For most of my life I have enjoyed an infatuation with jewelry and collecting interesting odd “things”. I call myself a recycle jewelry artist who salvages the sometimes unsalvageable to create what I describe as “Paintings with Beads”. As the former owner of Florida’s Estate Gallery specializing in estate jewelry, I had a 40-year passion for jewelry collecting extraordinary estate pieces many of which influence my designs.
Early in my art career, while working as a stained glass artist and head designer with Paramount Glass Studio, Marcel Glass and Glass Classics Studios of Pittsburgh, I developed a fascination for glass and light. I studied and apprenticed with some of the areas top glass designers and was at the rebirth of the art as it transitioned into more contemporary application to include commercial, residential as well as religious design.
I spent life practicing good health habits and living a healthy lifestyle until a life altering chemical exposure accident in 1999 left me with a respiratory injury that disabled me from working in the glass media I most loved. I soon realized the importance of environmental factors on health becoming an advocate for "green living". The challenge became finding a meaningful vocation that could utilize my remaining skills and combine my need to effect change in environmental policy while incorporating my personal community missions into my work. As a former National Corporate Division Director of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania I was already on board with many missions.
Always in the process of recreating my art identity, I combined my passion for jewelry, art, glass and antiques to developed an eclectic mixed media style using vintage and contemporary beads and findings as well as wire, toy parts, household objects, found objects, metals, clay, resins, glass, wood & bone to create inspiring one of a kind recycled jewelry pieces. I interpret the eclectic mix of people and experiences in my life viewing these as opportunities to learn and initiate change.
My varied background in community development (starting as a Vista Volunteer ) has given me a working knowledge of the needs of our communities...particularly of interest since my own disabling experience is the exploitation of minorities, seniors and the disabled...the more vulnerable members of our communities. My art background gives me the completive edge in this arena as I recognize opportunities when there appear to be none and thus see fewer obstacles in seeking ways to creatively initiate win-win situations to involve non supporting entities. Belief is a powerful resource and that is what I hope to inspire in my students and in the messages of my work. Additionally my innate "inability" to recognize limits, parameters and protocol allows me to simply think ideally and execute "big ideas'" avoiding sometimes harsh realities and the logically good reasons anyone can find to "not do" something. I am a risk taker in my beliefs which are the catalysts for everything I do. I worry little about consequences or that I veered left or right a little too far...to be otherwise would intimidate the process of growth and change. But the most important lesson I continually learn is that most people want to do the same given the opportunity thus reinforcing my belief that people are innately giving, forgiving and compassionate and our world of self serving attitudes positions us to take defense instead.
My background in non profits and my personal beliefs are reasons I keep as much of my teaching community accessible and instruct through community based services with particular interest in working with seniors, at risk youth, children and the disabled. I like working with so to speak "non artists" and introducing them to their innate abilities. My teaching method is beyond simply learning the basics of technique and design ... it's about transferring inspiration and creative skills into everyday life and using that passion, creativity and inspiration in everything we do... in doing that the students not only get addicted to "beading" but become more confident in their overall abilities, self esteem developing an increased self awareness in all aspects of their lives. There is no greater satisfaction than salvaging "a bad hair day " by creating something beautiful... whether that be through art , writing, cooking or just creating the smile on someone's "bad hair day" face. I look at life as affording us opportunities to do that in many versions daily, we just need to be open to seeing things in that way. Keeping an open, humble and forgiving mind insures I learn as much as I can from people and experiences both good and bad. Many of the students I teach come to me with life stories, I hope I awaken their creativity through art arming them with new perspectives and a new story to tell.
This along with my creative ability fueled my passion to reinvent and “recycle myself” to develop a home-based jewelry design business with a conscience. I know I am a chronic ”junk junky” scouting for antiques, collectibles and interesting new and used components I use in my home and recycling art. Surrounded by a vast and continually growing inventory, I search for “anything on the planet” conducive to stringing or wiring to create my pieces developing a line of jewelry that recycles, salvages and preserves once abandoned objects employing a collection of contemporary, new with used materials in an eclectic fusion of mixed media wearable art I fondly distinguish as “Funkified Junk”. I skillfully transfer new life and dimension to each recycled element preserved using no toxic glues, solvents, chemicals or materials as I expertly blend color and mass entwining wire, chain and other materials with no parts wasted. I derive my inspiration from my greatest creation, my daughter Sasha, who is my partner, a model and artist:: painter, potter and jewelry designer. http://www.pittsburghartistregistry.org/sashakaclik.
I launched my line of jewelry in 2008 and present my new work through special "green" events, boutiques, art galleries, museums, trunk shows and benefit fashion show events. My jewelry collections can be seen and purchased in store and on line both locally and out of state. In 2008, I was presented as a new Pittsburgh Designer in the Local Motions 2008 Fashion Event. In 2009 I was honored by a nomination from the Pittsburgh Council on the Arts in the Individual Working Artist category for the Work of Arts Award. My work has been seen on KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live as well as ” Earth Friendly” special events such as “ECOLUTIONS / Mattress Factory” in Pittsburgh; and “The Green Festivals/Chicago” represented by Eco Shoppe of Florida a supplier of HSN. My trendy jewelry will be seen on the 2009 CD release of singer Margot Bingham. I received the Honorable Mention Award in the 2007 Annual Native American Heritage Committee Art Exhibition hosted by Carnegie Mellon University. I also presented my work with Community College of Allegheny County in the Women in Art History Month Presentations through the West Hills Campus and Oakldale Campus. Each jewelry piece is uniquely designed and meticulously handcrafted with no two exactly alike.
A special "Thank You" to all of the wonderful friends, family, students, galleries, government agencies, physicians, service organizations and entities that have offered assistance, encouragement and support through my challenges... and forgiveness to those who did not understand. .....and to Rocki and Sasha who never veered an inch from my side through the transition as I created a new version of life.
Education: Self
Memberships:
* Proud "New" Member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh as of April 2009
* Proud "New" Member of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh as of April 2009
* Proud "New" Member of the Pittsburgh Society of Artists November 2009
* Steel Valley Arts Council / Baord Invite
* Pittsburgh Council on the Arts* Fractured Atlas * Pittsburgh Artists.com
* Art-iculate / Pittsburgh Creative Network
* South Western Pennsylvania Artist Society.
Teaching Experience: (Current and Past)
Water Color / Jewelry Design / Polymer Clay / Stain Glass Design Youth Classes / Adult Classes / Senior Classes / Special Needs
* International Jewelry Gem Show 2008/2009/2010
* Knit One
* Discovery Youth Programs / Murrysville
* Shuman Juvenile Detention Center
* Community College of Allegheny County / Boyce
* Community College of Allegheny County / West Hills
* Community College of Allegheny County / Braddock Hills
* Wilkens School Community Center / Youth Classes / Adult Classes
* Mulberry Senior Center
* Forest Hills Municipality / Senior Classes
* Murrysville After School Programs “Showtime” / Claymations / Movie Video
* Joanne Fabrics
* Michaels Stores / Waterfront
* Michaels Stores / North Hills * Michaels Stores / Monroeville
* Penn Hills Senior Center / Penn Hills
* Monroeville Municipality / Adult Classes
* Bethel Park Municipality / Adult Classes * Penn Hills Municipality / Adult Classes
* Pat Catans
* South Arts:
* Rankin Christian Center / Youth Classes
* Jewish Community Center / Mount Lebanon
* Mount Lebanon Municipality / Youth Classes
* Bethel Park Municipality Community Center / Adult Classes / Youth Classes
* South Hills Area Home School
* Glass Classics Studios of Pittsburgh / Adult Classes/ Youth Classes
* Paramount Glass / Adult Classes
* Marcal Glass / Adult Classes
* United Way of Southwestern PA / Corporate/ / Workplace / Community / Development and Training
Private Instruction By Appointment at the Following Locations
Gallery Chiz
Skyblue 7 Gallery
Monroeville Library
Knit One
Cafe Arte
Work Shops
International Jewelry Gem Show
Women's Group, Home Parties, Churches Groups; Youth Clubs / Girl Scouts
Venues Current:
* Lost and Found Exhibit / Art Loft / Associated Artists of pittsburgh
* Interplay Exhibit / Pittsburgh Center for the Arts / Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
* Gallerie Chiz / Shadyside
* The Westmoreland Museum of American Art / Greensburg
* Patricia Boutique / Aspinwal
* Sky Blue 7 Gallery / Swissvale
* International Images Fine Art Gallery / Sewickley
Venues Past:
Antiques on Ardmore Gallery
Bella Arte Fine Art Gallery of Shadyside / Virginia Location
Diane's Gift Boutique
Dakota East
Upcoming Events:
* Patricia Boutique / Trunk Show /
* SkyBlue7 Fashion Benefit Show / Date to be announced
* Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Fashion Show / Date to be announced
* Eco Benefit Fashion Event / Date to be announced
* Community Collaborative Art Project / To be announced .
Past Events:
* 3 Rivers Arts Festival 2010
* 3 Rivers Arts Festival / "Litany" Billborad / June 4-13, 2010
* Westmoreland Museum of American Art / Trunk Show / 2008
* Westmoreland Museum of American Art / Spring Fair / 2009
* Borelli Edwards Gallery / Pittsburgh Society of Artists "Small Works" 2010
* "Exchange" Exhibit / 937 Gallery / Associated Artists of Pittsburgh / Collaborative with Tom Ladousa / 2010
* Fein Art Gallery / "Urban Dreams" / June 4, 2010
* 907 Gallery / "Presidents Choice 100 for 100" / June 4, 2010
* World of Green on KDKA, "Get Earth Friendly for Summer", June 17, 2010
* International Images / Associated Artists / April 23, 2010
* Westmoreland Museum Fair April 24, 2010*
* Kelle Maize "Resolutions" 2010
* Screenactors Guild Awards (SAG )2010
* AAP Exhibit "The Exchange" Collaborative works of Gerry Florida and Tom Ladousa / 937 Liberty Avenue / February 2010
* Sewickley Holiday Shop 2009 / Sweetwater Arts Center
* Deck the Walls" 2009 / Associated Artists / 707 Gallery
* Union Project "Unwrapped" 2009
* Fair in the Park 2009 / Pittsburgh Craftsmen's Guild
* Borelli Edwards Gallery August 2009 / Associated Artist "New Members Exhibit" / Lawrenceville
* Finalist Nomination for the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council "Work of Arts Award "/ Catergory: "Individual Working Artist" / June 1, 2009 http://pittsburghartscouncil.org/workofartawards_finalist.htm
* Collaborative Community Glass Project-Pittsburgh Glass Center with Daviea Davis / February - April walk in studio -Opening April 3-5 2009. April-June 2009 / Visit the Terrarium
* New Collection: International Images Fine Art Gallery / Sewickley / May 2009
* The 2009 Spring Hat Luncheon / The Eleventh Annual / Represented by Caesar's Designs of Shadyside Schenley Park Overlook/ To benefit The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
* The 12th Annual Ladies’ Luncheon and Fashion Show / Fox Chapel Golf Club / Benefit for Cycstic Fibrosis
* Kellee Maize / Singer / Photoshoot / April 2009
* Career Days / PetersTownship / Upper St Clair / Mt Lebanon School Districts 2008 / 2009
* Pittsburgh Symphony 2009 Benefit Fashion Show
* Career Days / Fayette County / PetersTownship / Upper St Clair / Mt Lebanon School Districts 2010
* Pittsburgh Symphony Benefit Fashion Show April 15th 2009-at Churchill Valley Country Club
* Skyblue 7 Fashion Event 2009* Anti-Valentines Day Beneit Fashion Show / Zen 2009
* Anti-Valentines Day Benefit Fashion Show / Altar 2009
* Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Fashion Show / Patricia Boutique 2009
* Gallerie Chiz Trunk Show 2008
* Ecolutions Earthday VIP Event 2008 / Mattress Factory / Benefit
* “The Green Festivals/Chicago” represented by Eco Shoppe of Florida a supplier of HSN
* Westmoreland Museum of American Art / TrunkShow / 2008
* Local Motions Designer Fashion Show 2008
* Women in Art History Month / CCAC / Oakdale 2008
* Women in Art History Month / CCAC / West Hills 2008
* Monroeville Library Exhibit / 2008* Murrysville Community Days / 2008
* Federal Executive Board / Native American Heritage Committee Annual Art Exhibit / Carnegie Mellon University / Honorable Mention Award / December 2007
* Ellsworth Summer Street Fair 2007
Benefit Events:
Pittsburgh Symphony 2009
Skyblue 7 Charities 2009
Adagio Health 2009
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 2009
Casting for Recovery 2009
Just Harvest 2008
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 2008
UPMC Haute Party 2008
Past Related Employment
* South Arts / Executive Director / Expansion of Community Programs / Community Funding / Special Initiatives /
* Instructor: Jewelry Design / Watercolor / Stained Glass Design / Guitar
* United Way of Southwestern PA / National Corporate Leadership Division Director / Special Projects / Collaboration with United Cerebral Palsy Center Art Gallery / Collaboration with Wal-Mart & Major National Corporations / United Way of America
* SSPC / Marketing Specialist / International Sponsorship
* Glass Classic Studios / Head Designer / Instructor
* Paramount Glass Studio /
* Head Designer Marcel Glass Studio / Head Designer
.Web Sites:
* Gallerie Chiz http://www.galleriechiz.com/GerryFloridaHome2008.htm
* My Space http://www.myspace.com/floridasrecycled
* Pittsburgh Council on the Arts Award Nomination http://www.pittsburghartscouncil.org/workofartawards.htmhttp://pittsburghartscouncil.org/workofartawards_finalist.htm
* Westmoreland Museum of American Art http://www.wmuseumaa.org/shop/prodpage.cfm?CFID=549034&CFTOKEN=43159351&CategoryID=6
* Pittsburgh Craftsmen's Guild /Member Page http://www.craftsmensguild.org/media/jewelry.htm
* Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Member http://www.aapgh.org/members.html
* Local Motions http://66.39.72.123/hosted/pghlocalmotion/home.php (2008 Show and 2008 Designers and 2008 Photos )
* Kellee Maize / Performer Wearing Florioda Recycled www.kelleemaize.com
* Margot Bingham / Performer Wearing FLORIDA RECYCLED / photo shoot/ www.margotb.com/news.htmlhttp://www.margotb.com/photos.html
* World of Green www.worldofgreen.com
As seen in: VIV Magazine Boston Globe NBC Miami Urban Sherp All You The Daily Green E-Rockford.com
* 3 Rivers Arts Festival Featured Artists http://www.artsfestival.net/2010/06/eco-artists/
Entertainment: Friends; Who Wears Florida Recycled ???
* Florida Recycled Worn by KDKA's Brenda Waters /June 2009 Whirl Magazine
* Florida Recycled Hats worn by Caesar's Designs of Shadyside / Models/ Whirl Magazine on line /Spring Hat Luncheon
* Florida Recycled worn by Gerry Florida & Sasha Kaclik / "Pittsburgh Council on the Arts" Working Artist Nomination Award / Whirl Magazine on line
* Florida Recycled worn by Linda Winegar, State Director for Pennsylvania "Odyssey of the Mind " www.odysseyofthemind.com paodyssey.com http://www.artexplorer.org/artist_winegar.htm
* Florida Recycled Worn by Margot Bingham / Singer / http://www.margotb.com/news.html
* Florida Recycled Modeled by Emily Elder / Movie Role "C Me Dance" Premiers March 2009
* Florida Recycled Worn by Kellie Maize / Singer / http://www.myspace.com/kmaizemusic
* Florida Recycled Worn By Patti Jimenez / Shootz Cafe *
Florida Recycled Worn By Laverne Kemp http://thewarpedweaver.blogspot.com
* Kenya Ashby / Singer / www.kenialive.com
* Maddie Georgi / Singer / www.myspace.com/maddiegeorgi
Company:
Florida RECyc Led " The Art Of Original "
JeWelRy and WeAraBle "Things"
Gerry FloridaPittsburgh, PA 412-298-2136 Cell / Studio
No portion, writings, photos of this site can be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of Gerry Florida. All jewelry on this site is originally designed and meticulously hand crafted by Gerry Florida and is protected under the statutes of the United States Copyright Laws and the Universal Copyright Convention. Gerry Florida 2005 ® Registered Copyright. All Rights Reserved .Gerry Florida 2005 © Copyright. All Rights Reserved