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Helena Fox Fine Art Trunk Show – December 1 & 2, 2023

helena fox fine art

helena fox fine art

Helena Fox Fine Art in historic, downtown Charleston, SC

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

Helena Fox Fine Art Trunk Show – Charleston, SC

Helena Fox Fine Art represents my handcrafted silver designs and regularly carries a curated selection of my silver hollowware, flatware, home objects, and jewelry in their stunning historic, downtown Charleston art gallery.

They are hosting a special event featuring my artwork on Friday, December 1 from 5pm-8pm and Saturday, December 2 from 12pm-4pm. Our Friday event will be part of the downtown Charleston artwalk for the month of December and we are thrilled to participate.

I will exhibit a wider variety of my silver functional home objects, original jewelry designs, and Christmas ornaments than what the gallery usually shows during this festive holiday shopping event. I hope to see you there!

Also, they will have on display their 20th Anniversary exhibition that begins November 2 and will be on display until December 23. Each artist they represent, including myself, will have a new artwork in the exhibit. I created a unique, one of a kind sterling silver dish inspired by the palmetto tree, which continues the theme from my popular Palmetto Jewelry Series. The gorgeous artworks will be a lovely added bonus to my trunk show!

sterling silver palmetto dish

Helena Fox Fine Art

106A Church Street

Charleston, SC 29401

843-723-0073

www.helenafoxfineart.com

Save the Date for Holiday Trunk Shows!

holiday trunk shows

Save the Date for Holiday Trunk Shows!

I already have two great holiday trunk shows planned for Christmas season 2022, so please save the date! Below are the two fabulous events I have scheduled so far and more details will be posted on my website Blog closer to the dates.

Helena Fox Fine Art – Charleston, SC

Friday, December 2 from 5-8pm and Saturday, December 3 from 12pm-4pm

The Charleston Silver Lady – Lexington, SC

Thursday, December 8 from 4:30-6:30pm

New Palmetto Jewelry Series

palmetto cuff bracelet

Silver Palmetto Cuff Bracelet by Kaminer Haislip

New Palmetto Jewelry Series

I am extremely excited to announce Palmetto Jewelry Series, my new silver jewelry collection inspired by the palmetto tree! My previous Gorget Jewelry Series was partly inspired by the gorget’s prominence on the South Carolina state flag. In addition to the gorget or crescent moon, the flag includes a distinctive palmetto tree. Palmetto tree designs for so many items, especially jewelry, have been done in the same, tired way, so I decided to approach the topic with fresh eyes and an unexpected design.

sc flag

South Carolina State Flag

South Carolina is known as the “Palmetto State” not only for the abundance of Sabal Palmetto trees, the state tree, that are ample along the coast, but also for the important role the tree played in the American Revolution. Palmetto logs and sand were used by American Patriots to build a fort on Sullivan’s Island to protect Charleston in anticipation of a British attack. On June 28, 1776, the British military attacked the Patriot fort from the sea, but they were unsuccessful due to the cannon balls sinking into the spongy fibrous palmetto logs and sand. The American victory that day over the British at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island was a turning point in the war and led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

sabal palm tree

South Carolina Sabal Palmetto Tree

My two great-great-great-great-great grandfathers, Captain Joshua Hadley of the North Carolina Continental Line and Robert Martin of the South Carolina Militia, fought in the battle that day. In 1946, one hundred and seventy years later, their great-great-great grandchildren, my grandparents James William Franklin and Theodocia Kaminer Martin, married. I feel very fortunate the little palmetto fort was able to repel the aggression of the British as the outcome may not have been the same.

The palmetto tree became a proud state symbol and appears on the state seal, adopted in 1777, and on the state flag. Also included on the state flag is a crescent moon or Gorget that relates to the same battle in which I based the aforementioned Gorget Jewelry Series on.

silver palmetto earrings

Silver Palmetto Earrings (Large) by Kaminer Haislip

Palmetto Jewelry Series was inspired by the strength and fortitude of the palmetto logs and Patriots on that important day in American history. The upper part of the tree where the V shaped frond bases are left on the trunk, also known as boots or bootjacks, inspired the repetitive V unit in the design. The round element capping the end of the earrings and cuff bracelet references the cannon balls that sunk in the palmetto and sand fort walls.

palmetto hoop earrings

Silver Palmetto Earrings (Small) by Kaminer Haislip

Each jewelry piece was handcrafted in sterling silver and has a hammered texture on the surface, which reflects the light beautifully. You can shop the entire collection in my website store in the Jewelry category.

Thank you for your interest in my work!

Charleston Magazine Club Event at Helena Fox Fine Art – July 2022

charleston magazine clubcharleston magazine

helena fox fine art

Helena Fox Fine Art in downtown Charleston, SC

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

Charleston Magazine Club Event at Helena Fox Fine Art Gallery – July 2022

Charleston Magazine Club hosted its July gathering at Helena Fox Fine Art gallery in historic, downtown Charleston. The fun event was held two nights due to very positive demand and it was a private reception with premier American painter West Fraser and silversmith Kaminer Haislip.

West is the gallery’s featured artist for August with an exhibition of his recent paintings, so the group was able to preview his new artwork. Kaminer’s silver functional home objects, flatware, and jewelry is regularly carried at the gallery and she exhibited a wider selection than what they typically show for this special event.

helena fox fine art

Kaminer Haislip, West Fraser, and Helena Fox

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

Each night both West and Kaminer gave a presentation on their artwork detailing their inspiration, artistic process, background, and how their careers have progressed over the years.

kaminer haislip

Kaminer Haislip presenting her artist lecture

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

kaminer haislip silversmith

Kaminer Haislip presenting her artist lecture

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

west fraser artist

West Fraser presenting his artist lecture

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

 

west fraser artist

West Fraser presenting his artist lecture with

Kaminer Haislip’s silver tea and coffee service in the foreground

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

Charleston Magazine Club members were treated to delicious refreshments of wine, cocktails, and food by Goat Sheep Cow, Helena Fox Fine Art’s neighbor on Church Street. Kaminer Haislip’s silver appetizer fork and condiment spoon were used to serve the tasty meats, cheeses, and spreads.

silver appetizer fork

Silver Sounding Series Appetizer Fork by Kaminer Haislip

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

silver condiment spoon

Silver Sounding Series Condiment Spoon by Kaminer Haislip

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

After the artist lectures, the guests were invited to view the artwork in the gallery and talk to the artists.

charleston magazine club

Kaminer Haislip with a Charleston Magazine Club member

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

charleston magazine club

Kaminer Haislip with a Charleston Magazine Club member

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

Kaminer Haislip’s silver functional home objects were displayed throughout the gallery and her silver jewelry was shown in a display case.

silver tea and coffee service

Kaminer Haislip’s silver tea and coffee service, silver and glass Ziggurat Tray, and silver Charleston Rice Spoon

kaminer haislip silversmith

Kaminer Haislip’s functional silver objects

kaminer haislip silver

Kaminer Haislip’s silver serving spoons

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

kaminer haislip jewelry

Kaminer Haislip’s silver jewelry

Photograph by Marie Rodriguez Photography

silver bangle bracelets

Kaminer Haislip’s silver bangle bracelets

If your group is interested in hosting a similar event with Kaminer, then please get in touch with Helena Fox Fine Art. Kaminer really enjoys sharing her artwork and giving insight into her handcrafted silversmithing process!

Daughter of the American Revolution – American Heritage Award

dar dar

Daughters of the American Revolution – American Heritage Award

memorial continental hall

Memorial Continental Hall silver pendant by Kaminer Haislip

I am so incredibly proud to announce I have been honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution with a prestigious award for the annual American Heritage Competition. My sterling silver pendant Memorial Continental Hall was awarded the American Heritage Award for Crafts, First Place in the Jewelry category! It is such an honor and privilege to receive this prominent award for my artwork. The theme this year was Rise, and Shine Your Light on Our House Beautiful, which refers to DAR’s National Headquarters in Washington, DC.

memorial continental hall dar

DAR Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, DC

My submission to the 2022 American Heritage Competition was a sterling silver pendant inspired by the gorgeous building in the striking image above. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1905 and designed by the architect Edward Pearce Casey, designer of the interior of the Library of Congress. The building is in the beaux-arts classical revival style, which harmonized with the other structures developed in the area at that time.

dar headquarters

Memorial Continental Hall silver pendant by Kaminer Haislip

The façade of Memorial Continental Hall was my focal point for the 1” diameter pendant and I used images found online as my visual guide.

silver etching

Hand drawn etching process on silver sheet

The building design was hand drawn onto sterling silver sheet and then etched with an acid technique to create the textured lines. Once the design was etched, I cut out the round shape with a piercing saw and soldered a round silver frame onto it. The frame was hand filed and sanded flush with the etched piece of silver to give the illusion it is one piece. I then soldered the bail at the top for the chain to go through. Once all of the silver pieces had been fabricated, I sanded and polished it to a high shine, mirror finish.  

daughters of the american revolution

Back of Memorial Continental Hall silver pendant by Kaminer Haislip

I will receive the award formally at DAR Continental Congress in June and I am so excited to highlight my wonderful Charleston DAR Rebecca Motte Chapter during this special event! Rebecca Motte’s father Robert Brewton and grandfather Miles Brewton were two of the most accomplished and talented silversmiths of colonial Charleston. Hopefully I am representing our chapter namesake well!
 
daughters of the american revolution
DAR Rebecca Motte Chapter Regent Katie Hyman and Kaminer Haislip
Old Exchange Building, Charleston, SC
 
On Saturday, April 16 I was honored with an additional award my Rebecca Motte Chapter nominated me for. Pictured above is me with our Chapter Regent Katie Hyman receiving the American Heritage Committee Women in the Arts Recognition Award. It really meant the world to me for my chapter to think that highly of my artwork to submit me for this outstanding award. Many thanks to all who made it possible and attended that day to support me! 
 
dar american heritage award

Through both of these awards and my involvement in DAR, an exceptional national non-profit organization and genealogical society, I strive to honor my American Revolution patriots and family heritage. For more information on DAR and our dedication to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children please visit http://www.dar.org/.

To read about my previous American Heritage Awards please visit my Blog posts at the links below. Thank you for your interest in my work! 

Helena Fox Fine Art Show – February 12, 2022

helena fox fine art helena fox fine art gallery

Helena Fox Fine Art – Charleston, SC

Helena Fox Fine Art represents my handcrafted silver designs and regularly carries a curated selection of my silver hollowware, flatware, home objects, and jewelry in their stunning historic, downtown Charleston art gallery.

They are hosting a special Valentine’s Day event featuring my artwork on Saturday, February 12 from 12pm-4pm.

helena fox fine art

This Valentine’s Day mini trunk show will feature my original jewelry designs and silver home objects, so you are certain to find something sweet for the love in your life.

old exchange building

Old Exchange Building in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina

This show is part of the inaugural Exchange District shopping event, which includes Meeting Street to East Bay Street and Tradd Street to Queen Street in historic downtown Charleston. The Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon sits at the end of Broad Street and is the focal point of the Exchange District. There are many locally owned retail shops, galleries, and restaurants within these boundaries, so this new district and event will highlight these fabulous businesses.

A fun Valentine’s Bingo game will be part of the event and enhance the shopping experience (see below for details). I hope to see you there!

valentine bingo charleston

bingo card charleston

 

Helena Fox Fine Art

106A Church Street

Charleston, SC 29401

843-723-0073

www.helenafoxfineart.com

Wildsam Field Guide 2nd Edition – January 2022

wildsam_cover

wildsam

Kaminer Haislip was a Contributor to the Wildsam Field Guide first Charleston, South Carolina edition and now the second edition is available. A new illustration of her with Helena Fox Fine Art Gallery, her Charleston gallery representative, was added to this updated version by the incredibly talented Stitch Design Co based in Charleston.

Order your copy of this insightful travel book to read her interview at https://www.wildsam.com/collections/city-guides/products/charleston-2nd-edition

“For tireless seekers of the authentic.”
– The Wall Street Journal

wildsam field guide

New South Finds – December 2021

new south finds

New South Finds – December 2021

New South Finds is an online magazine by Linda Jerkins, a longtime newspaper features writer who wrote a column called Southern Made for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. In the column, which appeared twice a month for six years, she profiled more than 400 artists from across the South, including Kaminer Haislip. Her enthusiasm for discovering and writing about Southern artists and their work continues with newsouthfinds.com.

She and Kaminer recently reconnected and she interviewed Kaminer about her current artwork for the December issue of New South Finds. The lovely, complimentary feature is below.

silver pitcher silver cup

Kaminer Haislip wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. But she creates stunning silver spoons and more in her South Carolina studio.

The artist: Haislip grew up in Aiken, SC, and worked in high school at her family’s True Value hardware and appliance store, cutting keys and working around lots of tools and equipment.

The experience influenced her interest in sculpture, jewelry and working with her hands. So she signed up for an industrial tech class to learn how to weld.

After high school, Haislip earned a BFA in jewelry and metals and an MFA in silversmithing and design from Winthrop University. There she studied under Alfred Ward, an internationally acclaimed silversmith from London.

The company: Founded in 2005Kaminer Haislip Designer + Silversmith is based in Charleston.

The art & materials: Sterling silver hollowware, functional home objects, serving utensils and jewelry. She also works in gold for custom commissioned pieces.

What’s popular:

  • Sounding series hollowware, tumblers, appetizer serving utensils ($140 to $3,250).
  • Oyster jewelry ($110 to $1,735).
  • Baby gifts ($125 to $425).
  • Custom designs.

Other favorites:

  • Oyster dishes ($175 to $500)
  • Bar spoons ($165 to $185)
  • Wine coasters ($415)
  • Men’s accessories ($110 to $325)
  • Christmas ornaments ($70  to $160)

Inspiration: The concept of enhancing domestic rituals through traditional silversmithing techniques coupled with a contemporary yet timeless design.

“For me, using a thought-inspiring yet functional teapot enhances the process of making tea,” she said. “When a beautiful, well-designed object and domestic ritual are united, a connection between person and object occurs — and an appreciation of function results.”

 Fun, special or unusual requests: Custom-designed commissioned work is a big part of her business. This year she had one large commission that stood out.

“It was a large silver globe titled ‘Mother Earth’ (pictured right) that required many different processes and a lot of problem solving. It was one of the most complicated objects I have ever made and I really enjoyed the challenge.

Big break(s): Two notable collaborations, including:

– A silver sculpture titled “Pillinger” created with designer Constantin Boym for the Museum of the City of New York’s exhibition, “New York Silver, Then and Now in 2017.

– A silver Magnolia Bowl for Draper James, a Southern lifestyle company founded by Reese Witherspoon in 2015.

 Awards:

  • SC House of Representatives house resolution honoring artwork and Daughters of the American Revolution American Heritage Award, 2021
  • Daughters of the American Revolution, American Heritage Contest, First Place in Crafts: Jewelry category, 2021
  • Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award, Historic Charleston Foundation, 2014
  • Made in the South Awards, Home category, Garden & Gun magazine, 2012

Honors:

  • Her work has been featured in more than sixty publications, including Metalsmith, The Magazine Antiques, Elle Décor, Garden & Gun, and on the TV show Handcrafted America.
  • This year the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, CT, created a film about her work as a silversmith for its “Virtual Visit” series. She collaborated with museum curator Brandy Culp on the project.
  • Her work has been exhibited internationally and nationally, including at The Netherlands Silver Museum in Schoonhoven, the International Design Museum in Munich, and the Metal Museum in Memphis.

What’s new: A small new jewelry collection titled “Gorget Jewelry Series.” ($135 to $175).

Where to buy: kaminerhaislip.com. Also at Helena Fox Fine Art in Charleston.

Get social at: Instagram: @kaminerhaislip

See the full feature on New South Finds’ website at https://newsouthfinds.com/kaminer-haislip/

Helena Fox Fine Art Show – November 5 & 6, 2021

helena fox fine art helena fox fine art gallery

Helena Fox Fine Art – Charleston, SC

Helena Fox Fine Art represents my handcrafted silver designs and regularly carries a curated selection of my silver hollowware, flatware, home objects, and jewelry in their stunning historic, downtown Charleston art gallery. They are hosting a special event featuring my artwork on Friday, November 5 from 4pm-7pm and Saturday, November 6 from 11am-4pm.

I will exhibit a wider variety of my silver objects, original jewelry designs, and Christmas ornaments than what the gallery usually shows during this special holiday shopping event. I hope to see you there!

Helena Fox Fine Art

106A Church Street

Charleston, SC 29401

843-723-0073

www.helenafoxfineart.com

New Gorget Jewelry Series

New Gorget Jewelry Series

gorget pendant

Gorget Pendant Large

For the Daughters of the American Revolution American Heritage Competition “Rise, and Shine Your Light on Your Revolutionary War Patriot”, I designed and created a silver necklace based on my great-great-great-great-great grandfather Captain Joshua Hadley’s military service during the Revolutionary War. The design process required a lot of research and thought, which I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from. To my great surprise and esteemed honor, it was awarded First Place in the Jewelry category and later received a South Carolina House of Representatives House Resolution. Details about both can be read on this Blog page. The necklace garnered such a positive response that I decided to do a spin off jewelry series based on one of the necklace elements, the Gorget.

The Gorget traces its history back to medieval times when it was worn as a piece of armor around the neck to protect the throat. Over time the shape, size, and function changed and by the 17th century it became a symbol of rank among military officers of many countries. At this point it was suspended around the neck with a chain or ribbon and was purely decorative.

silver gorget pendant

Gorget Pendant Small

The white crescent shape on the South Carolina flag is thought to be partly inspired by the Gorget. The original flag flown during the American Revolution Battle of Sullivan’s Island in Charleston, SC on June 28, 1776 had a blue background with the white crescent in the upper left hand corner. The flag played a prominent role in the battle that day and the Americans successfully defeated the British, which was a turning point in the war and led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

My contemporary interpretation of this historic form was inspired by its prominence during the American Revolutionary War in which my great-great-great-great-great grandfather Captain Joshua Hadley was a Continental Army officer. He participated in many important battles throughout the American Revolution, including the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. I feel the Gorget is my way of honoring that important event in American history and my ancestor. It also speaks to the place in which I live and Charleston’s important role in the early days of the American republic.

gorget earrings

Gorget Earrings

This new jewelry collection includes two pendants and one pair of post style earrings. Shop the new series and my other silver jewelry designs in my website store Jewelry category.

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