Innovative and Experimental: Stacey Bentley Jewelry
Innovative and experimental.
These are the words that come to
mind when viewing work created
by Stacey Bentley.
Using iron, wire, silver
and enamels this artist is changing the
face of enamel jewelry and
exploring a method of expression that
breaks away from traditional
ideas and processes.
Her work in enamel is unconventional.
Going beyond standard procedures
she creates pieces where the enamel rises
above the surface of the metal rather
than fusing onto it.
By underfiring the enamel she
produces gritty textures and matte finishes
that evoke the urban landscape.
This helps us understand her
fascination with the raw industrial
contrast of life, corrosion and decay.
Each framework she creates is also unusual.
Shapes are organic, layered and
have varied thickness. Each contributes
additional interest and texture to her designs.
Here's are examples of her work that emphasize
rich colors and unusual textures.
It gets even more intriguing when she
removes some of the enamel to reveal
the metal framework beneath.
Geometric shapes are occasionally
combined with her asymmetrical designs.
We like how she experiments with each
aspect of the metalsmithing process
as well as the enameling process.
Each structure seems haphazard yet
controlled at the same time.
For those familiar with the smooth velvet surfaces
of enamels and the painterly aspects of
its application these pieces might seem
unusual and disconcerting.
We are inspired by this artist's willingness
to push the boundaries of what jewelry should
look like and how enamels should feel.
We admire her innovations
and experimentation.
What do you think?
Category Article art to wear jewelry, enamel, enamel jewelry, handcrafted jewelry, iron wire, silver, Stacey Bentley
