Courtesy of Ashley Brazil Ceramics
Ceramic artist Ashley Brazil and fine jewelry maker Lauren Neal announced an open studio collaboration for one day only—this Saturday, Feb. 21, from 12-4 p.m.
Brazil, best known for her whimsically constructed vases and candlesticks, and Neal, who crafts sleek gold and silver jewelry, are both fans of each other’s work. Their styles are distinct, but complementary, and the pair felt a collaboration was meant to be. “Organically, we kept running into one another and decided perhaps it was a sign that we should collaborate on something,” says Neal. “An event bringing our art community together made a lot of sense to us.”
Ever since they met, shares Brazil, they had bounced around the idea of a holding some kind of event for their studios. “We both have studios in the Casket Arts Building, and Lauren has a beautiful light-filled space that felt perfect to host an intimate gathering,” Brazil says. When the time finally felt right, they decided to host something, culminating in this Saturday’s occasion.
What’s On Display
Brazil is excited to premiere some things she has been working on behind the scenes, including a series of larger-scale vessels. New shapes and larger works are types of things Brazil gets to focus on in the winter, when life is slower. “When I come out of the holiday season where I am busy making a lot of small wares, I am often most excited to work on slower and more methodical pieces,” she explains. “They rarely get to be seen as a group, so I am excited to have them in conversation with each other.” What makes her work special, too, are the textures and glazes—which she says are best experienced in person.
Neal is excited to share experimental and limited-edition pieces—a way of creating that she has only recently gotten to spend time on. “For the last six years, I have been focused exclusively on fine, custom jewelry design—creating wedding bands, engagement rings, and reimagining heirloom pieces for clients,” she says. “Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to explore some experimental designs that I have been dreaming up for years.” Selections from Neal will include one-of-a-kind sterling silver necklaces and rings, unique brass items, a limited-edition textured silver ring collection, and a few statement 14k gold pieces—plus archived designs from her 16-year practice.
See their wares for yourself at the Casket Arts Building in Northeast Minneapolis this Saturday, Feb. 21. Since the building remains locked during business hours, guests will be shown into the artists’ studios every hour, on the hour, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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