robots,

Creatures & JewelryIn this issue:

Issue 8Ben Dory’s Awkward EncountersRebecca Jackson’s Steampunk

Artstew Magazine would like to give special thanks to: Office Helpline (ohonline.biz),The Rathaus (therathaus.com) Sara Rock and everyone that has helped out in any way!

Design and articles by Scott Stewart. Photos provided by Scott Stewart, Scott Starrett and individual artists.

Artstew Magazine is published by Artstew Design and Creative Services. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.Artstew Magazine is printed by Office Helpline.

Artstew MagazineSimply put, Artstew’s goal is to help create new opportunities for art to flourish in Lawrence, KS by bringing together the artististic community. Whether you consider yourself an artist, or just an art lover, we welcome you.

For more information go to: www.artstew.orgContact us via email at: contact@artstew.orgSubmit your art at: www.artstew.org/?=contact

Awkward Encounterswith Ben Dory

Bourgeois PigOpening Oct 265:00pm-7:00pmbenjamindory@gmail.com

An encounter with Ben Dory is NOT awkward, regardless of how he describes his art. Ben, who grew up in Prairie Village within a creative family, comes across like his art and jewelry at first glance: unique and minimal. As Ben says, “I’ve fallen into a clean, minimal style. It’s more immediately informative to me. I’ve developed my own visual vocabulary that is noticeably evolving.”

Ben’s solo show at the Bourgeois Pig on October 26th will display his drawings filled with half-humanoid creatures within large negative spaces created through a “stream of consciousness style.”

cover image: “Beasts”, above “Orchardists”

“Fruit”

“Feeders”

Ben says his interest in jewelry “stems from a desire to work with my hands and understand construction. I appreciate well made things that are functional, practical, and look cool. I’m into the fact that a person can manipulate metal in almost any way. The process for the 2-d and 3-d work are different but tedious and satisfying in similar ways. The inspiration is from a similar place - strong lines and geometries on the most base level. Balance of space is always important. The reaction and conception by the viewer is obviously different, but I want to work towards marrying the two worlds.”

Ben styling his jewelry for Tricia Rock’s line Roche before the Adorn of the Dead Fashion Show that was held at the Replay in Lawrence, KS - photos by Scott Starrett. Above right: “Gender Issues” necklace.

Ben styling his jewelry for Tricia Rock’s line Roche before the Adorn of the Dead Fashion Show that was held at the Replay in Lawrence, KS - photos by Scott Starrett. Above right: “Gender Issues” necklace.

Robots and Steampunk Jewelry Rebecca Jackson remnantsbyrj@gmail.com

www.onlyremnants.etsy.comRebecca Jackson is a stay-at-home mom who without any formal arts training began to create one-of-kind found object works in the form of jewelry and robots. “I’ve really found my niche in the robots and steampunk jewelry. I love the hands-on, physical nature of them” says Rebecca who has a degree in English and Creative Writing. “The robots are particularly my passion. I get to write stories about each one of them (which satisfies my creative writing side).”

“Andy the Bot Scout” (front and side)

“Spot the Robot Pup” (front and inside body)

“I try to recycle nearly everything I use in my robots. I look online at vintage sites to find older items, but I also go to antique malls, thrift stores, and occasionally garage sales. It’s important to me that everything--or as close as I can get it (even in screws and nuts)--is recycled. This can be particularly challenging with arms and legs, but I also enjoy the challenge and the creativity it unexpectedly brings. Plus, it’s one thing that sets me apart from many other robot builders who use a mix of recycled and new.

“All my robots have a story to tell. I try toincorporate the story into what the robot is made of so that it’s not just one-off personality traits.”

“Norbert the Literary Bot”

“Making my jewelry is definitely an organic process. Often, I put things together at least two or three times before I find the right fit. It’ssomething I feel more than know. I definitely like Victorian age things and try to bring that into many of my pieces, but I also just try to showcase the gears and intricate clock workings as best as I can.

“I do think my jewelry attracts a wide variety of people. I definitely appeal to the modern nerd, but I also have people from all walks of lifestop to look at it. I think people are excited to see something different from the standard jewelry out there.”

Victorian Steampunk Necklace with Dangling Dragonfly

Burnished Gold Steampunk Necklace

Rebecca’s Robots and Steampunk Jewelry can be found at:

WearHaus1800 Central Suite 204, KCMOTrunk Show Nov 6, 6-10pm

Lawrence Arts Center940 New HampshireLawrence, KSHoliday Show Dec 5, 10am-6pm

It’s About Time816 MassachusettsLawrence, KS

onlyremnants.esty.com

Gold Steampunk Necklace with Wings