Sunday, August 23, 2009

Mark Poulin Sightings!

Today while exhibiting at the Ann Arbor Sunday Artisans Market, a young woman walked up to my booth wearing a necklace made by one of my favorite jewelry artists - San Francisco artist Mark Poulin! She purchased this amazing piece at 16 Hands Gallery in Ann Arbor. I am always so pleased when I see Mark's jewelry!

I met Mark a few years ago when I was exhibiting at the Buyers Market of American Craft. I was immediately drawn to Mark's jewelry because it is so clean, colorful, and youthful. His enameled pieces are amazing and depict drawings of lovable cartoon animals (which he calls "jewelry stars"), botanical drawings, and other graphics layered on colorful backgrounds. Aside from the appeal of the designs themselves, knowing a little about the process of enameling I am in absolute amazement that Mark can achieve this level of detail in his work. I have one of Mark's enameled necklaces similar to the reversible necklace on the immediate right and I wear it constantly.

Last month, when exhibiting at the Shadow Art Fair in Ypsilanti, a shopper came to my booth wearing a pair of Mark's earrings that she purchased from the Hudson Gallery in Sylvania, Ohio.

Mark also makes sterling silver cast pendants and earrings of his jewelry characters and they are so stunning. The silver absolutely gleams...I have several of his cast pendants and I love sporting these characters. My favorite is Orbit Girl (shown on the right).

Mark's jewelry can be found in galleries and museum stores around the United States and on Etsy.

6 comments:

Sunbasilgarden said...

I found Mark on Etsy's front page and have a squirrel piece. Love it very much. Fun and clean lines-

I enjoy your blog and congrats on your show.

sunbasilgarden.etsy.com

lili@poppyarts.com said...

I love Mark Poulin as well! I am the website manager for Poppyarts.com. I just went on my first buying trip to the NY Gift Show and got to meet Mark in person. He is as delightful and cheery as his work is. Last year he did a show here at our brick and mortar store, Poppy. He did some paintings on wood blocks, especially for our show: http://poppyarts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=187
We always try to keep a very extensive collection of his work on our website. He is one of our top sellers. Here is all of his current work: http://poppyarts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=112

Kristin Perkins Glass Jewelry said...

Hi Sunbasil - I love the squirrel necklace! I purchased one for my stepmother who collects squirrels.

I love your soap also. It's very colorful and looks fun to use!

Kristin Perkins Glass Jewelry said...

Hi Lili. Thanks so much for your comments and the links! I agree with you - I always look forward to visiting with Mark and seeing his new work at BMAC in Philadelphia.

I love your store...Poppy has been carrying my jewelry for almost three years. Hopefully I will meet you at one of the shows in the future. Please say hello to Barbara and Liz for me. Kristin Perkins

mark said...

Hey Kristin, Thanks for the shout out! I love following you on Facebook and seeing the pictures of all the craft fairs you are doing this summer. I only have three left this year!! They are hard work.
I didn't know you sold at Poppy. They are awesome and have been very good to me. Barb was good at pushing me just a wee bit past my comfort zone and getting me to do some paintings for a show. It was nice to be challenged!
Keep up the good work.

Deb said...

Hi Kristin,I am an owner of a pair of your earrings which I brought through Esty. This is the first time that I have looked at your blog and I must say I am inpressed. I love how you promote other peoples work and hopefully they will do the same for you.Your market stall looks amazing and I know I would buy something from it if I was walking by.Love your jewellery and I am now following your Blog. Deb from Australia.