Materials: Sterling silver, copper
Dimensions: 5"x4"x5"
The symbol etched on the inside of the cup is Metatron’s Cube, the symbol of the Voice of God. By drinking from the cup, one is able to speak better.
Reverse plating etched sterling silver, Raised copper and silver bowls, Ammonia sawdust patina on copper, Fabricated
Photo credit: Keith Meiser
Andy Lark Vernacchia
Bowling Green, Ohio. USA
I am an escapist, both in my art and in my life. I think the term “escapist” has an undeserved negative connotation. I wake up to get to work on time, I get that work finished properly, and in a timely fashion, and I manage my time to pursue a health social life as well as any other person. But I know more, see more, and be more than I am or could ever be, based on the laws of this universe. Is that wrong? Isn’t desire a fundamental human instinct? I don’t crave power or money or any form of debauchery or debasement. I wish instead to explore every part of the world, to fly without the aid of machines like a bird does, or to be able to sculpt the clouds in the sky. That is what drives my art - a primal curiosity about the world and the innate fascination that the human mind has with it.
I work primarily in metal because I find merit in its nature - it is just as stubborn as I am, however, it lacks the ability to use tools to mold me to its will. Metal is lasting and durable, and, as a craftsman at heart, I wish to make something excellent that will last and be durable, as a testament to my life; as a sign that I existed and had an effect on something.
These containers and vessels definitely hold their place in the world of stunning art objects as well as in the world of metalsmithing.
Since the dawn of time humans have created containers to hold things that were important to them, from large vessels to hold food and harvests to intimate containers for small precious things. They might hold memories, ashes, medicine, beverage, fruit or food - but all spring from the imagination and skill of the maker. Some have specific religious functions, some are meant for everyday use. When one thinks of a vessel or container the inclination is to think of something with solid walls - yet many of these works involve the exploration of positive and negative space, and the use of negative space to help create the illusion of the wall of the vessel.
As the world’s largest jewelry related internet site, Ganoksin strives to develop exhibitions showcasing work from around the world. This exhibition was open to all metalsmiths, professional and amateur, advanced and beginner. Participants are from The Netherlands, the USA, Canada, Australia, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Colombia, Romania, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia and Denmark. While most of the pieces are by an individual metalsmith, some are collaborations, one of three artists spanning 50 years.
In total 319 artists contributed 729 show pieces for the permanent online exhibition.
Objects in the exhibition include boxes, lockets, urns, ash containers, bowls, wine cups, reliquaries, match holders, vases, teapots, pitchers, sugar bowls, baskets, nests, pillboxes, clutches and a range of sculptural forms. A variety of techniques are showcased covering a wide range of metalsmithing techniques. Materials used include everything from gold and silver to less expensive metals. Ornamentation includes the addition of enamel, chasing and repousse’, gemstones and found objects.
The exhibition was curated by Beth Wicker, President of the North Carolina Society of Goldsmiths in the United States, and Adjunct Instructor at Northeastern Technical College in South Carolina. Director of the exhibition is Hanuman Aspler, founder of The Ganoksin Project, the world’s largest internet jewelry site.
http://www.ganoksin.com/exhibition/var/albums/HoldingPlace2013/Cup.jpg