If you saw Kristin's blog earlier, then you know that she, Jill, and I went down to the Windy City to attend SOFA (Sculptural Objects & Functional Art) at Navy Pier earlier this month. Not only did we make plenty of new artist and contributor contacts, but we had a fantastic time while we were at it. We saw so many amazing artists! And we were lucky enough to speak with a number of them personally.

Here's Kristin studying the two-sided watches of one of her favorite SOFA artists, Itay Noy.
 

Jill and I pose for a photo-op during a break from all out jewelry-ogling.

Kristin and I pausing for a picture before heading off to find dinner and discuss all our artistic finds of the day.

Of course I enjoyed the jewelry. It seemed each jewelry booth showcased different and unique ways to combine metals and stones and myriad other elements. I loved being able to physically see (and if I was lucky, touch!) objects by artists from all over the globe. Photos are great, but they just don't do jewelry justice sometimes.

 
One of my personal highlights was David Bennett. Though his designs definitely weren't jewelry, I think his booth was my favorite of the show. From the ceiling and walls of his SOFA space hung bronze-and-blown-glass trapeze artists. Some were kinetic, while the few that didn't move were sculpted so skillfully they appear as if they were paused mid-action. I was delighted and in awe