The work is within - Holding Place

Materials: copper
Dimensions: 4" diameter x 2.5"

Patinated hammered copper bowl with chased and repoussed lid in patinated copper

Photo credit: Susan Hazer

Susan C Hazer
Indianapolis, IN. USA

I am passionate about creating silver, copper and glass jewelry and metalwork constructions. My heart sings and I lose track of time and am fully present when I am creating. Embarking on my artistic journey has been a magnificent adventure that started over 10 years ago with a class at the Indianapolis Art Center. After a career in human resource consulting, I now work in my own studio at the Stutz Business Center in Indianapolis, IN. I have always loved to learn and am energized when trying new techniques. I love experimenting with textures on metal and I like to explore processes that give metal depth. I prefer the asymmetrical and I like simple designs. I am inspired by nature and am particularly moved by water, water with its calm and power, its constant movement and change. I strive to create and live with an open heart.


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.