Inspired by Tools of the Trade
Carnegie Art Center, Three Rivers, MI, June – August 2010Artists take their inspiration from a host of sources internal and external, personal and universal,
sacred and profane. . . but one of the many things we have in common is a “connectedness”
with the tools that we use to explore ideas and create our work.
For this exhibition, I asked a group of Kalamazoo area artists to consider their tools in a more conscious way,
to allow their imagination to dwell on the things they use on a daily basis to create their work,
to look at the tools they may take for granted in a new way. . .

Nancy Koning,
Swirling Silver Flames, bracelet
My inspiration is the torch, the first tool that I worked with that was like an extension of my hand. The torch has many dimensions, and they never stop fascinating me.