Just Playing

Put A Ring On It
ZUZU studio gallery
June 12- July 6
Opening Reception- June 12, 6-9pm (Second Saturday)

ZUZU pulls out all the stops to showcase over 100 eye-catching, handmade rings ranging from demure to outrageous. Channel your inner diva as you experience the most innovative and unexpected collection of one-of-a-kind hand candy seen this side of the Delaware.

This ring is a little older. It was made for an assignment while I was at UArts. We were given a chunk of turquoise to carve and were told to make a "Power Ring". I decided to do minimal carving on the stone. The elk was originally a plastic toy, like in most of my other work, but it wasn't sturdy enough to hold the stone, nor would the delicate plastic function very well as a ring. I added some extra "meat" to the bottom of the elk's legs and cast him in 10k gold to make him sturdier. Although the ring functions, it is also top heavy and awkward and tends to tilt to either side. I really love the stoic (and masculine) imagery and the way the imagery contrasts the actual absurdity and awkwardness of wearing the piece.

Stoic- 10k gold, sterling silver, turquoise

This piece reminds me of the way I approach/treat most of my work. I take my work very seriously. Making these things is not an option, not a "hobby", and it is not always fun. It is very important to me that the work is impeccably made, it functions as jewelry, it is made with intelligence *, and it is beautiful. At the same time I try not to take myself too seriously, and I can't resist poking fun with very objects I make. The irony, a sort of inherent absurdity in making really expensive toys.

*Judith Schaechter