Pushing Borders

About two years ago I thought about engraving ~ a LOT. After acquiring my 'air assist' equipment as an investment in my 60's, I knew I didn't have the years to become a master engraver, but I did have the years to challenge myself, becoming better at what I do... working on MY aesthetic. At that time I didn't know exactly what it meant, and I still don't, as these years of making are on a continuum. I just keep working at "it".

As I think about engraving as a means to decorate a surface, I think about design as a way to fill a space ~ a specific space with borders and confines. What would happen if my engraving went off the surface, away from confines? This is what has driven my new series. 

From tracings of radial botanical designs, actual pendants that I engraved, I began making continuous design tracings using part or all of the radial designs. These designs were then transferred onto metal, ready to engrave... whatever the space, without concern about borders.

I'm still interested in creating depth, both real and implied, through layering metal, shading lines and stippling, and piercing. In June I will be taking a class on deep relief engraving, which I'm hoping will increase my ability to create new levels of depth through sculpting.

By using my own botanically-themed drawings, there are so many possibilities for application! While jewelry is my focus, it's almost a by-product of what's going on with my creative process. But without this end product, I wouldn't be doing this work.

My love of metal and jewelry will always push me creatively and keep me thinking.