As an artist, the creative process is my playground. And, like many artists, I find joy in exploring multiple mediums to express my vision. Just as a painter might blend pastels, watercolors, acrylics, or oils to bring their imagination to life, I combine various techniques and materials to craft my own unique masterpieces. While my canvas is metal, my tools and techniques are as varied as the colors on a painter’s palette. Today, I’d love to take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the diverse and intricate processes that bring my wearable art to life.
Foundation: Metal Fabrication
This is where I first fell in love with metal art. My journey with silver jewelry is rooted in the traditional craft of fabrication and you’ll see these foundational skills used throughout my work. Transforming the blank canvas of metal into beautiful pieces of jewelry is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Sawing, hammering, drilling, filing, and soldering form the backbone of my art. As the metal begins to take shape, I work with hand tools, small equipment, and fire to meticulously craft each piece with precision and care.
Connection: Wirework
While I’m not specifically a wire wrapping artist, wirework does play a role in my jewelry, especially my beaded chains. Wireworking involves manipulating metal wire to create patterns, loops, and connections that can hold and showcase beads, stones, or other elements. This process requires patience and dexterity, as each twist of the wire must be just right to ensure both strength and beauty. For me, wirework is about creating connections, linking together the different elements of a piece to form a cohesive and harmonious whole.
Alchemy: Sand Casting
There’s something truly magical about the ancient technique of sand casting, a method I discovered and fell in love with last year. Sand casting involves creating a mold from delft clay (a special type of fine-grain sand) into which molten metal is poured. Silver is melted until it flows like liquid, then I pour it into the mold and watch as it solidifies into a new shape. Each casting is unique, rich with texture and character. Sand casting allows me to create pieces that feel raw, organic, and deeply connected to the earth.
Versatility: Precious Metal Clay
The latest addition to my artistic toolbox is Precious Metal Clay (PMC), a medium that’s opened up exciting new possibilities for my work. PMC is a unique material composed of tiny particles of metal mixed with an organic binder. I shape, sculpt, and texture it to create intricate designs with fine details that would otherwise be challenging with traditional fabrication techniques. Once the piece is ready, I fire it to burn away the binder, leaving behind a solid piece of fine silver. The versatility of PMC allows me to merge the worlds of sculpture and metalwork in a way that feels both innovative and deeply personal.
And My Journey Continues...
My artistic journey is one of continual evolution, and I’m always seeking out new techniques and mediums to expand my creative horizons. Each method I’ve learned – whether it’s the foundational skills of metal fabrication, the intricate connections of wirework, the alchemy of sand casting, or the versatility of PMC – adds a new layer to my craft, allowing me to create pieces just for you that are rich in meaning, texture, and beauty.
As I continue to grow and explore as an artist, I’m excited to share these creations with you. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
Let’s Make Our World Beautiful, Together!
Wanda
