David Frank
I ran across a fascinating illustration in a science magazine a while back. It was a composite overlay. Using all the graphic technology available, (telescopic, gamma-ray, radio telescope, x-ray, etc…), to show the images of the Universe at the farthest distance ever... The article explained that what I was seeing was clusters of Galaxies connected by strands of cosmic dust and stars! The pattern looked very familiar… something like it was shown in another magazine. I found the other illustration and, sure enough these two patterns were very similar!
I am presenting the two illustrations for you to compare

The second illustration is the electron-microscope image of a human braincell (synapses… the intersection where “electrical” energy transfers information from one cell to another). These patterns are so similar, that I wonder if the strands of stars and cosmic dust are transferring information (communicating) the same as the synapse of the brain cell !???

Connie Frank
Summer becomes fall… We’ve signed our lease for another journey through the coming year. David and I are so honored to continue to represent Betsy Benson, Jessica Frank, Magnus Homestead, Jeanie Ritz, Dan Rosenquist and Dorothy Overman, T.C. Vollum, and Paul Wadsworth. Jon Sauer’s beautiful tops and Bill Voxman’s black and white photography are also available. Also, we are representing a small collection of estate jewelry, pieces from the 1880’s forward. In 1970 David started creating jewelry in Portland in our home. We bought this shop September 1, 1994. And now we begin our sixteenth year. We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of creating – of designing personal pieces, amulets, all of the significant pieces which we’ve been allowed to be a part of… those are the projects that David and I go home talking and laughing and loving about… Our philosophy when we began continues – to create a piece of jewelry for each person which reflects and enhances their beauty and strength. The creative spark is burning bright… and we continue to continue.
Thank you, Connie

Magnus Homestead

The summer solstice has slipped past again and already the autumnal air is creeping into the early mornings just enough to remind me that only one of my woodsheds is full. The blackberries are heavy on their brambles and the stands at the farmers’ market are filled with summer vegetables. Lobster mushrooms are appearing in the coast range and chanterelles can now be found as well. I have been reading a wonderful book entitled “Eating the Sun” by Oliver Morton about the process of photosynthesis - it’s all rather magical really – how plants power the planet. To quote from the book “The sun’s energy, stored by plants, keeps us alive moment by moment, heartbeat by heartbeat, thought by thought. Our bodies are stardust, our lives are sunlight.”
Blessings to All, Magnus

Dan & Dorothy Rosenquist

Time to play

There is a change in the wind today, a chill, as if a hint of winter to remind, that we are as the seasons lost and found, each within our time. The blazing, record breaking days have past, and a still reflection falls upon the landscape. Cloud shadows moving slowly on.
Zephyr comes to greet me where I sit with pen in hand, watching a snake at the waters edge. I rest my hand upon his silken back and tell him to “go get Dorothy” as he races off.
Bubbles, circle in the current as water trickles over stone. I tell myself it is time to get to work, that the studio awaits, but the world is rich in images and I dare not move, resting my senses like a snake on a sunlit stone.
Later, in the studio, Zephyr comes again to greet us each in turn, first to Dorothy, then to me, sticking his long beautiful nose in our faces, rearranging our glasses as if to say, “OK, the work day is over and now is time to play.

Betsy Benson

I feel like I have the perfect job. Making stuff. I feel really fortunate to have begun my jewelry career under the auspices of some really fine jewelry artists who started me off on the basics, always stressing  integrity of design and structure. Working in metal gives me the opportunity to work with stones. I love stones. Diamonds and rubies are ok, but I’m talking rocks. Jaspers, agates, non precious and semi precious stones that have so much personality and each one unique and special.  And there is an amazing and varied array of these wonderful rocks everywhere, which is why I’ve never met a rock shop I didn’t like…
My designs tend to be simple, so the stone takes center stage without too much distraction. Recently I noticed a little amber colored agate in the gravel at the end of the street. I decided I would make a ring out of it, hoping that someone else would appreciate this natural beauty.  Really, adding silver and gold to a stone, any stone, tends to elevate and bring attention to it.  This little agate ring sold almost immediately, but I’ll be making more to be sure! I’ll never get tired of collecting rocks!

Jeannie Ritz

I found this picture of my Mom and sister Judy. We were at our annual family reunion. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful family. We get together every summer, all 70, from many miles away, to eat great food and connect in a loving fun way. Playing cards, games, swimming, horseshoes and catching up with each other’s lives, watching
the kids grow. Some how it always fills me up to start another year. It helps me remember what is important: family and friends. Living for every moment of everyday. My mom, my inspiration, creates something beautiful everyday, knitting, sewing, painting. Or a special cake, a delicious meal. My sister Judy, master of the garden creates beautiful potted plants and helps people to design their own. Me with my jewelry hoping to touch people with love.

Thanks for reading.

David and Connie Frank