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Garden & Gun Magazine – April/May 2023 Issue

garden & gun magazine

Garden & Gun magazine highlighted in their 2023 April/May issue Interwoven: The Art of Indigo and Silver, the collaborative exhibition that includes silversmith Kaminer Haislip and indigo textile artist Leigh Magar. The exhibition will be on display at Aiken Center for the Arts in historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina March 30-May 3, 2023. Visit Kaminer’s website Blog for details.

garden & gun magazine

garden & gun magazine aiken sc

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!

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/

Silver Showing with The Charleston Silver Lady – December 8, 2021

the charleston silver lady

Silver Showing with The Charleston Silver Lady – Lexington, SC

Dawn Corley, also known as The Charleston Silver Lady, is an antiques historian and expert on silver. She will have a special showing of Kaminer Haislip’s contemporary silver objects and jewelry at her Lexington, South Carolina location on Wednesday, December 8 from 4:30pm-6:30pm. In addition to Kaminer’s work, she will have on display antique objects and silver pieces from her own private collection.

The event will be hosted at 212 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072. Please use the side door as a private entrance. Parking is available for guests in a parking garage across the street as well as at a BB&T bank next door.

This fun holiday shopping event will be very shiny and bright!

Quail Forever Benefit Event – November 22, 2021

quail forever

Quail Forever Benefit Event – Monday, November 22, 2021

I am very excited to participate in this Lowcountry holiday market and benefit event for Quail Forever co-hosted by the Charleston Mercury! I will have my silver jewelry, functional home objects, and Christmas ornaments displayed for sale.

The event will be held Monday, November 22 at the Boone Hall Cotton Dock in Mt. Pleasant, SC from 4-9pm and the details are above. I hope to see you at this festive, Southern event!

Mistletoe + Merlot – Aiken, SC – November 18 & 19, 2021

merlot & mistletoe

aiken standard

Mistletoe + Merlot Holiday Shopping Market – Aiken, SC

Join me for the Aiken Standard’s 4th Annual Mistletoe + Merlot holiday shopping event! It will be hosted at Newberry Hall in historic, downtown Aiken, South Carolina on Thursday, November 18 and Friday, November 19. This Holiday Market will feature forty vendors, including artists and artisans, selling a wide variety of handcrafted and boutique gift items and will give attendees a head start on their holiday shopping. It will be a ticketed event in order to limit the number of guests. I hope to see my Aiken friends there!

The information for this fun shopping event is below.

Thursday, November 18  from 6-9pm – Preview Party

Tickets are $25 and include one drink ticket and souvenir wineglass, cheeseboard and shopping bag for the first 200 guests. Heavy hors devours, desserts and wine and beer will also be available.

Purchase tickets for the Thursday Preview Party at https://tickets.aikenstandard.com/e/mistletoe-and-merlot-holiday-preview-party

Friday, November 19 from 9am-5pm – All Day Shopping

General Admission tickets are $5 for the entire day. Light snacks will be served.

Purchase tickets for Friday at https://tickets.aikenstandard.com/e/mistletoe-and-merlot-holiday-shopping-event-2

Newberry Hall

117 Newberry Street SW

Aiken, SC 29801

 

“How did you get into silversmithing?”

“How did you get into silversmithing?” is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive.

I discuss it briefly in my Bio posted on my website, but I get the same question so often I decided to share more of my story on my Blog.

 

silversmithing studio

Kaminer Haislip working in her silversmithing studio

 

Aiken, South Carolina, which received Southern Living’s 2018 award for The South’s Best Small Town, is my hometown. I grew up in my family’s business True Value Hardware & Appliance, which is located on the main street of Aiken’s historic downtown. My grandfather Bill Franklin started the hardware store as a side project when he was an accountant at Savannah River Site. When my parents Det and Lyanne Haislip were married, my father took over the business.

 

True Value Aiken SC

True Value Hardware & Appliance in historic downtown Aiken, SC

 

As children, my brother Wylie, cousins Anne and Franklin, and I spent a lot of time there, especially at Christmas. As you can see in the picture below, we had so much fun with the toys, go carts, and window displays!

 

hardware store 1980's

Kaminer with her brother and cousins in the hardware store as children in the 1980’s

 

In high school, I worked in the hardware store and that is when my interest began in making sculpture and jewelry. Being around all of the tools and equipment, putting together bikes and toys, and cutting keys is now an obvious connection to how working with my hands became my career.

 

True Value Aiken SC

True Value newspaper feature from 1990’s

 

When I was in high school, I took the industrial tech class, because I wanted to learn how to make sculptures in metal and wood. Being the only girl in the class did not bother me at all and I took to learning welding and wood working immediately. One of my first wood sculptures is shown below. Displayed in a downtown Aiken park not far from my family’s business, it was my first artwork exhibited outside of a school setting.

 

sculpture

Sculpture from high school in 1990’s

 

I knew by then I wanted to be a professional artist and major in jewelry and sculpture in college, so I sought out a college with a strong jewelry and sculpture program. After careful deliberation, I decided the small liberal arts college Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC would be the best fit for me. Alfred Ward, an English silversmith from London, was head of the jewelry and metals program and I was excited to study under such a renowned silversmith.

 

silver ebony wood spoon

Silver and ebony wood spoon from undergraduate studies

 

The first functional silver object I made studying under Alf was the silver spoon with ebony wood handle shown above. This piece is significant to my work, because it was the first time I laminated silver and wood. I continue to use this method of fabrication for spoon, teapot and coffeepot handles, because it creates strength in the handle and a beautiful line of silver down the center.

 

art gallery

Kaminer and her brother Wylie at her first gallery exhibition

 

From there I was hooked on silversmithing, because it combined my interest in jewelry techniques and sculptural forms. My graduation exhibition with my classmates in Charlotte, NC was my first commercial art gallery exhibit. Pictured above is me with my brother Wylie looking at one of my display cases at the opening reception. After graduating with my BFA in Jewelry and Metals, I moved to Charlotte and started my MFA silversmithing studies under Alf at Winthrop.

 

Sir John Cass London Metropolitan University

Kaminer and her professor Alf at Sir John Cass London Metropolitan University in London, England

 

While in graduate school, I focused on silversmithing and immersed myself in it completely. During that time, I also taught the Jewelry II and III classes and jewelry workshops at Winthrop. Additionally, I interned and was a docent at the Mint Museum, where I learned up close the history of craft and design and how a professional institution operates. During the summer of 2004, I went to London for a family trip and my MFA thesis research. Alf and his wife were in England visiting family, so he was kind enough to meet us in London and show us around. Pictured above is me with Alf in the stake room of Sir John Cass London Metropolitan University, where Alf was formerly head of the silversmithing and jewelry department.

 

silver teapot

Perched Flight silver and ebony wood teapot

 

In 2005 I graduated with my MFA in Silversmithing and Design with a minor in Sculpture. The first teapot I made was Perched Flight and it is silver with an ebony wood handle that is laminated with silver in the center. It was the central piece to my MFA thesis exhibition and after was accepted to five national exhibitions and one international exhibition. I became very attached to it, so it is now in me and my husband’s collection.

Immediately following graduation, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina and established my studio and business. Three years later my husband Matt and I had our wedding reception at the William Aiken House. My hometown was named for William Aiken and he is my great-great-great-great uncle.

 

Charleston Weddings Magazine

Charleston Weddings Magazine feature – see full article on website Press page

 

My path to silversmithing began at a very young age, but it wasn’t until I started my business and began exhibiting my work nationally that people started asking me “How did you get into silversmithing?”. When I thought about it and shared my story, I realized how unusual it is for a girl to grow up in a small southern town hardware store and become a contemporary silversmith. Really?!

For less lengthy answers to frequently asked questions, visit my FAQ page on my website!

 

Helena Fox Fine Art Open House – November 13 & 14, 2020

helena fox fine art

Open House with Charleston Silversmith Kaminer Haislip

CHARLESTON, S.C. November 13th and 14th —Helena Fox Fine Art is pleased to announce Open House with Charleston Silversmith Kaminer Haislip

Drop in from 12-4pm on Friday or Saturday to meet the artist and shop her collection.

helena fox fine art

Oyster Jewelry by Kaminer Haislip

A native of South Carolina, Kaminer Haislip grew up in her family’s hardware and appliance business in Aiken. From there she followed her dream of working with fire and metal. After graduating with a MFA from Winthrop University, Ms. Haislip made her way to Charleston, in her words ‘my process is directly tied to the city’s immense craft traditions. As a silversmith working in Charleston, I am carrying on the legacy of the city’s rich history by employing techniques that have been used for centuries.’ And she is the only female silversmith practicing in Charleston today.

This year has been a bit different for all of us, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you all back to the gallery for an event! We will be featuring Kaminer’s new Christmas ornaments and table ware along with her much loved oyster series of jewelry. Early enough to be thinking about gift giving as well as time to get your gifts engraved if you are interested.

We will be offering a few private appointments before and after our regular gallery hours for anyone interested. If you have a group of friends that may want to come in together, we recommend this option.

Join us for what we think will be a great start to the shopping season!

Helena Fox Fine Art

106A Church Street

Charleston, SC 29401

843-723-0073

www.helenafoxfineart.com

Contact Carolyn at gallery@helenafoxfineart.com

Silver Wedding Gift Ideas

wedding cake tray

Silver Wedding Gift Ideas

Despite so many weddings being postponed or held in a much smaller gathering than originally planned due to coronavirus, giving a gift to the happy couple is still a must to show your support and celebrate their marriage! Silver is a classic heirloom wedding gift and my functional silver objects are extremely popular to commemorate the joyous occasion. My designs are inspired by traditional silver forms, but are interpreted in my original, contemporary style. A unique, handcrafted silver gift will be cherished for generations to come and is such a memorable, lasting gift to receive.

My website Shop has a wide variety of options available and many can be personalized with hand engraving for a special finishing touch. Detailed below are some of the most favored of my classic silver wedding gifts.

cocktail bar silver decanter bottle tags silver vase silver bar spoon silver wedding gifts
Silver Bar Spoons, Decanter Bottle Tags, and Vase
by Kaminer Haislip

Coronavirus is keeping more people at home these days, so stock the newlywed’s bar with fun silver accessories they will use while enjoying evenings at home together or for stylish entertaining (while being conscientious of social distancing of course!). Silver bar spoons, personalized decanter tags with their favorite libations engraved on the front, tumblers and cups, wine goblets, and wine coasters are all useful and beautiful gifts.

silver tumbler silver bar spoon cocktail
Silver Tumbler and Bar Spoon by Kaminer Haislip

The silver tumbler pictured above and the silver wine goblets and wine coasters below all can be hand engraved with the couple’s initials and wedding date for a personal touch.

silver wine coaster silver wine goblets silver vase silver wedding gifts
Silver Wine Coasters, Wine Goblets, and Vase
by Kaminer Haislip

Let’s not forget the very important hors d’oeuvres for snacking during cocktail hour! Silver appetizer accessories shine and make serving the tasty bites even more enjoyable.

The silver and glass cheese tray shown above is the same silver and glass cake tray pictured at the top of this post. My Ziggurat Tray creates a stunning tablescape and is very versatile for many uses, including serving hors d’oeuvres, cheese, anti-pasta, cakes and desserts, or for a table centerpiece displaying fruit or flowers. 

silver spreader appetizer serving utensil silver flatware
Silver Spreader by Kaminer Haislip

This silver spreader is multi-functional for serving a wide variety of soft cheeses, spreads, and condiments.

silver condiment spoon silver flatware hammered silver spoon
Silver Condiment Spoon by Kaminer Haislip
silver fork silver appetizer fork meat fork hammered silver fork
Silver Appetizer Fork by Kaminer Haislip

The silver cheese knife, spreader, condiment spoon, and appetizer fork were all forged and have a hammered handle. Due to the hammering process, they are very sturdy and functional. Plus they bring contemporary refinement to the setting.

silver nest bowl woven silver functional art silver basket
Silver Nest Bowl by Kaminer Haislip

A popular wedding gift is my Nest Bowl, comprised of hammered and woven sterling silver wire.  The nest acts as a metaphor for building a new life and home together.  Nest Bowl comes in three sizes, 4″, 6″, and 8″ in diameter, but can also be created in custom sizes. It functions beautifully for serving bread or crackers or on a vanity or dresser for holding items.

silver wedding gift silver nest woven silver basket silver wedding gifts
Silver Nest Bowl by Kaminer Haislip

For serving up the main course, my silver salad servers and serving spoon make excellent silver wedding gifts that will be used frequently and not just on holidays. My husband and I use our silver serving spoons regularly and get a lot of enjoyment out of them!

silver salad servers silver salad spoons ergonomic handle
Silver Salad Servers by Kaminer Haislip
silver serving spoon silver spoon hammered silver spoon
Silver Serving Spoon by Kaminer Haislip

A pair of silver napkin rings with the couple’s initials hand engraved on them is a lovely gift that can be built upon over the years. Starting them on any collection creates a gift you as well as others can give to help them complete the set.

silver napkin ring tabletop design use your silver silver wedding gifts
Silver Napkin Ring by Kaminer Haislip

Silver bowls, dishes, and boxes are also thoughtful silver wedding gifts, not only for their useful function on a coffee table, dresser, or vanity, but also for their beauty and enhancement of a new abode. Most of my silver bowls, dishes, and boxes come in a variety of sizes and too can be completed as a set in the future.

Silver Poppy Bowl by Kaminer Haislip
Silver Oyster Dish by Kaminer Haislip
Silver Boxes by Kaminer Haislip

There are many more gorgeous heirloom silver wedding gift options in my website Shop Home category, so visit it for the complete selection. Elegant gift wrapping is free and it can be shipped directly to them. 

wedding cake stand

Silver and glass tray by Kaminer Haislip

If you do not see specifically what you are looking for on my website Shop, contact me directly at kaminer@kaminerhaislip.com to design a custom commission gift. For details on commissioning bespoke pieces, visit the Commission Work page on this website.

Cheers to the happy couple!

 

Daughters of the American Revolution – American Heritage Award

Daughters of the American Revolution DAR
Daughters of the American Revolution DAR American Heritage Award

Daughters of the American Revolution – American Heritage Award

I am so incredibly proud to announce I have been honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution two prestigious awards for the annual American Heritage Competition. My collection of handcrafted silver boxes Chorus was awarded the American Heritage Award for Crafts, First Place in the Other category!

chorus silver boxes craft award american heritage award
Silver Chorus boxes by Kaminer Haislip

The theme this year was “Rise, and Shine Your Light on the 19th Amendment” in celebration of the one hundred year anniversary of the women’s right to vote law being passed. The three birds symbolize a group of women together lifting up their voices and being heard, which directly relates to the suffrage movement. Just as women stood together and bravely fought for the right to vote, these birds collectively as a choir are rising up, harmonizing as one, and vocalizing their strength and determination. They are unified in their efforts, just like the women who courageously struggled for women’s right to vote and ultimately prevailed.

handcrafted silver box hollowware bird box women's suffrage
Silver Chorus boxes by Kaminer Haislip

The second American Heritage Award I received was for the same entry and it is The Evelyn Cole Peters Award, which is awarded for excellence in any of the contest categories when an exceptional entry is presented. It is not given out every year, so it is a special honor. I was shocked by the first award, but the second award really floored me! It is such an honor and privilege to receive both of these prominent awards for my artwork.

dar american heritage competition silver boxes
Detail of silver Chorus boxes by Kaminer Haislip

I will receive the awards 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!

Through both this award and my involvement in DAR, an exceptional national non-profit organization and genealogical society, I strive to honor my American Revolution patriot 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/.