Just a reminder that the Walpole Artisans are holding a celebration tonight--wine and cheese--in honor of one of their talented members--Janette Schuster--and her new book at the Artisans shop on Main Street in Walpole from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  See attached story.  Janette does interesting, beautiful work, and her book is spectacular! Chuck Bingaman

  Walpole Artist/Geologist Publishes Mixed-Media Collage Jewelry Book

 By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

              Janette Schuster of Walpole, though trained as a geologist and employed as a freelance textbook writer, finds her real joy in finding old watch faces, electrical washers, typewriter keys and other castoff items and fashioning them into unique jewelry. 

 And add greeting cards, bookmarks, robot like dolls and other precise, never-seen-before creations to the list! 

             Further, she is the author of a newly published “how-to” book in the field—“mixed-media collage jewelry” (2008 A by Lark/Hollan Book, A Division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. of New York and London.) 

            “I am by nature and nurture a hunter of treasure and a creator of stuff—equal parts scientist and artist!” Schuster admits.  “I grew up scouring local flea markets, yard sales, and even the dump for much of the stuff of life.  I spent the first half of my life making a beeline for a career as an archeological geologist, seasoning my scientific pursuits with art and craft workshops whenever possible.” 

            “I finally found my creative niche when I began using found materials in jewelry and collage. Found objects, often having the flavor of time and antiquity about them, provide the best medium for expressing who I am and where I come from,” she adds. 

            Schuster’s new book, available along with many of her mixed media art pieces at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative store of which she is a member, gives instructions for constructing 25 orginal pieces from found objects.  Readers are encouraged to follow the instructions precisely using their own collage materials or to use the instructions and ample, artful photographs as inspiration to work in innovative ways to create their own looks. 

            While most works in the new book are Schuster’s she also includes jaw-dropping photos and production plans for mixed media work by other artists in the field, including her friend Luann Udell of Keene and perhaps the biggest name in the field, Thomas Mann of New Orleans, one of the founding fathers on innovative collage jewelry.   

            Unlike most books where authors often seek publishers for years, Hollan, a major name in the craft publishing business, discovered Schuster’s web site and recruited her to do the book.  “It was the publishing equivalent of the agent seeing a drug store clerk and offering her a movie role,” she laughs!  “Being asked to do it was a surprise and an honor…and actually doing it was a lot of work!” 

            Schuster, who grew up in Edison, New Jersey, came to Walpole two years ago and found that the artisans here “welcomed me into the fold and made me feel at home creatively here!”  During most days, she turns out geology education materials for major textbook publishers, but on the evenings and weekends her heart, mind and treasury of tools are engaged in a never-ending process creative!  “Art making,” according to Schuster, “is purely an act of joy for me! I love every step along the way.  I can be inspired by the face of an old watch or a tiny rusty spring.  I get a lot of pleasure from a completed piece!” To see a collection of Janette Schuster’s work, visit www.visualApothecary.com.  

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