Handmade

HAND MADE

One of the aspects I love about serving on the board of the Society of Arts + Crafts is the privilege of witnessing extraordinary works of art from across the country. Gratefully, this includes jewelry and other forms of personal adornment, which are so beautifully represented in the work selected for exhibition in this catalog. The quality and variety of the work. The range of materials utilized. The sheer imagination displayed. All are truly thrilling. The mission of SA+C, since our founding in 1897, has been to support craft artists and to build awareness and appreciation of their work among the public. Over the years, our activities have evolved, but our purpose has remained steadfast. This marks our inaugural call for entry. We hoped that the call would provide an opportunity for artists to have their work evaluated by esteemed leaders in their field and showcased to collectors and the broader public. The size, diversity, and quality of the response exceeded our expectations and suggests that it did. We have more calls for entry planned across the craft mediums, so stay tuned. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and visit societyofcrafts.org to sign up for our craft news and updates.

IKatina Leodas President Society of Arts + Crafts

am delighted to debut Handmade, our inaugural exhibition catalog entitled The Nature of Imperfection: Jewelry and Adornment. We are pleased to share this exhibition in print and in electronic form, and hope that you will find contemporary jewelry and ornaments that span a range of media and techniques, while offering unique perspectives on our theme. We thank our jurors, Lynn Batchelder, Robert K. Liu, and Bella Neyman for sharing their valuable time and expertise with the Society of Arts + Crafts.

Since joining the SA+C, it has been exhilarating to participate in the CraftBoston on the Move events a series of unforgettable experiences featuring curated tours, group exhibition visits, engaging artist talks, and studio tours. These events also offer the chance to reconnect with makers, artists, old friends, and new acquaintances alike.

Our commitment to empowering artists is fundamental to our mission, demonstrated by grants, fellowships, and mentorship programs, calls for entry, and more. Moving forward, we are dedicated to further expanding our programming, emphasizing equitable access to resources for everyone. All of our programs and events directly embody the significance of our connections with art and each other, showcasing our mission bringing people and craft together.

If you have been a longtime supporter of SA+C, I sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to this legacy. If you are new to the neighborhood, we are equally thrilled to welcome you and look forward to getting to know you!

Marcia Young Executive Director Society of Arts + Crafts

THE NATURE OF IMPERFECTION

Objects made by humans are imperfect by their very nature. Writing on creativity, the British art theorist John Ruskin (1819-1900) stated that “to banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, [and] to paralyze vitality.”

1 Ruskin’s statement is the cornerstone of the Society of Arts + Crafts, established in 1897 to champion the beauty, labor, and spirit of hand craftsmanship. This publication proudly continues our commitment to this principle into the twenty-first century.

1 John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice (1851-53)

ARTISTS

Melis Agabigum

Efharis Alepedis

Eliana Arenas

Antonia Baafi

Viviana Campoverde

Beatrice Carlson

Kate Caswell

Xiao Chen

Emily Cobb

Hannah Craig

Anja Eichler

Beth Farber

Motoko Furuhashi

Christy Georg

Dawna Gillespie

Jill Baker Gower

Holland Houdek

Xiaodai Huang

Luci Jockel

Lauren Kalman

Katie Kameen

Megan Kerr

Mariambibi Khan

Youngjun Kim

Joshua Kosker

Åsa Lockner

Patcharabhorn Lueraj

Ahmad Majing

Lydia Martin

Märta Mattsson

Rebecca Neely

Ahlam Qaissi

Kendall Reiss

Helena Renner

Yuka Saito

Helena Sandström

Jocelyn Solis

Laura Stamper

Renee Zettle-Sterling

Rho Tang

Paige Van Doren

Hao Wei

Kristi Wilson

Dongyi Wu

Stephen Yusko

Eighteen (Yihan) Yuan

Isabel Zeng

Huimin Zhang

Kangyi Zhang

Caterina Zucchi

JURORS

As an artist who explores the imperfect through drawing and repetition, I was energized to see the broad range of interpretation of the theme, Nature of Imperfection While many works addressed the imperfect hand through craft, themes regarding repair, or depictions of irregularity found in the natural world, I was particularly struck by works that revealed the deeply human notions of the imperfect. These visceral works center the body and mind addressing issues of uncertainty, vulnerability, and belonging and further build tension through careful decisions about material and method.

— LYNN BATCHELDER

Award-winning jeweler, metalsmith, and teacher @lynnbatch

This competition explored a subtle and challenging theme, which required careful consideration of each submission’s merits and its potential fit within the exhibition. Consequently, judging proved to be particularly complex. The level of craftsmanship varied widely. Despite these challenges, the response from the craft community was substantial, and there were several intriguing works submitted.

— ROBERT K. LIU, PH.D. Jeweler, Co-founder and Co-editor Ornament Magazine @ornamentmag

As a juror, I was taken by the breadth of work and the many voices with whom this open call resonated. Ours was a difficult task in choosing work that spoke to innovation, craftsmanship, and of course the theme of the call. While there was also a recognition of jewelry as adornment, the work we were presented with went beyond that. I was moved by how many of the jewelers used their art as a way to express their innermost feelings on loss, body image, women’s rights, and general self-awareness. Congratulations to all those who participated and those who were selected.

— BELLA NEYMAN

Co-founder, New York City Jewelry Week @bellaneyman @NYCJewelryWeek

When a Caged Bird Sings

2019; copper, enamel, cotton cord, beeswax, wire; woven (wire), over-fired and sugar fired (enamel), knotting; 37 x 13.3 x 11 cm

2021; leather, shattered mirror, magnetic clasp; 3.5 x 3.5 x .25 in. (approx.)

MELIS AGABIGUM

EFHARIS ALEPEDIS

Chroma Green

2024; handmade brass, copper wire, acrylic rhinestones, rubber, urethane, powder coating, steel jump rings; 18 x 5 x 1 in.

Consume-Take over

2024; copper, crepe paper, yarn; 31 x 14.5 in.

ELIANA ARENAS

ANTONIA BAAFI

MICHAEL F. O’NEILL

VIVIANA CAMPOVERDE

Te Enseñaré, Mi Niña

2023; brass, embroidery thread, sterling silver, glass beads, steel screws; sketched and digitally illustrated center visuals, created wire models, moved onto brass sheet for internal forms, soldered brass wire for external filigree forms, secured with screws and earring hooks, embroidered final design in hoops; 4 x 4 in.

BEATRICE CARLSON

PorcelainScape

2024; porcelain plate bits, Lapis Lazuli, raw recycled sterling silver, handmade sterling staples; drilled, Ju Ci Chinese stapling technique; 15 x 10 x 2.5 cm

The Other

2024; sterling silver, bronze, cubic zirconia, fresh water pearls, thread; lost wax cast, fabricated; 2 x 2 x 1 in.

Princesses Necklace

2023; porcelain, glaze, silver; 23 cm

KATE CASWELL

XIAO CHEN

HONORABLE MENTION

EMILY COBB

Brace Yourself

2021; imitation pearls, steel, elastic dental wire, elastomeric bands; 2 x .5 x 13 in. (+3 in. extender)

HANNA CRAIG

Hexapodia

2022; copper, jeweler’s brass, sterling silver, 18k yellow gold, quartz with hematite and rutile inclusions, blue patina; chasing and repoussé, bezel setting, loop-in-loop chain, fabrication, prong setting; 3.5 x 2.75 x 1 in. (plus chain)

WINNER

WINNER ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

ANJA EICHLER

Magnolia (cover)

2024; glass, light-sensitive covering, copper object (hologram), wood, silver, steel wire; holography, sawing, soldering, gluing, acrylic transfer; 9 x 9 x 0.5 cm

Iris #2 (top)

2024; glass, light-sensitive covering, copper object (hologram), wood, silver, aluminum, steel wire; holography, sawing, soldering, gluing, acrylic transfer; 9 x 9 x 0.6 cm

Carduus (left)

2024; glass, light-sensitive covering, copper object (hologram), wood, silver, steel wire; holography, sawing, soldering, gluing, acrylic transfer; 5 x 10 x 0.5 cm

Holograms for Magnolia, Iris #2, and Carduus produced by Jürgen Eichler

BETH FARBER

Landscape 1

2023; hand-woven tourmaline and 20K gold beads; pendant is hand-fabricated of 22K gold and set with a multicolor tourmaline slice; 17 x 3 in.

FURUHASHI

2022; hand-fabrication tape, road segments, brass, silver, powder coat; 3 x 3 x 1 in.

MOTOKO

CHRISTY GEORG

Sacral Authority Experiment:

Sacral Attenuator/Amplifier Belt

2022; silver, copper, brass, steel, cork, leather; 28 x 29 x 29 in. (variable)

Relating to human design, this apparatus is designed to engage the body’s sacral energy center, perhaps enhancing or augmenting its authority in specific environments.

Ressurrection

2019; handmade rivets, copper, brass, wire, velvet ribbon; hand sawed, hand pierced, filed, and drawn (etchings), oxidized, ammonia/ rock salt patina, hammered, hand stamped, waxed, cold connected; 14 x 7 in.

DAWNA GILLSESPIE

TONEE HARBERT

JILL BAKER GOWER

Purple Shell Brooch

2023; waxed thread, shells, Argentium silver, stainless steel; crocheted, hand fabricated; 2.25 x 2.25 x 1 in.

HOLLAND HOUDEK

Spermatogenesis Intervention: Reproductive System Replacement Neckpiece

2021; copper, crystals (100), patina; hand-fabricated; 18 x 6.25 x 1.5 in.

Return to Aggregation: Crested Ibis

2022; recyclable aluminum (soda cans), steel; 20 x 12.2 x 3 in.

LUCI JOCKEL

Rosarium Ring

2023; Rosarium Ring honey bee wings, propolis tincture, sterling silver, archival glue; hand crafted, cast, and fabricated; 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 in.

XIAODAI HUANG

Flourish (8)

2021; gold-plated copper and bonze, historic stamping dies; stamped and welded; 8 x 8 x 1 in.

The objects were formed over castings of the face, so that they fit precisely to the contours of the face.

2023; secondhand plastic objects, steel pins; assembled and sewn; 9 x 10 x 2.5 cm

LAUREN KALMAN

KATIE KAMEEN Strand

2023; brass box, etched piece of oxidized copper, brass, copper, sterling silver, fabric, vitreous enamel; hand-stitched cushion, fabricated needles and pins; 2.5 x 1.5 x 3.25 in.

Divided

2023; sand-cast handles, forged blades; 1.5 x 8 x 1 in. Chain and button closure is fabricated from sheet and wire.

MARIAMBIBI KHAN

Tawhid (Unification) II

2023; sterling silver, porcelain, steel; handmade porcelain tiles, stitching, metal techniques; 80 x 80 x 8 mm

MEGAN KERR Kit

YOUNGJUN KIM

Forgotten Medal

2021; silver, 18k gold, 14k gold, 5k gold; made from a tank’s rail wheel chain and adorned with patterns from the Korean flag, a daily reminder of the artist’s service and a tribute to Korean culture and history; 275 x 9 mm

Inspired by the artist’s time as a Korean Army tank driver, this bracelet melds military strength with national heritage.

Non-noble

2020; silver, titanium, steel; welded marriage of metal; 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.25 in.

JOSHUA KOSKER

2022; silver, dendrite and plexiglass; assembled; 11.5 x 5.5 x 1 cm

Series 3 Kathi

2022; fabric, copper, copper wire, brass chain; folded and stacked in rows (fabric), fret work, rivet technique, soldering, sewing; half round 25 cm diameter (approx.)

ÅSA LOCKNER

PATCHARABHORN LUERAJ

AHMAD MAJING

The Holy Land

2023; copper, brass, amber, acrylic, patinas, inkjet print; 6 x 3 x 3 cm

LYDIA MARTIN

Ties That Bind

2023; sterling silver, lacquer, stainless steel pin stem; hand fabricated and constructed; 4.25 x 2.75 x 1 in.

This piece was created utilizing hollow form construction, a hydraulic press, and advanced fitting techniques.

MÄRTA MATTSSON

Maggot brooch

2024; vintage costume jewelry, clay, epoxy resin, pigments, silver; 10 x 7 x 5 cm

REBECCA NEELY

Dormancy

2023; sterling silver, 23.5 gold foil, drawn tubing; chasing and repousse, scored folds, soldering, sand blasted, Keum Boo, patina; 3 x 1.75 x .75 in.

AHLAM QAISSI

A Stone as Life

2023; local stones, used nails, silicon; 8.5 x 2.9 x 11.2 in.

KENDALL REISS

Umbrella Tree

Necklace Tablet 1

2024; glass; kiln cast; 13.25 x 13.25 x 1 in.

HELENA RENNER Wounded

2024; ready-made bodysuit, garnets, thread; sewing; 260 x 570 mm

HONORABLE MENTION

YUKA SAITO

Spiced Flowers

2021; natural spices, Polycaprolactone, hot water; kneaded, hand formed and sculpted; 15 x 12 x 4.5 in.

KOREY

KASAP

HONORABLE MENTION

HELENA SANDSTRÖM

2021; eggshell, sewing thread, pearl silk, 18K gold; hand fabricated and sewn; 25 cm (approx.)

JOCELYN SOLIS

Discomfort

2018; natural branches, beans, yarn, copper; 32 x 31 in.

This piece was inspired by the discomforting feelings/experiences that come from being a first-generation immigrant. The materials represent a cultural identity and metaphorically speak of the beauty hidden in this journey.

SANNA LINDBERG

Flying Scarab

2022; sterling silver, 22K gold, cloisonne, diamonds, chrysoprase, carnelian, and cicada wings encased in glass; 2.25 x 2.75 x .5 in.

RENEE ZETTLESTERLING

Object of Understanding

2021; cast paper pulp, copper, fabric, trim, beads; 30 x 12 x 4.5 in.

LAURA STAMPER

Echoes of Eden Atrium

2023; natural slate stone, synthetic stone, mother of pearl, sterling silver, stainless steel (pin); hand carved, inlay, hand assembled; 3.5 x 2 x .5 in.

An Offering, An Anchor

2023; forged steel, leather, silver; forging, leather work; 11.5 x 7.5 x 2 in.

PAIGE VAN DOREN

RHO TANG

The Dream Cloud 2023; silver, ox bone (food waste); silver casting, metal sand blasting, gold plating, ox bone carving and staining; 35 x 24 x 41 mm

The Nature of Imperfection

2024; deconstructed jacket, copper, steel tie tack, thread; 3 x 2 x 1 in.

KRISTI WILSON

HAO WEI

STEPHEN YUSKO

Perforated Brooch

2020; steel, 18K gold, sterling silver, stainless steel; 3.3 x 1.5 x .38 in.

DONGYI WU

Access to Unknown Worlds

2024; sterling silver, copper, steel, plastic, clay, wax thread, stainless steel; hand-building clay, weaving, metal weaving, soldering, oxidation; 4.9 x 3.2 x 2.6 in.

EIGHTEEN (YIHAN) YUAN

Be-Longing #03

2023; copper, enamel, steel, silver, horsehair; enameling, construction, fabrication, prong setting; 12 x 7.8 x 1.1 in.

ISABEL ZENG

Watchers

2024; mirrored blown glass, sterling silver, maple; 18 x 7 x 4 in.

Watchers is a series of unique eyewear crafted with mirrored hot-blown glass. The one-way mirror effect allows the wearer to see through the glass while others can only see the reflections of themselves.

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.”

MICHAEL ARRIGO

2023; 22K gold; 80 x 80 x 28 mm.

They are flowers that bloom in the dark moments of life. The gorgeous appearance is just to resist the imperfect life, even if it is only for a moment.

Lakes

2022; silver-plated rhodium; forging, polishing; 10 x 13 cm

HUIMIN ZHANG

KANGYI ZHANG

CATERINA ZUCCHI

Ivory ring

2024; Murano glass, ancient fabrics, trade beads, metallic wire; blown glass (by mouth), lampwork technique, hand sewn (insect); 8 x 5 cm

THANK YOU

This publication was made possible through the participation of jewelry and adornment artists worldwide and the generous gifts of Erica DeMarco and W.O.W. (Wonderful Ornament for Women), and Karen Rotenberg, to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

HAO WEI

VIOLA BUTI, ITALY

The Society of Arts and Crafts is dedicated to supporting and fostering talented makers in the craft field and to bringing together those who care about craft.

We cultivate a thriving, diverse community centered around our appreciation for craftsmanship. We value deep connections to materials, the intentional process of creation, and equity in the arts. This continuity of purpose and our mission of promoting joyful, creative lives through craft guide us in everything we do. We believe that craft makes the world a better place. We are grateful to everyone who supports our important efforts.

Craft improves our lives. Craft combines old + new. Craft connects us to the maker story. Craft provides new pathways for all. societyofcrafts.org

A PUBLICATION OF THE

Anja Eichler, Magnolia