Elements of StyleThe Sculptural Jewelry of Linda MacNeil

Elements of Style The Sculptural Jewelry of Linda MacNeil

Schantz Galleries contemporary glass

Floral Necklace and Earrings 2006

6” diameter acid polished clear glass laminated to mirrored glass · white diamond pave · polished 18k white gold · rhodium plated

Linda MacNeil's creations are important works of art that also happens to be wearable. Beginning with drawings and the elemental materials of gold, platinum, precious gemstones and glass, MacNeil meticulously sculpts intricate contemporary forms, reaching the highest technical and aesthetic standards and evoking a timeless beauty. Her unique dialog between color, form and material is what makes these fascinating works of art. MacNeil’s genius lies within the integration of essentials of art and design, architecture and nature, while acknowledging the traditions of jewelry created by Lalique, Cartier and ancient Egyptian craftsmen.

We are honored and delighted to represent the art of Linda MacNeil at Schantz Galleries.

Jim Schantz and Kim Saul 2010

Essential Flower Brooch Series 2007

3¾ x 2 x ⅜” acid polished gray, blue, purple and clear transparent glass laminated to mirrored glass · black and cream opaque · vitrolite glass · diamond details · polished 18k white gold

Linda MacNeil’s metal-and-glass sculpture and jewelry has been acquired by several prestigious museums, among them the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Detroit Institute of Arts, Michigan; and the Mint Museum of Craft and Design, Charlotte, NC. In addition, MacNeil’s artistic accomplishments have been recognized by both the Massachusetts Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Although she has worked in various formats, including sculpture, windows, and architectural installations, jewelry has been the mainstay of her career. MacNeil applies the same love of material, technical precision, and clarity of form to all her work, while meeting the additional challenge of wearability in her jewelry.

"I am greatly influenced by Rene Lalique’s jewelry, especially ancient Egyptian art to art nouveau and the art deco periods.

My challenge is to make jewelry that is significant and completely my own. Only time will tell." ~ Linda MacNeil

Brooch Series 2005 2½ x ⅝ x ½” acid polished mirrored transparent, orange and lavender polished black vitrolite glass · diamond detail · polished 14k yellow gold

Elements Neckpiece 2005

6½” diameter polished multi-colored mirror and acid polished clear glass · diamond details · 14k yellow gold

“I intend to create a free flowing orbit of elements, using form and color to emphasize the contrast within the geometry of each design.

The methods of attachment have become a texture, made obvious, in subtle if sometimes prominent ways.” ~LM

Lucent Lines Necklace 2008 3 x ⅞ x ⅜” polished clear glass and mirror · laminated aqua-blue and black vitrolite · white diamonds · polished 14k white gold

Brooch Series 2005

2¾ x ½ x ½” polished cream and black vitrolite · acid polished mirrored clear glass. rubies · polished 14k white gold

purple transparent · light purple vitrolite yellow and bright green transparent · yellow vitrolite blue transparent · light blue vitrolite bright green and yellow transparent · yellow vitrolite gray transparent glass, clear, cream · black vitrolite

Earrings 2008

2½ x ⅜ x ¼” polished transparent blue glass · acid polished clear glass · white round diamond details · polished platinum

Earrings 2009 2⅝” long x 9/16” wide white diamond details and polished 14k white gold

“It is as much an aesthetic process as it is pure work to arrive at a finished necklace." ~LM

Mesh Necklace

2009 pendant: 2½” x 2⅜” x ½” chain length: 17½” acid polished light brown and clear glass · white diamonds · polished 14k white gold.

Mirrored Glass Necklace

2005 pendant: 2½ x ¾ x ¼” acid polished pink and clear mirrored glass · white diamonds · polished 14k yellow gold

Bouquet Edition Floral Necklace 2008

pendant: 4� necklace: 7� diameter diameter acid polished, cast, green-amber pate de verre glass laminated to mirrored glass ¡ polished 18k yellow gold

Vitrolite Necklace 2008 2 x ½ x ¼” polished opaque glass; black and ivory · white round diamond detail · polished 14k white gold

Vitrolite Earrings

black and ivory vitrolite · white diamond detail · 14k white gold

Mirrored Glass Necklace

2005 1⅝ x 2⅜ x ¼” (pendant) acid polished aqua, blue, purple, polished clear mirrored glass · white diamonds · polished 14k yellow gold

I believe that plant life and the natural world contain the ultimate perfection of design and function. ~LM

back cover:

Bouquet Edition Floral Necklace 2009

7� diameter acid polished shades of purple, light gray and cobalt blue transparent glass, laminated to mirrored glass ¡ polished 18k yellow goldt

Schantz Galler i es

g l a s s

Photography: Bill Truslow

c o n t e m p o r a r y

Bouquet Edition Floral Necklace, 2008

6� diameter

3 Elm Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262 413.298.3044 www.schantzgalleries.com