Editor’s note: This is part of “Four of a Kind,” a new Arts & Culture feature. Each month, four new artists will share their takes on the local art scene. In addition to individual online posts, you can find all four features as a single spread in this week’s print edition.
Audrey Laine Sawyer is an Asheville-based jeweler and metalworker and a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Xpress: Is there an upcoming craft-related event happening in Asheville that you’re looking forward to seeing?
Sawyer: I’d love to see George Peterson’s exhibit, SHRED GRIND CARVE at Blue Spiral 1. I’m not superfamiliar with his work, but I really enjoy bodies of work that are so different from my own that are created with similar materials to those that I use (metal and wood), in addition to repurposed materials. avl.mx/c9z
Outside of craft, what other upcoming local arts happening intrigues you?
While not outside the craft world, the beginning basketry class at Villagers [led by Candy Alexander on Saturday, Feb. 18] has piqued my interest. I love to learn new skills and see what ideas they spark in my own pieces, and weaving seems so organic and meditative — so different from working with metal. avl.mx/ca0
What current project are you working on that you’re especially excited about?
In my own studio, I’m excited to really push beyond my boundaries on some larger, sculptural, plant-inspired pieces, and to dabble in media that I don’t explore too often anymore — painting and embroidery. My show and production schedule is a lot lighter this time of year, and I treat it as a huge opportunity to experiment and play.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.