Standard Oil Company (headed by John D. Rockefeller) decided to locate their headquarters there.

In 1890 the National Transit Building was built in the Chicago architectural style on the corner of Seneca St. and Center St.   Six years later the "Annex" was built next to the Transit building and connected to it through a walkway over the alleyway.

Today this four story stone and brick building houses the National Transit Studios and several offices of local organizations.  The architecture of the building is impressive and is worth a trip to check it out.  

For several years now I have been saying I was going to make some jewelry based on the architecture of the building.  (I have lots of ideas but never seem to get around to actually doing them.)   I've pretty much taken the summer off when it comes to metal clay but yesterday I finally got around to working on a design for my Transit series.  (Hopefully the cooler weather of fall will inspire me to get to the studio more....... actually I just need to organize better and schedule it.)

Anyway, here is the piece of architecture that my first piece will be based on.  I worked on a drawing for it that will be made into a Photopolymer plate so I can make multiples.  This is a post at the base of the stairway when you enter the front door.

Besides the Transit Series, I also started working on designs for a series on Pittsburgh Bridges and I've been working on my bezel setting pieces.  (Guess I have been working....... just don't have anything concrete to show for that work yet or post about.)