About Danielle Blanchard - Silversmith, Jewelry Designer
Danielle Rene Blanchard is a studio vocalist, recording artist and vocal coach in addition to being a budding Metalsmith Artisan. She has very eclectic taste that ranges from traditional -- to blingy -- to organic -- to sleek and modern. Most of her work involves stone of some sort, and some of her jewelry contains freeform cabochons where she did the lapidary grinding as well. Danielle likes to help non-profits and charities, so if you are involved with a group interested in doing a passive fundraiser (such as her music jewelry line), contact Danielle to discuss how easy it is.
"I never had the opportunity to take visual art in school. I am a music teacher and recording artist—a voting member of NARAS and 13-time Grammy nominee. My 'Jazz Portrait' album still sells all over our little planet." "My path to knowledge in metalsmithing has been a crooked one, taking a workshop here and a project class there. I started learning basic soldering at Livingston Gem & Mineral Society. Since then, I’ve studied with Lesley DiPiazza at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. Some notable single topic workshop teachers have been Jiro Masuda, Tom Madden, Mary Kernahan, Cindy Moore, and Renee Zettle-Sterling. I am currently serving as Secretary of the Michigan Silversmiths Guild. I've been featured at several art fairs, including the Ann Arbor Art Fair (south university area). I've also been part of a feature exhibit at the Ann Arbor Art Center. I also enjoy doing some of my own lapidary work, creating freeform cabochons to set in my metal work. My tastes in metal are as varied as my music. I naturally tend to favor shiny metals, faceted stones and ornate designs, perhaps because of my years on stage needing to be sparkling and noticeable. More and more I find I also enjoy a clean and simple look, or a combination of textures that give contrast or depth with polished accents. When you're done viewing and purchasing some unique items from my collection, check out some live performances and CD on www.DanielleSings.com too. |