ABOUT
Handfabricated Badassery in Metal + Mud
How it started...
People say my work is "badass" and when they try my pieces on they say, "This makes me feel like a badass!!"...especially the "statement" rings, so in a way...I am kind of a #badassenabler.
I began working with metal in 2011 during my decades-long graphic design career. Metalsmithing gave me an outlet to produce tangible designs after years developing digital marketing content. I draw inspiration from my surroundings (and sometimes the critters I encounter) along with the moon, music, and the meanderings of my mind while running and running around. When I am not at the bench or running around, I might also be found down many a rabbit hole (either nose in a book or in my head) on topics of esoterica, art + jewelry history, gemstones, and archaeology relating to any and all of the them.
How it's going...
Sidelined by a broken wrist in late 2023, I had to put my plans on "getting dirty" off for a year plus. But the spring of 2024 had me with my hands firmly planted in mud. While wheel throwing requires being present, breathing, and letting go...uh, hem...it's no surprise I naturally gravitated to handbuilding. Handfabricating in metal as in mud requires a similar set of steps and processes to bring an idea to life. Once I made that connection, things didn't seem so "muddy" any more (I even save almost every last scrap of clay as I do my silver + gold). Clay has given me the opportunity to make badassness on a bigger scale. And, ceramics has added to the list of rabbit holes you may find me down like glaze combinations (mostly) and building techniques.
My jewelry and stoneware compliment each other in a way that came about organically and now each influences the other equally. I would describe my workin both mediums as timeless or, perhaps, even from another time...and as maybe a little on-trend, yet trendless. I make pieces that speak to me - pieces I want to wear myself or have in my home - but, I hope, also speak to you that you want to adorn and surround yourself with also!!
GIA AJP
Applied Jewelry Professional Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America
COMAG Board Member at Large
Central Oregon Metal Arts Guild
SNAG Member
Society of North American Goldsmiths
Sometimes its cool to be a follower...
Instagram is the best place to follow along in the "bench made" process and you get to peep pieces before they are listed and other cool stuff.
IG: @littlecrownbenchmade
FB: @LCxBM