Materials: Brass, Silver, Swarovski crystals
Dimensions: 2-1/4" diameter, 1/2" high
A small round pillbox inspired by rose windows in Gothic architecture. Pierced silver overlaying brass, with tube set Swarovski crystals. Silver hinge and clasp.
Photo credit: Kristine Hollingsworth
Kristine R Hollingsworth
Conestoga, PA. USA
I didn’t start my educational journey until I was 40. Although I knew I wanted to major in art, I wasn’t sure which area my concentration would be in. It was after taking a studio course in metals and fine jewelry that I was smitten and knew that THAT was to be my niche. Being able to take a cold, hard material and use heat and tools to form it was fascinating to me. The variety of textures that could be replicated in the metal was endless.
I enjoy designing jewelry that echoes the textures found in nature and our environment. Combinations of metals are of special interest to me, as well as concentric forms. The aspect of turning a flat sheet of metal into a wearable art form with flowing lines and softness is something I never tire of. The sparkles and shine are just icing on the cake!
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.
