| allan mason's handcrafted jewelry |
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+Background+
I have pursued many creative
endeavors over the years, including much time as a musician. I became actively involved
in silver work in 1996. As a long-time collector of Indian
jewelry, I had experimented with modifying certain pieces to suit
my own tastes. This led to the realization that I had
lots of ideas for pieces that were unlike what I could
find in the marketplace. The solution was
to make them myself! I bought some books and equipment, and was soon off and hammering, never to look back. It proved to me once again that people have abilities they don't know they have, and that it's never too late to find your true calling. Although, I can't help but wish I had discovered it sooner!
+Philosophy+
I've long been drawn to bracelets
in particular because, unlike many other forms of adornment,
the wearer can see and enjoy them as much or more than everyone
else. If I have a guiding philosophy, it's that I prefer concepts that are
asymmetrical in some interesting way, the designs changing from side-to-side
and end-to-end. The effect can range from subtle to dramatic. While this approach may require more design
and production energy, I believe it results in pieces
that are more interesting and more valuable over
time. I think of this aspect of my work as "the art of asymmetry". However, over the years I've learned there is great beauty in symmetry that I have enjoyed exploring as well.
+Technique+
My intention was never to create "Indian" jewelry,
although I do use many of the same techniques, and much
of my work has a sort of "spacy southwest" quality.
Most of my pieces show a lot of stamp work, patterns and textures that set my work apart. I have hundreds
of stamps to choose from, the majority of which I made myself. I use the multi-level overlay technique
frequently, and have more recently discovered the joys of riveting. And I really love heavy silver! I use lots of selective
surface oxidation to highlight the details, and I generally prefer
a softer, matte-style finish. These aspects all contribute
to the complex, abstract, and sculptural qualities you will
see in many of my designs. Occasionally I'll add
elements of 18K gold or copper; but, for the most part,
my pieces are pure sterling silver, so they are highly
wearable and enjoyable.
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