Early on I saw similarities between Sculpture Foundry and Metalsmithing Jewelry. In both cases an idea transforms from concept to reality out of carved wax and burnable objects. The original is plaster coated, kiln fired, and molten metal is poured it into the negative space. I discovered that jewelry and sculpture could be interchangeable when I bridged the two together, creating a new body of work: wearable art jewelry + small sculpture = Sculpturings.
My methods involve a process called kitbashing, where I assemble wax and found burnable objects reminiscent of childhood toys, game pieces, organic materials, and imported miniatures to convey a narrative or story. Recycled objects and elements find their way into the mix and new life is breathed into discarded items that become precious metals, literally turning trash into treasure.
While emphasis on functional design is present, sculptural form and substance of message takes priority, whether politically, allegorically, or satirically driven. My rings offer extended experiences that spread beyond the wearer; when a piece is worn in public, it’s eye catching to others that come in contact with the wearer. A dialogue is sparked about the ring as an observer asks the wearer what the piece means. This opens discussion about the message and narrative of the piece, encouraging an exchange of communication, opinions, and ideas between two people. This extended experience is powerful, effective, engaging, and is the main motivation behind my overall body of work.
Each piece is shown with magnifying glasses and its own professional display which frames and finishes the ring in a gallery setting. A hand blown glass cloche dome, black acrylic base, and armature. Underneath the base, a circular aluminum plate is engraved with the piece’s title, medium, weight, artist signature, year, and edition number. In addition, the signed, fingerprinted, numbered, and dated documentation for provenance (including piece specifics, exhibitions list, etc.), completes each ring as a fully realized work of art as both sculpture and jewelry, from conception to execution.
www.sculpturings.com
