Materials: Silver, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver, 24K Gold, Labradorite, Glass, Hair, Soil, Fuzz, Silk thread
Dimensions: 1 and 1/2" (38.1mm) diameter, 29" chain
Popular throughout the Middle Ages, reliquaries were “more valuable than precious stones…more esteemed than gold.” After my dog passed away, their significance led me to create a piece with contents known only to its wearer. Inspired by pocket watches and Victorian mourning jewelry, Gonzo’s locket is the result of those influences
Photo credit: Douglas Foulke
Erin L Meharg Harris
Cazenovia, New York. USA
I’ve always loved creating. The high school years produced several A+ science projects including models of a chicken embryo, zygotes and mitotic division, created in polymer and meticulously detailed.
The unexpected loss of a very special dog in 2008 led me to create the work I am best known for: memorial and commemorative jewelry.
I create reliquaries and vessels that enshrine newly sacred objects; treasured relics from a cherished pet, a special place, a memorable day.
I am a self-taught artist, and am currently in an apprenticeship, honing my craft.
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.
