Margaux Lange

Artist Profile: Margaux Lange

February 18, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Artist Profiles, Designing, Mixed Media, Wearable Art
4 Comments
留學生dissertation網Editor’s note –Before I even begin to share Margaux Lange’s artist profile with you all, I want to make note that she has a very exciting show just about to start: Margaux has been accepted into the hugely prestigious American Craft Show in Baltimore MD, and will be there this week! Stop by to see her if you can!
WHERE: Baltimore Convention Center, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD.
WHEN:
Friday Feb 22: 10 am- 9 pm
Saturday Feb 23: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday Feb 24: 10 am – 5 pm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Artist: Margaux Lange
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Website & Blog:
Margaux Lange
Midge’s Mind
Margaux, would you describe your work for us?
My Plastic Body Series is art jewelry made with sterling silver, Barbie dolls and epoxy resin. It is an examination and celebration of my own, as well as our culture’s, relationship with Barbie.

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I was first introduced to jewelry making in my high school (Lake George, NY) which was and still is, very fortunate to offer jewelry courses to its students. I’ve been a studio jeweler for the past six years since graduating college (The Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD May 2001) I was a General Fine Arts major and took a variety of courses in various mediums until I decided to concentrate on jewelry. For me jewelry was a way of getting art off the wall and on to the body so it could be shared, experienced and quite literally felt.
After college I took an epoxy resin workshop with art jeweler Susan Kasson Sloan at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts that forever changed the techniques I utilize in my metalwork and has enabled all sorts of exploration with color.
While it is my fine art background that has given me the foundation necessary for conceptual exploration in my jewelry work, it is personal experience (i.e.: my childhood spent obsessed with Barbie and her miniature world) that I credit for the success of this series. Barbie was immensely important in fueling my creative life as a child, not to mention developing my nimble hands and dexterity, skills imperative to the art of jewelry making. I love that what I adored as a child has become the focus of my career as an adult.
How did you first get the idea to make jewelry out of Barbie dolls?
Barbie made her debut in my artwork in high school. I once did a project where I took a bunch of Barbie dolls and delicately painted on their plastic bodies, transforming each of them to look like something else. One was made into a carrot, another a zebra, etc. I even painted one with a suit and tie, a beard and a moustache to look like a man. Later in college I did a series of drawings: self-portraits of myself holding Barbie dolls, balancing her on my head, sitting her on my shoulder, in a sense wearing her. I was interested in combining alternative materials and/or found objects into my metalwork so it was really only a matter of time before she became a part of my jewelry.#p#分頁標題#e#
Jewelry seemed the best form for my art in exploring the subjects I was interested in. It made sense to address issues involving women and the body through jewelry, (a form of adornment predominantly associated with females) using Barbie, the ultimate female icon. The queen of accessorizing became the accessory!

What is your creative process like? How do you go about designing a piece?
Sometimes there’s a storyline to my pieces and I’ll have a particular idea I wish to explore (depending on the doll parts being used) and that will serve as the concept that shapes the piece. Other times it’s purely about design and arranging shapes and patterns within multiple elements. And sometimes it’s both, where I start out with a pattern or design in mind and by the end a concept has evolved. My design process varies a lot from piece to piece.
http://www.ttc-switch.com/Thesis_Writing/Media_Management/I usually tend to work in smaller time segments throughout the week but aim for at least 15-20 studio hours total per week. The business end of my jewelry ends up requiring a lot more time away from my studio than I ever imagined it would: spending time on the computer with emails, my website, blog, etc.
I also currently have part-time outside employment as well to help make ends meet. Unfortunately at this point in my career it’s a necessity but I’m confident that it won’t always be. That’s what I’m working towards: successfully making a living off my art!
Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Barbie and Ken!
What inspires you to create?
Humans are especially what inspire me to create. Bodies. Faces. Popular culture. Barbie. And other artists and art jewelers who make fabulous work. I’m drawn to art that employs multiples of something, patterns, work that plays with our sense of scale and art made out of found, unexpected or unusual materials.
What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
The people who appreciate and support my work are what keep me going through the tough times. It’s important to have a support system. I’m very fortunate to have a few amazingly supportive artist friends. Also, when I get emails from people saying how much they love my jewelry or share stories of their Barbie experiences, I feel such a sense of accomplishment and it reminds me of what I love about art: it’s ability to connect on a personal level.
One of the biggest joys for me has been the way others receive my jewelry. It continues to amaze me the range of responses I get regarding what I do with Barbie. Some people respond to its humor and wit and think it’s pure fun, or it feeds a sense of nostalgia for them. Others weigh in on the feminist edge and relate to its statement. Some are creeped out and think it’s dark and disturbing to see “body parts” cut up. Others think it’s just simply bizarre. I love that everyone brings his or her own baggage and reaction to the work, indicative of their own relationship with, or feelings about, the iconic plastic princess as well as what defines “wearable jewelry.” One of my biggest goals has been to create art that people can relate to. I believe I’ve been successful with this.#p#分頁標題#e#

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Pay attention to your “voice.” Everyone has one that is uniquely their own and it’s hard to uncover at times. (Especially with the influence of teachers, mentors, fellow artists, friends, or family who sometimes offer resistance or persuade you away from your own true voice or vision.) Strive to unearth not only your personal strengths and talents but also that which gives you a deep sense of satisfaction and you will find yourself excelling naturally.
Also, and this is hugely important, surround yourself with positive people: those who support and encourage you to do what you love. It can be painful and difficult to weed out those who bring you down, but sometimes it’s crucial to your personal and professional growth.

http://www.thefashionpolice.net/2008/11/barbie-jeweller.html
Barbie jewellery: creepy or cute?
? Retweet

We’re just going to give you a moment to process what you’re seeing here.
…
Got it yet? Yes, it’s a boob pendant. A pendant made from boobs. Plastic boobs. Barbie boobs! Aaaand we think we may just have answered the question from the headline there, but you, of course, may find these super-cute, in which case you’ll want to know that the boob pendant is the creation of Margaux Lange , who sells her work on Etsy, and that there’s lots more where that came from. More pics under the jump, visit Margaux’s store here for even more.

[Source]

Posted in Crimes of Fashion, Fashion Accessories |

? Retweet 25 Comments »
25 Responses to “Barbie jewellery: creepy or cute?”
1. Nithya says:
November 14, 2008 at 12:15 pm (Quote)
If those are Barbie boobs, they’re getting really kinky since I was a little girl :p
And if I’d seen those earrings as a girl, I’d be having nightmares. Yikes!
Reply
2. Kuri says:
November 14, 2008 at 12:46 pm (Quote)
Dismembered female body parts are always creepy. Love Craftzine but this one sort of grossed me out.
Reply
3. gokarm says:
November 14, 2008 at 1:24 pm (Quote)
I have a small obsession with creepy doll things and this is no different. The boob pendant is cool, and the last one is awesome though a little on the amateurish side…the earrings are stupid and i’m unimpressed. Creepy, yes, but I love it.
Reply
4. Evelyn says:
November 14, 2008 at 1:36 pm (Quote)
Good gawd!!! Jewellry from a Chucky movie!!!
Reply
5. Amanda Nicole says:
November 14, 2008 at 4:02 pm (Quote)
Creeptastic, for sure. But I have to give kudos for recycling!
Reply
6. Natasha says:
November 14, 2008 at 5:02 pm (Quote)
This person is a little bit psycho, methinks!
Reply
7. Jood says: #p#分頁標題#e#
November 14, 2008 at 6:09 pm (Quote)
I thought the neckalace was cute until I realized it was made out of boobs. The rest is just freaky though.
Reply
8. Lauren says:
November 14, 2008 at 7:37 pm (Quote)
I also liked the necklace until I realised it was made from Barbie Boobs,now I’m just kind of freaked out-especially by the hand earrings.
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9. Anna says:
November 14, 2008 at 8:36 pm (Quote)
definitely creepy. do you even need to ask?
BARBIE BOOBS.
Reply
10. Rock Hyrax says:
November 14, 2008 at 10:02 pm (Quote)
They’re the sort of thing people wear when they want other people to think they’re a bit weird and scary. Having said that, I once spoke with a man who wore a complete Barbie (or similar doll) as a brooch, and somehow it worked!
Reply
11. Sophie says:
November 15, 2008 at 3:00 am (Quote)
I thought the pendant was really cute until I realized it is made from PLASTIC DOLL BOOBS. So many questions…
Reply
12. Sarah says:
November 15, 2008 at 8:58 am (Quote)
Ok, upon just seeing the boob necklace, I have to say I thought it was cute. Once realizing what exactly it was made of and remembering the Barbies I hated as a child…I had chills (and not good ones). The necklace *could* pass off as cute. The rest? Dismembered plastic doll parts? Sounds like a bad craft project.
Reply
13. Chica says:
November 16, 2008 at 10:41 am (Quote)
Have you seen how much she’s selling these bits of junk for?
Reply
14. Amy May says:
November 18, 2008 at 1:04 pm (Quote)
I like the necklace! Though I wouldn’t pay that much for it. Less keen on the hand earrings, though. Bit odd.
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15. Lucy says:
November 22, 2008 at 12:09 am (Quote)
Have you ever actually tried any metalsmithing Chica?
Margaux’s stuff is awesome.
Reply
16. Jane says:
November 25, 2008 at 1:32 pm (Quote)
Okay this is Totally creepy, it was fine when Mac did there Barbie loves MAC Collection and it was fine when Stila did there collection of barbie make up, but this is pushing the bar a little far doesn’t any one else think so.
Reply
17. Lai-Lai says:
November 29, 2008 at 7:38 am (Quote)
Hearts, starfish, flower, oh….BOOBS!
Reply
18. Ned says:
March 13, 2009 at 7:23 am (Quote)
I actually love them, I am a long time collector of Barbie and I would wear them with pride. I enjoy anything Barbie so to me its just a wonderful way of wearing something that I love. Get over it people if your going to have nightmares its just plastic, maybe I live in the past of my childhood but really I think most of you need to grow up. I love them
Reply
19. Amber says:
March 13, 2009 at 8:47 am (Quote)
“I think most of you need to grow up”.#p#分頁標題#e#
This from someone who got so angry because a random stranger on the internet didn’t like jewellery made out of old Barbies that s/he had to start flinging insults at them.
The irony of this kind of behaviour never fails to make me laugh
Ned, maybe when YOU grow up you’ll realise that just because complete strangers don’t share the same taste in – ahem- Barbie jewellery as you, it doesn’t mean you have to get all upset. Sometimes people just have different opinions, but as I say, that’s something you’ll learn when you’re a bit older, hopefully
Reply
20. Serinde says:
April 4, 2009 at 7:38 am (Quote)
Emperor’s New Groove Flashback:
Yikes, Yikes, Yikes
Reply
21. Sarah88 says:
May 5, 2009 at 12:36 am (Quote)
Jeez, anyone for an open mind?! I find a lot of people are so completely conservative with jewellery and these have certainly messed with everyone perception of a cute fashion accesory. Theres a lot more she could have done with these to make them creepy! As far as i can see, they are still very cutesy and pretty. And I love them!
Reply
22. The Fashion Police says:
May 5, 2009 at 9:05 am (Quote)
It’s ironic that you feel other people should have “open minds”, Sarah, when you yourself seem quite closed to the idea that not everyone has the same taste as you. “Open mindedness” also includes being open to the idea that some people have different opinions, no?
Reply
23. sarah88 says:
May 12, 2009 at 4:25 am (Quote)
touche. I wonder if peoples opinions on the boob necklace would change if, say, it was a tribute to the breast cancer foundation, or was raising money for them etc etc. Would it still be creepy?
Reply
24. chrissywuvsu says:
July 20, 2009 at 7:21 am (Quote)
lolz a boob necklace! i already have boobs of my own thank you but if they could make necklaces with ken’s balls i would be happy to buy(:
Reply
25. Diandra says:
September 7, 2009 at 7:48 pm (Quote)
Creepy.
No thanks!

http://images.google.cn/imgres?imgurl=http://www.maricazottino.com/public/margaux-lange_05.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.maricazottino.com/blog/%3Fp%3D974&usg=__jQ0MN3a0ITGMUiRfQ3dmeqoOksg=&h=458&w=300&sz=99&hl=zh-CN&start=1&um=1&tbnid=d7l8YFObfW0kLM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=84&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMargaux%2BLange%26hl%3Dzh-CN%26client%3Daff-9991%26channel%3Dsearchlink%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1
Margaux Lange
For Barbie’s lovers, but also for all those who ever wished to see Barbie dead and dismantled…
as usual, the fine balance in between desire and disgust in Margaux Lange’s jewels…
“Whether you love her or hate her, there are few who feel neutral about the plastic princess. I am fascinated with who she is as a cultural icon, her distinguished celebrity status, and the enormous impact she has had on our society. Specifically, I’m intrigued with her influence in defining gender roles of women in contemporary American culture…#p#分頁標題#e#
…I enjoy the funny juxtaposition of wearing the body, on the body. Barbie has become the accessory instead of being accessorized. I take pleasure in the contrast and contradiction of something mass-produced being transformed and revealed as a unique, handmade, wearable piece of art.”

Posted on February 24th, 2009 by marica zottino
Filed under: contemporary jewelry

Margaux Lange…
Posted February 5th, 2007 by Abigail Percy

I enjoy the funny juxtaposition of wearing the body, on the body. Barbie has become the accessory instead of being accessorized. I take pleasure in the contrast and contradiction of something mass-produced being transformed and revealed as a unique, handmade, wearable piece of art.
Margaux Lange
I found Margaux’s work online a while ago – and was delighted to come across her new and updated website the other day. What I especially like about her work is it’s sense of playfulness, it’s ingenuity. I love that Margaux is using something iconic and turning it on its head…adding to and exploring the cult of Barbie, issues of recycling and adornment. I also really enjoyed seeing an insight into her process {and a peek into her work environment – as a jeweller myself, this is always interesting!} via her blog…
I have always personally loved Barbies, having played with them all the time as a child – making my own clothes and hats for them, giving them hair-cuts {eek}…and so found it really interesting at art school when they were discussed in such depth during lectures and debates for their design status.
Many people now see Barbie as a bad role-model for girls – but this was something I absolutely did not identify with, and do not subscribe to the idea that this iconic doll influences young childrens ideal of the perfect woman {I never wanted to look like Barbie}. I see her as an excellent outlet for creativity and roleplay…something essential in a childs development.
I am so glad, as an adult, to see these positive notions continuing – in such a wonderful and beautifully executed way – through Margaux’s jewellery.
I can’t wait to see the collection evolve!
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Comments: 13 Comments

http://eatourbrains.com/EoB/2007/01/17/warning-barbies-were-harmed-in-the-creation-of-this-art/
Warning: Barbies Were Harmed In the Creation of This Art
January 17th, 2007 by Steven Gould
Doug Potter pointed me at these amazing pieces of jewelry.
My childhood spent with Barbie cultivated my interest in adornment. Extensive play with the doll and her miniature world strengthened my dexterity. This is a skill imperative to the art of jewelry making. Hence it feels natural for me to make art on a small scale.#p#分頁標題#e#
I enjoy the funny juxtaposition of wearing the body, on the body. Barbie has become the accessory instead of being accessorized. I take pleasure in the contrast and contradiction of something mass-produced being transformed and revealed as a unique, handmade, wearable piece of art.
- Margaux Lange
Link.

Posted in Pop. Culture, Steve | 12 Comments »
12 Responses
1. LDA Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 3:07 am
Chez creepy.
2. Caroline Spector Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 11:17 am
http://www.ttc-switch.com/Thesis_Writing/Media_Management/I love those necklaces. The Dude sent the link for that artist around the breakfast group the other day. I have a birthday coming up . . .
3. Morgan J. Locke Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Wow. Deeply disturbing, and fascinating.
4. katie cowden Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
like every good goth kid, i had a mutilated barbie head on my keychain in highschool. this is much classier, and i covet some of those necklaces.
5. Steven Gould Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I’m interested in the “disturbing” reactions which I don’t particularly share. Is this because I didn’t play with Barbie’s as a child?
Is it the juxtaposition of different parts or the fact that Barbies were cut up in this process?
6. Steven Gould Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I love the image of the Barbie head on a key chain. ¿Sin o con el pelo? Was their some sort of mounting (a post with a ring stuck inside the head) or was it like some massive piercing? Marker tatoos?
7. Steven Gould Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
And katie? Are you eschewing capitalization like ee cummings?
8. Doug Potter Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Talk about the ultimate objectification!
9. Steven Gould Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Oh. Is it the fact that we’re not talking about Barbie but women’s parts*?
I’ve never thought about Barbie as being representative of women–I mean, ewwwww–but I guess she is still a stand in.
________________________________________
* I’d point out that she includes Ken parts too, but it’s very clearly not the main focus.
10. LDA Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Speaking of Ken, reminds me of the song “Coin-Operated Boy” by Dresden Dolls…
coin operated boy
sitting on the shelf he is just a toy
but i turn him on and he comes to life
automatic joy
that is why i want a coin operated boy
http://www.dresdendolls.com/downloads_n_lyrics/lyrics/coinoperatedboy.htm
11. Bradley Denton Says:
January 17th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
I’m more of a Mr. Potato Head guy.
12. katie cowden Says:#p#分頁標題#e#
January 18th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
http://www.ttc-switch.com/Thesis_Writing/Media_Management/if i remember correctly, my barbie head had an anarchy sign on the forehead and black eyes and was held on by her hair.
and as for capitalization, my keyboard doesn’t work very well. i don’t have a nine and neither shift key functions very well. for important things i make use of the caps lock, but it is tedious.