I transform pieces of the North Woods into fine art jewelry, utilizing precious metals and sapphires. I am an artist first, then a jeweler.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite work is my signature Birch Bark Jewelry. As a professional fine metals caster with over 10,000 hours at the bench, I developed a process of reinforcing and directly casting real North Woods bark into metal. Each piece, rings, pendants, and earrings, etc. are mainly cast in sterling silver, accented with gold and genuine sapphires. The process immortalizes nature, capturing every detail in a refined, wearable form.
Where do you find inspiration?My inspiration comes directly from the materials I work with. After a decade of refining my process, I’m still guided by the natural curl and texture of birch bark at my bench, as well as the vibrancy of the sapphires I select. Each piece begins with these elements, allowing nature and material to shape the final form.
What would you do with $25,000?The funding would launch a brick-and-mortar wearable art jewelry gallery in downtown Eau Claire, WI. I aim to create a curated space where emerging and mid-career metalsmiths can exhibit and sell their work. This gallery would serve as a hub for collectors, artists, and museums, elevating contemporary jewelry while contributing to local tourism and building an international presence.
Vote for Metalsmith Liz to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
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