Artist Statement:
As a metalsmith and artist, my work is a direct result of my reverence for nature and my surroundings. Each morning, my long walks provide the inspiration for my art, as I observe the intricate details, shapes, and textures of leaves, flowers, and the hidden patterns of trees and the botanical world around me. I am endlessly fascinated by the contradiction of transforming hard metals like silver, gold, copper, and brass into objects that mimic the softness and asymmetry of nature.
In the studio, I rely on my hands to shape and texture the metal using techniques such as forging, chasing, and using impression dies. By hammering the surface to create the veins of a leaf or using impression dies to imprint a fragile botanical specimen, I capture and preserve fleeting moments of organic beauty. My goal is to create objects that encourage a closer look, revealing the magical interplay of form, texture, and light, and fostering a deeper connection to the quiet beauty that surrounds us..
Photos by Tom Gross