The art of Sarah Perkins

JILL BAKER GOWER. Patterned Rosette Brooch, 2009. Vitreous Enamel on copper, argentium sterling silver, stainless steel, velvet. 3 inches x 3 inches x 1.5 inches.

I create jewelry and sculpture informed by my female experience, exploring how advertisements, popular culture, beauty products, and fashion trends portray what women need or want. Ornate mirror frames, tools used for beautification, faceted gems, and the human body inspire the design of these objects. The surfaces of the work are often lace patterned and at times include actual crocheted elements. I include crochet for its lacey, frilly appearance and due to my interest in the technique, as well as because it has historically been viewed as a women’s skill. Materials such

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JILL BAKER GOWER. Golden Reflection Brooch, 2017. Argentium sterling silver, 14K gold fill wire, mirrored acrylic, 23K red gold leaf, stainless steel. 3.75 inches x 1.75 inches x 1.25 inches.

as skin-toned rubber and mirrors illustrate the human body, self-examination, and vanity. Other materials like pearls, gems, feathers, enamel, hair, silver, and gold are chosen for their aesthetic qualities, emotional resonance, preciousness, and value associations.

I aim for my work to be both beautiful and playful, and at times even absurd or humorous; it addresses my own repulsion, frustration, and at the same time attraction to gender-based expectations.

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