Materials: Brass, abalone, glass votive holders; formed, patinated.
Dimensions: 8" x 4" x 7"
Made in 2008.
Photo credit: self
Melissa Renae Grady
Modern Mettle Studio
Denton, TX. USA
In the spring of 2012, I graduated from college with a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry. Although jewelry in particular is a relatively new interest of mine, I have always been good with my hands. I grew up playing video games with my sister, and later picked up jazz and swing as an avid saxophonist. What these two things have in common is the regular conditioning of muscle memory and reflexes. I enjoyed the many hours of practice because it allowed me to develop a dexterity and finesse which, in turn, left me with a feeling of accomplishment for having mastered whatever goal I had been working on.
As I become more friendly with regular commission work, I have discovered that I really enjoy presenting people with something I made that gives them happiness. Adornment is used to define the image individuals project of themselves into the world, and jewelry choices for oneself or loved ones are a very personal affair. I very much like the idea that the service I provide is helping people cultivate their own sense of style while wearing something unique and beautiful that belongs to no one else in the world but them.
Now that I have completed my formal studies and taken some time off to decompress, in 2013 I am focusing on developing my new body of work into something more refined: elegant but playful and suitable for everyday wear.
Materials: Brass, abalone, glass votive holders; formed, patinated.
Dimensions: 8" x 4" x 7"
Made in 2008.
Photo credit: self
Melissa Renae Grady
Modern Mettle Studio
Denton, TX. USA
In the spring of 2012, I graduated from college with a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry. Although jewelry in particular is a relatively new interest of mine, I have always been good with my hands. I grew up playing video games with my sister, and later picked up jazz and swing as an avid saxophonist. What these two things have in common is the regular conditioning of muscle memory and reflexes. I enjoyed the many hours of practice because it allowed me to develop a dexterity and finesse which, in turn, left me with a feeling of accomplishment for having mastered whatever goal I had been working on.
As I become more friendly with regular commission work, I have discovered that I really enjoy presenting people with something I made that gives them happiness. Adornment is used to define the image individuals project of themselves into the world, and jewelry choices for oneself or loved ones are a very personal affair. I very much like the idea that the service I provide is helping people cultivate their own sense of style while wearing something unique and beautiful that belongs to no one else in the world but them.
Now that I have completed my formal studies and taken some time off to decompress, in 2013 I am focusing on developing my new body of work into something more refined: elegant but playful and suitable for everyday wear.