Reticulation with Liver-of-Sulphur Patina

I love the look of reticulated metal and the jewelry I've made with it, but lately I've felt the need to play with it a little more.  So I thought it would be fun to really work with the texture by using liver of sulphur on the metal and then highlighting the baubles with a high shine.  The effect is wonderful!

This ring was the first experiment with the oxidizing effects of liver of sulphur and it's quite striking.  The apricot sapphire glows with the shine of silver surrounding it, while the blackened background sets a real mood. 

In this pin, I experimented with using less patina--I sanded away a lot of the black from the surface with steel wool, while allowing it to stay deep in the grooves of the highly textured surface.  I'm intrigued by the watery feel to this piece.

I'm loving this cuff!  The overlap, sprinkled peridot gemstones, and shiny baubles are set off by the blackened background.  I think this combination has a lot of potential and I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing with this new direction. 

MCA Master Craft Artist Award 2013

I am honored and pleased to have been asked to create the Master Craft Artist pin for 2013's recipient Theresa Secord, a Penobscot basket maker from Waterville, Maine.  As MCA Exective Director Sadie Bliss says, "Secord was selected for this award equally for a career of excellence in her own craft work as well as deep contributions to craft in Maine, specifically support of native basket makers.  The Maine Crafts Association is proud to join a long list of organizations and institutions, such as the Maine Arts Commission and First People's Fund, who have recognized how Secord's basketry, dedication, relationships, and arts administration skills have contributed to traditional craft in Maine and throughout the United States."

I decided to play with my reticulated series and split the pin to create negative space.  I also liked the idea of joining pieces to make a whole.  Here's how the pin came together:

I hope Theresa will respond to the textural surface design, along with the addition of the shiny silver balls and 10x8mm black lace agate. 

This is the back of the pin--highlighting the award and event.  Supporters of Theresa Secord, Maine Indian Basket Makers Alliance, and the Maine Crafts Association are invited to attend the award ceremony Thursday, May 9th, during a special reception at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.  The public is invited to attend the award presentation from 6:30-­‐7:30pm, which will include the pin presentation. 

I am truly honored to be a part of such a special event!