Metalwork: New Skills

I’m thinking about 2019 when someone referred to me as a metalsmith and I didn’t know who they were taking about. I viewed metalwork as another form of art that I did. I didn’t know much about metalsmithing practices and techniques. It’s very much in my blood to pick something up or make something up without caring what it’s called or thinking that it’s a thing. I’m thinking especially about my mother when I say this. The success of Blakbird Jewelry led me to my first studio space in 2020. Being connected to other artists and designers helped me to learn about new ways of working with metal. This opportunity has given me the space to take my focus off of production and design and just really get to know metal. I’m remembering why I love this medium so much. It is strong and it makes me feel strong to move it. It’s natural element that we need to interact with as human beings. This year I decided to move my studio into my home. This particular apartment has been a very safe place for me and I realized after a period of frustration that this is where I needed to be. There are some techniques that I was anxious about learning but I am finding that I’m not so easily frustrated. There is always a tool or a machine that can help to solve a problem. I have time to explore and I can put those practice pieces into other work for the Memoranda and Blakbird Jewelry. Also, I have a great teacher!

For a long time I have imagined that I have a group or groups of ancestors that were skilled in metalwork. I’m particularly interested in lost wax casting techniques used in West Africa as seen the Benin Bronzes and Akan gold. There is an interesting connection with ironwork in New Orleans and West African blacksmithing that I hope to explore in the coming year.