Donna Veverka
Through my work, I consider various ways in which jewelry becomes a talisman that can transport the wearer to a time and place of personal memory. A wearable object can refer both to History, and to visiting or inhabiting an ancient site. I explore how the sensory experience of certain materials: the weight, the tactile feel, the sense of scale, can allow one to have a conversation with the past.
Wrought Iron Gates, door hinges, riveted fences and forged chains have interested me for years. In my travels through Italy, Spain and France I always find myself drawing and photographing the fantastic metalwork. The forged decorations focused on how they could be both solid and durable but seem visually light and decorative with their splits, curves and thinning spirals. I found, for me, it was the "directness" of both how the metal was hammered to shape it as well as how it was firmly anchored with broad rivets and wide strapping. I am channeling the language and strength of blacksmithing by hand forging Sterling silver jewelry.