Metal

Through her unique perspective as both a dancer and choreographer, Tana Acton combines air, movement and light to create pieces that are at once delicate and solid. Acton’s contemporary jewelry can be worn casually or dressed up. Each piece of fine art jewelry is created from a single “thread” of precious metal; either sterling silver, 12k gold-filled, or copper. The filament is wrapped precisely and tautly on a frame structure or “loom.” The pieces may or may not have a kinetic element housed in the structure or riding on the crossing wires. The “fabric” created has a faceted effect from the light finding each individual crossing, yet leaving space and air to breathe through each piece.

Above: Gold cuff by Tana Acton. Photo by HCCC.

Amanda Bartlett is a recent 2018 graduate and BFA recipient of Texas State University with a focus in Metals and Jewelry. Her work uses pattern and ornamentation that is informed by the excess and sensuality of Baroque cathedrals, Rococo interiors, and Moorish architecture. Color is a focal point, often in bright, bold and neon palettes.She uses Rhino CAD 3D programming software, industrial color application, and traditional metalsmithing techniques to create her wearables. Amanda has shown her work in Earrings Galore, Ware/Wear, Cold Connections, and THREE. She is currently working on a new body of work as the 3-month resident at the Baltimore Jewelry Center.

Harlan Butt is influenced by the flora and fauna of places he has lived. From the cell structure of plants and animals to the multiplicity of stars in the sky to the days in our lives, repetition gives structure to chaos. The making of art, for him, is more than a record of these things; it is part of the experience of discovering connections and part of the act of being alive.

Above: Harlan Butt, “Blue Jay Vessel.” Metal. Photo by HCCC.

Terry Fromm loses herself in the process of making. Fromm’s jewelry and metal art are constructed from a variety of metals which are often manipulated so that they mimic the looks and characteristics of softer materials. Inspired by flowing forms observed both in nature and in draping textiles, Fromm creates finely crafted jewelry and sculptural containers by transforming flat, stiff sheets of metal into simple, sculptural forms with an illusion of softness and movement. The metal is formed by hand–through hammering, heat and twisting–into elegant, casual and intriguing works of art. The resulting pieces have soft flowing contours that can stir a quiet inner sense of balance and beauty.

René Lee Henry’s jewelry is inspired by the stylized architecture from the modernist era as well as exploring the effects of time and decay on man-made structures. Combining these two influences, this body of work encompasses geometric and biomorphic forms, using hard lines along with organic colors and textures to create an architectural environment declined by age and neglect. Using polished surfaces marred with corrosion, the pieces reflect a once hopeful future that has been left in ruins.

Above: Rene Lee Henry, “Interconnected Series #5.” Mixed media. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Maia Leppo is a contemporary jewelry artist who seeks to question the traditional forms found in jewelry. By deconstructing the shape of the gem, and reconstructing the resulting template into fabricated jewelry, she questions the perception of value and the ways that value is assigned to these products. Specifically, how this value changes based on materials, trends, and personal preference.

Above: Maia Leppo, “Trumpet Necklace.” Steel and silicone. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Jera Rose Petal Lodge is a jewelry designer working to create steel and silver wire-based artworks. Her pieces range from small scale production and limited edition work to large scale sculptural jewelry pieces. The forms Lodge uses are frequently geometric in nature which utilizes patterns and repetition to create bold, graphic shapes. Design and function are her primary concerns and the strength and durability of steel allows her to create forms that are lightweight and visually delicate yet sturdy and easily wearable. Lodge often uses cold connections to introduce elements of motion, sound and playfulness into her jewelry.

Above: Jera Lodge, “Asymmetrical Necklace.” Steel and silver. Photo by Amanda Shackleford.

Caitie Sellers. Sellers’ work is informed by her observations of the many places she’s lived: from rural Virginia to Central America. She is interested in themes of urbanization, architecture, and social development. Sellers uses the local landscape to inspire her work for both the body and for the wall, drawing inspiration from free way systems, power lines, and the everyday industrialism we see past every day, but fail to recognize. “She seeks to find the familiar among common themes and ubiquitous materials such as brick, wire and asphalt. She transforms imagery of architecture and urban infrastructure into jewelry with her fine mastery of such metals as copper and silver.”

Above:  Caitie Sellers, “Rose Window Brooch.” Sterling Silver and copper mesh. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Amber Tiemann began with painting and always found herself drawn to working with color. Tiemann prefers bright, bold colors along with the use of enamel, polymer clay, resins and colored stones within her work. Crisp, strong lines enhance the modern aesthetic within her jewelry. Design inspiration comes to Tiemann in different ways; sometimes it’s from the clean lines of industrial design while mid-century modern art also has a great influence in her design process finding herself constantly inspired.

Above: Amber Tiemman, Gold druzy tear necklace and Red coral earring. Silver, coral, enamel, and swarvoski crystal. Photo by HCCC.

Laura Wood makes jewelry to express her creative interests which, for many years, has been the human body. Wood began her career in the arts studying dance. This led her to make adornments for the body, activating pleasure and enjoyment through wearing. Each piece is very much an effort in creating body-conscious work. Material exploration and the lineage of jewelry history also inspire Wood to challenge herself in the work while evolving alongside a world with new technology and processes. Wood strives to enhance the silhouette of the body and create work to be worn as a celebration of performance and adornment.

Above: Laura Wood, “Lace Brooch.” Brass, sterling silver and powdercoat. Photo courtesy of the artist.