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Nature Category
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Fire and Ice
Artist: Kris Howell (Spokane, WA)
Honorable Mention, Nature
"Each year, the Spokane Jewellers' Guild has a challenge piece and this year's theme was "The Elements." In perusing my inventory, I was drawn to the fiery color and flame-like structure of these shells, and the icy look of the quartz slices [both bought at Rings & Things road shows]. I combined them with highly polished silver elements and delicate pearl accents that float like small embers rising in the steam. The silver elements were made by hammer-texturing 2x5mm flat wire for an abstract and reflective surface of differing lengths. The small pearls were reamed to float on headpins, and worked among the longer, central elements for movement. Each element was strung in a manner that is mindful of the length and natural arch in the shells. An attempt was made to hammer and bend the silver elements for size, shape (slightly wider at the bottom and arched in larger ones) and reflection from the leading edges. Attention was also paid to weight and how the necklace would lie on the shoulders without feeling heavy in front or weighty on the back of the neck. Each shell, quartz slice and silver bead was evenly matched on each side to achieve this balance. It is meant to be seen and appreciated from all angles, front to back. The toggle was made by soldering and hammer-texturing 12 gauge sterling wire." — Kris Howell
Review the 2006 contest details to see what this contestant was up against, and to start your plans for the 2007 contest!
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