Artist Statements
Cast Iron Necklace Series
In the Cast Iron Necklace Series I use a blast furnace and resin bonded sand molds to cast different components in iron. These pieces are then used in a traditional jewelry format (the necklace). The industrial materials iron and steel are combined with precious materials such as silver, diamonds and pearls. The juxtaposition of these materials is intended to bring perceived notions of value into question. The appropriation of cast iron removes the material from real world industrial applications and elevates the intrinsic value. By incorporating these materials into body adornment, the elements are viewed for aesthetics of ornamentation and invite viewer interaction. My goal is to evoke contemplation about scale, decoration, material values, viewer interaction, and western society’s perceived gender roles.
Machanimal Series
The pieces in this series are miniature animal marionettes made in sterling silver and adorned with precious and semi-precious faceted stones. They are based on child like visualizations of animals and are intentionally made using simple forms paired with complex mechanisms. In the series each animal is assigned a color from a stereotype and this dictates the stones that are used in the piece. Conceptually they demonstrate that something as simple as the format of a child’s toy can be elevated in value based on material, complex design and intricate detail. They challenge the viewer’s perception of scale, preciousness, simplicity and interaction.
Mechanical Series
The Mechanical Body of Work draws inspiration from everyday machines and places mechanical elements in traditional jewelry formats. Industrial materials such as steel, aluminum, rubber and glass are often combined with precious materials such as silver, gold, diamonds and pearls. The juxtaposition of these materials is intended to bring perceived notions of value into question. The appropriation of mechanical language removes the mechanism from real world applications and miniaturizes the scale. By removing the function, these same elements are viewed for aesthetics of ornamentation and invite viewer interaction.
Visual Splendor Series
My Visual Splendor body of work employs richness of detail to evoke desire and contemplation about viewer interaction, scale, opulance, material value, the perception of decoration and the idea of handmade verses machine made. This series has inspired and informed my production line of chandelier earrings and necklaces.