Rebajes - Master of Copper Jewelry

As gold and silver prices continue to climb to ridiculous amounts, those of us who are involved with jewelry making using metals must look for more reasonable alternatives. The base metals like copper, brass, pewter, and bronze are being used more today by several of the top jewelry makers. I recently came across an article about a designer, Francisco Torres Rebajes, who was one of the leaders in using copper to make jewelry.

Rebajes produced jewelry in the 1930s through the 1950s. He was especially gifted in copper and sculpture design. His copper jewelry was made during the 1940s and 1950s He created creations from discarded cans and became popular with the affluent inhabitants of Greenwich Village, New York where he resided. Rebajes became very successful in his trade and was owner of a factory as well as shops throughout New York.

Rebajes designed and sketched all his designs by hand. His work is said to be influenced from many of the great artists including Picasso, Frank Lloyd Wright and Man Ray. Some of his favorite motifs were based on Brazilian masks, African figures and Pre-Columbian forms. A frequent theme of his work was to superimpose one piece on to another. He would also frequently create jewelry with moving parts. His jewelry today is sought after by collectors worldwide. Rebajes was the master of copper jewelry.

I love the look of copper jewelry with its rich warm color. I look forward to seeing all the new creations jewelry designers will produce using this very old metal.


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Art and Memorials

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 event, I have began to think about ways to remember this occasion. I have also begun to search for ways to connect art to this very memorable occasion. It is clearly evident that the amount of time and money being invested in memorials is clearly the best and most effective way for Americans to remember the event.

A national memorial erected in New York by architect, Michael Arad and landscape artists, Peter Walken is scheduled to open on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This large structure is the first of many constructions to honor the tragedy. The design includes a tower of empty foot prints and a park-like setting with several white oak trees. A museum is planned to be constructed in this area next year that will pay homage to 9/11. The 1 World Trade Center tower is scheduled to open in 2013 and will be the tallest building in the U.S. A lot more is planned for this area to pay homage to this event.

In April this year 2 large beams from the World Trade Center’s wreckage were brought my home town. Indianapolis will be the home of a memorial designed using these beams. Plans are being made to surround these huge structures within a park setting. I am looking forward to experiencing the emotional and visual impact of these remnants of the Twin Towers in my own local area.

As we approach September 11 this year, only the future will tell what impact these new memorials will have on the lives of Americans. I believe most of us will remember this occasion in many different ways. I hope that some of the positive things that have been created will help us never to forget that tragic day.

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