SOFA

6 November 2015

It started out as a typical Friday until I received an invite from my friend Richard of Élcat International Magazine to join him at SOFA. It only took me a split second to respond that I'd be there. I have never been before. I approached Navy Pier and honestly did not know what to expect. SOFA stands for Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design and unbeknownst to me I entered a realm where art, form and function transcended the norm of possibility. My mind was mesmerized by the art I saw represented by glass; it was incredibly realistic down to every tiny detail. I entered Habitat Galleries and found Debora Moore's Specimen Box- Blue Epidendrum made entirely of hot sculpted glass. It looked as if it was a real orchid growing from the wall! Upon further examination, she captured the surface of the petals by incorporating striations, gradients of color and texture.

Another piece that struck me, pun intended, was entitled Moonlight White by Abby Modell. This was quite large in size (6 feet high and 4 feet wide) and the mixed medium of hand blown glass, mirror, matte and gloss glass and Swarovski crystals on a framed mirror was a sight my eye could not ignore. It looks like striking beams of moonlight lighting up the frame. Don't you agree?!

Finally, I was drawn to a piece called The Wave is Continuous by artist Katherine Glover represented by Duane Reed Gallery. Admittedly, I was first drawn to the colors and the gold leaf, but upon second glance I realized her piece was composed of entirely of paper strips! I can't even imagine all the patience required to achieve this look! Her medium was torn khaki paper strips, fluid acrylic and gold metal leaf and a birch box panel. This is a significant piece not only because I liked it, but because it happens to be the festive cover image of the Nov./Dec. issue of Éclat International Magazine! Why is this so important you ask?! Because this is the magazine that PUBLISHED Lei Lee Jewels FIRST! Very excited and honored to be included amongst the Chicago artists and jewelry designers featured in this magazine! Thank you Richard and to your talented team for publishing a magazine dedicated to jewelry and art.