Help Liz Achieve Her Metalsmithing Dreams

Brief Background: Liz started her metalsmithing journey at 19, earning a BA from UW-Eau Claire. She further refined her skills at Penland School of Craft and Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Now a passionate educator and gallery artist, she is pursuing her Master's in Metals at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, while keeping Wisconsin as her home base.

Exciting News: Liz’s art is going to Italy! Wisconsin artist Metalsmith Liz is making her international debut this fall, 2024!!! Her jewelry from the new series, Disjointed Bliss, will be featured in this prestigious exhibition. Liz needs your support to attend the artist reception on October 13th (with a travel partner) and stay long enough to get her work home safely. Help make her metalsmithing dreams a reality by donating to her GoFundMe. Breaking onto the international scene is a major milestone and it will be more impactful if she can be there in person!

Italian Exhibition Information:

I DON’T SHINE. I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.

Where: Venice, Italy

When: OCT 5 – 28, 2024 (Artist Reception: Oct 13, 2024)

Notable - The Show Runs Parallel with:

Venice Biennale and Venice Design Week

Designer: Metalsmith Liz

Title of ArtWork: Disjointed Bliss – Tiara/Necklace and Ring

View Work: @Metalsmith_Liz_From_WI

Artist Statement:

This series features two versatile pieces going to Italy: a necklace that can also be worn as a tiara, and a ring that looks elegant both directions on one’s hand.

"Disjointed Bliss" comments on humans domesticating the hydrangea plant. Could this shrub have thrived without human intervention at some point in time? This artwork prompts viewers to consider why human hands are now essential for this. Furthermore, this jewelry encourages contemplation on how disruptive human plans can be on our environment, while reminding us of nature’s calming powers and inviting us to respect the surrounding world.

The title "Disjointed" highlights human’s disruption of nature, symbolized by the sterling silver components. The intentional texture on these geometric forms represents the imperfections in human plans. The shapes were created through the technique of lost-wax casting to achieve an organic roughness on the surface, blending the silver metal seamlessly with the bronze hydrangea.

"Bliss" reflects the inner peace nature offers. The hydrangea shafts are immortalized in ancient bronze, cast directly preserving natural details. Metalsmith Liz used copper solder for bronze joinery to maintain consistent color, using silver solder only for sterling silver connections.

In conclusion, "Disjointed Bliss" delves into humanity's desire to manipulate nature while also highlighting the harmonious aspects of our relationship with the world around us. By combining handcrafted sterling silver and organic bronze elements, Metalsmith Liz celebrates life's complexities and promotes compassion through this jewelry series.

A Note From the Artist: To everyone that has made this project possible, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has been quite a jewelry journey!

View Liz's Artwork: