People’s Choice Award
This award ran in challenges from Spring 2019 to Fall 2022 and was chosen by the public from the Certificate of Merit awards. It was discontinued in 2023.
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Paula McDowell, Holly Cromwell and Wendy Malinow.
Queen Yaa Asantewaa – Pendant
What was your inspiration?
Queen Yaa Asantewaa was a strong and inspirational leader who led her womenfolk in a rebellion to protect the Sacred Golden Stool from invaders. She was exiled from her land, the Ashanti Empire now Ghana, to the Seychelles where she lived the final twenty years of her life. The Golden Stool was never found by the invaders. She and the Golden Stool are important legends in her country and for women everywhere. In this pendant she is sleeping and dreaming of the Baobab forest and its critters who are protecting the Golden Stool.
Juror comments:
Great story and connection to the challenge! Excellent stylization and execution on the front face of Queen Yaa Asantewaa, as well as the fine details on the reverse side showing her dreaming of her home. Great use of the gold to draw the eye to the Golden Stool. Your photographs are good but I recommend that you crop your photos to make your piece stand out. Also you have a lot to say on the back, your piece would look better larger so you can fit all the wonderful bits without looking crowded.
Good composition depicting this particular lore. Sculpting on both sides is well done. Love that the forest scene and elements of the story are hidden in the back. More to the story, or meets the eye, so to speak. The patina and finish works well with the concept. The photos don’t do the piece justice though. Nice work!
Love the “hidden detail” on the back. The piece is well executed and represents the legend nicely.
Photo credit: Artist Own
WINNER Intermediate
What was your inspiration?
My inspiration for the Goddess ring was from a cruise to Greece and Italy, where all the Greek and Roman statues loomed large and represented the past and it’s power. I was on the trip with five girlfriends who are all goddesses in their own right. They are strong, and use their love to uplift everyone around them. My plan is to have this ring cast for my goddess girlfriends as a symbol of our friendship, and as a reprensentation of the goddess powers they possess. I will ask each of my friends, which of the goddesses they represent (Hera, Athena, Aphrodites, Artemis, Vesta, Bellona, Demetra, Selene to name a few).
Juror comments:
Beautifully crafted with superb sculpting skills. It embodies the saying, “less is more”. The finish work is also superior with nothing left undone.
Nice design and sculpting. Both design and sculpting are effective bringing the inspiration to life. I have been to Greece four times and this evokes the statues, also the ancient coins and seal rings. Good job! Photo is nice too.
Beautifully crafted and finished.
Photo credit: Artist Own
What was your inspiration?
Japanese legend of the origin of pearls and their guardian sea serpent .
“His destiny was mapped out in his genes. He would be the next keeper of the dark waters. He would be the watcher, protecting the Guardian Fields until his very last breath. Each of the pearls, with their unique shade, lying there ever growing had a different destiny, all of its own. The oysters had come from the depths on that magical night each to capture a single tear given as a gift from the Moon Goddess herself returning to the depths to be planted, cared for and nurtured by the warrior Sea Dragon and his Sirena”
Juror comments:
This is a expertly hand sculpted piece, which is beautifully executed, showing great movement in its flowing design. The strong facial features embody a Sea Dragon!
Nice sculpting going on. The pearl is perfect for this story. Fine detail, nicely hightlighted from the patina. Definitely captured the serpent character. Also, a bonus is the hand fabricated chain. Always a mark of jeweler craftsmanship. Nicely done.
Love this well executed sculptural piece. Nicely designed and finished.
Photo credit: Artist Own
Dalila Malek, UK
Intermediate
Wizz Stearne, UK
Advanced
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Nancy Miller, Kate Qualley Peterson and Karen Trexler.
WINNER Beginner
Dissonant Harmony – Pendant
What was your inspiration?
My pendant “Dissonant Harmony” is an attempt to encapsulate the interplay of contrasts and unity. My inspiration is to demonstrate the exquisite balance between stark disparities, reminiscent of the intriguing concept of dissonant harmonies in music.
Juror comments:
You’ve nailed both opposite and contrast. I had a hard time believing this submission was from a beginner. I expect to see more wonderful work from you.
Original and unique in design, I enjoy this composition. I enjoy the organic texture and how it is incorporated.
This piece captures the contrast/opposites challenge aspects very clearly. It also balances them by including the textured/patinaed element along with the shiny/smooth and vice versa. Bezel set CZ is nice workmanship, especially for a beginner.
Photo credit: Artist Own
WINNER Intermediate
What was your inspiration?
Day and night, a permanent run, moon and sun opposites but however, always together. Each day of our life is a journey, a journey from dark to light…
Juror comments:
I really love the theme and inspiration behind this piece, as it was very thoughtful considered and represented. Nicely done.
The sun/moon contrast captures the challenge theme, but I also saw the contrast between the raised stone elements and the pierced areas that they would fit into as a contrast.
I like the thought that went into creating this piece as well as the workmanship.
Photo credit: Ciprian Chiripuci
WINNER Advanced
What was your inspiration?
The dendrites in the quartz, resembling the bare branches of winter, were the inspiration for this neckpiece, and they contrast with the ‘flight’ of the green willow leaves that surround that quartz. The first trees to leaf out after winter in the northeastern United States are the willows, whose chartreuse leaves encourage those sweet trees and humans to believe that true spring is almost upon us. Thus, the title, because, even in the depths of winter, we and the trees can dream of the bright green possibilities of spring.
Juror comments:
Exquisite all around- I love the asymmetrical balance as it provides for a dynamic and active balance to this lovely necklace. The vibrant enamel complements the stones and the chain and clasp connections are all well considered. Very well done.
Very detailed. I would have loved to know more about your process.
Beautiful piece with an interesting approach to the contrasts by including them in the stones as well as the enamels on the metal clay elements. Lovely balance between left and right as well.
Photo credit: Evan J. Soldinger
Rae Evans, UK
Intermediate
Sue Lokaj, USA
Intermediate
Nancy Heise, USA
Advanced
Kim Struve, USA
Advanced
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Cindy Silas, Melanie West, Amy Tavern
House Martin in Flight – Pendant
What was your inspiration?
Every year the house martins return to their nests under the eaves of our house in April.
They have journeyed all the way from Africa to raise their young undergoing many hardships. My pendant is a depiction of a house martin in flight.
Juror comments:
Nice use of openwork in your piece. I especially like the pale blue stone you chose for the eye. Light and suggestive of a flying martin.
The silhouette is light and airy, perfect for a bird in flight.
Beautiful, poetic composition. Excellent use of pattern, texture, negative space, and visual movement. The faceted stone for the eye of the bird is a thoughtful detail. As you learn more, start to add greater dimension on all sides.
Photo credit: Artist Own
Octopus’s Garden – Cuff
What was your inspiration?
I am often drawn to the sea, its imagery and meanings, and this piece was inspired by the lifecycle of the octopus.
A mother octopus lays her eggs, and then tends them, washing them, aerating them, protecting them from predators. The teardrop beads symbolize the eggs, attached to a reef, on the cusp of hatching. Once the babies are born, however, the mother dies.
Thus her journey ends when that of her offspring begins. The cuff itself – its shape – symbolizes this cycle of life, birth and death.
Juror comments:
The octopus eggs are wonderful, as is your lovely octopus. An octopus mother’s journey is both heroic and sad. The only thing that might capture that more would be bringing the mother to the eggs, as opposed to separating them. But it’s also interesting to have them on either side of the bracelet opening. Tough choice.
Imaginative, well-executed design. Great use of dimension and addition of non-metal materials, keen attention to detail. Lots of visual movement.
Beautiful and original design with several layers of imagination and talent built into it. Well done!
Photo credit: Artist’s Own
The Truth Seeker – Pendant
What was your inspiration?
“The Truth Seeker” is a story about the journey to find the Truth – the answer to that unnamed question about the fabric of the Universe, or maybe about who we are, what we do here… Or maybe these are all the same one question we don’t even know how to form in the right way, but we all feel the yearning for the answer.
It’s also a story about getting to the Truth – whatever it is – the two ways – the more intellectual one and the one blooming straight from our heart, leading to the Truth through weird and unexpected meanders of feelings and premonitions. None is better than the other. They might lead to the same Truth. Or maybe nowhere.
Juror comments:
Beautifully executed design, that speaks clearly to me of the journey towards Truth. I love the maze that fills the seeker’s head, ending in a beautiful piece of amber (the gold behind really kicks it up nicely). Well done.
Beautiful piece. Strong composition that is well-balanced with both symmetry and asymmetry, structured and curving lines.
Compelling narrative design. Excellent technical skills. Nice segue from one motif to another.
Photo credit: Artist’s Own
Mary Anne Locksmith, USA
Beginner
Nancy Heise, USA
Intermediate
Terry Brau, USA
Advanced
Danielle Ferreira, USA
Advanced
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Laura Roehl, Ellen Jean Cole, Ronna Sarvas Weltman
I love your concept! Keep working on your refining skills for a more uniform finish. Taking a photo with your phone and enlarging it will help you see all the areas that need extra refining before firing.
This is lots of fun, and I like that the locket is detailed inside too. I’m not sure why the top loop is there. The loop around the flower would be more congruent with the rest of the design if it were textured or embellished in some way. That way it wouldn’t look like an afterthought. Lovely charming voice in this piece.
Photo credit: Artist Own
Garden Bell Necklace
I see beautiful textures,critters with movement and a moving bell for lovely happy sound
Beautiful. The photos and the presentation need work.
Pretty piece with lots of delightful detail. I spent a bit of time trying to figure out why this had two parts before I realized it was a mirror image in the photo. Be kind to jurors and retailers. Refrain from doing that again!
Photo credit: Artist’s Own
Nicely polished and designed with great textures,stones and movement
Beautiful bracelet! Along with the hinges, the texture, varying shapes, and stone placement gives added movement to your piece. Clever toggle clasp. Excellent photography and presentation as well.
Beautiful craftsmanship. The design keeps my eye moving back and forth. Love the clasp.
Photo credit: John Higby
Juror comments:
Beautiful stone, textures and movement as you wear it.
Beautiful piece! Great proportions from the thickness of the chain to every detail of your piece. Doming your pendant was a great decision. The textures work very well with the opal. Excellent use of patina. Keep it up!
Lovely craftsmanship, and the chain goes perfectly with the piece. Simple but elegant.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Nancy Heise, USA
Intermediate
Holly Cromwell, USA
Intermediate
Donna Yutzy, USA
Advanced
Danielle Ferreira, USA
Advanced
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Patrice Baker, Pam East, Tamara Honaman
Sleeping Beauty Castle – Pendant
Juror comments:
This design is so fun and playful. The theme is well carried out and draws the viewer in. I want to visit this garden! Consider including loops in your metal clay design, so your stringing material can be connected in a more secure manner. When using jumprings, be sure they are closed properly. This ensure a more secure closure, less snagging on the wearer/clothing, and a more professional finish.
The minute I saw this I could hear “Once upon a time” in my head. combined with the colorful stones and colored resin this piece is very whimsical and joyful. I would have liked to see the back of the piece to be able to judge the workmanship, however this appears very good for a beginner entry. It definitely fulfills the “story telling” theme.
I like the consistent attention to detail that you have incorporated. The second photo is very confusing, is it an additional piece? the back? Where did the chain go? It shows the story, but its a struggle to make sense of the piece as a whole.
Photo credit: Radu Calin Crahmaliuc
WINNER Intermediate
Juror comments:
Exquisite design and execution. Very original use of coral and resin to create a visually striking piece. Finish work spot on. The inscription combined with the design tells a definite story.
A beautiful story and nice integrated use of PMC techniques. Quiet and clear in design. Nice work!
This piece clearly tells the connection to a person of significance. The pendant is very nicely made with a clean cohesive look. Thank you for showing the back, without it, the story wouldn’t be clear. The curled up silver wire holding the pearls is problematic. It looks like it could easily get caught on something, and unwind. The whimsical nature of it doesn’t quite match the strong, solid permanence of the pendant. I very much like that the coral is being protected.
Photo credit: Artist’s Own
Juror comments:
Outstanding sculpting and silver refinement! And most definitely tells a story! I was drawn in. Really good photography. Would have liked to see the back.
The details, the finishing and the polish are all on point. well done!
This piece demonstrates considerable skill and attention to detail. The message is a significant statement. I would have very much liked a photo of the back of the piece.
Photo credit: Artist’s Own
In a Secret Garden
Very good story telling. The lush garden invites you in to explore. Good use of gold accents. A bit visually overwhelming. there is nowhere for the eye to rest. Perhaps having the lettering on the inside cover on smooth background instead of textured. Overall great job!
The texture – embossing and de-bossing, layers, construction and refined work sing in this design.
This is a sweet book locket with lots of detail and many components. I would like the hinge connection on the middle knuckle to be a little cleaner. The story being told is evident by the carefully done lettering. I would like to see the back panel completed a little more simply, to give a bit of relief from the very busy front and middle.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Ellen Jean Cole, USA
Intermediate
Ellen Jean Cole, USA
Intermediate
Pam Feindel, Canada
Intermediate
Karen Hedden, USA
Intermediate
Lisa Johnson, UK
Advanced
Stephanie Zier, USA
Advanced
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Anca Cramaliac, Patrik Kusek, Angela Crispin
WINNER Beginner
Pendant
Juror comments:
The piece is entirely focused on the gorgeous opal. I like how the silver frame enhances the beauty of the stone, enabling the alchemy between the metal and the crystal. The back of the piece is also nicely executed and seems to have its own story so that I believe that the pendant can be eventually reversible.
Nice design. Especially love that the back is as beautiful as the front
Geometric designs are no easy test in metal clay, much less with a stone or glass element, due to shrinkage. The design works well. Very nice attention to the back. Overall successful design and execution.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
WINNER Intermediate
Sorcers’s Scroll – Pendant
Great concept and well thought out details.
Very interesting piece, with the hidden treasure and both elements opening. Very interesting surprise to have the parchment scroll inside the tube.
Photo credit: Artist’s Own
WINNER Advanced
Artemisia Liberata – Necklace
Juror comments:
I love the way this necklace tells a story related to Artemisia Gentileschi , one of the most prominent post Caravaggio painters. Her struggle as woman artist, her self transformation is a great interpretation of the alchemy theme. The necklace itself is very beautiful incorporating such a wide range of materials besides silver clay. It is very nice that each inclusion has its meaning. The lava cameo especially is a smart suggestion to Artemisia’s artistic interests. The enamelled wings are not only very beautiful but support the idea of liberation and transformation. Very nicely executed piece, on both sides.
Excellent concept and execution. Beautiful craftsmanship. Love the multiple elements used to tell the story.
Elegant and beautiful use of symbols. The wings of the clasp echoing the central piece bring the design to full circle. Lovely use of color!
Photo credit: Evan J. Soldinger
Juror comments:
This is a gorgeous piece with a very beautiful design, incorporating a lot of details that illustrate the awesome underwater spaces. The mix of colours attracts the sight, making you see the sea inhabitants all over the ring. I love the care for details on the back and the band of the ring. The placement of red coral is most inspired. The piece is very well executed although bronze isn’t the most easy to work medium.
Great design good color combination. I love this ring!
Interesting choice of coral and coral reef effect. Nice Bi-metal contrast. The cut outs could have benefitted from a little more finishing/polishing for added definition and finish. Interesting piece that tells a story.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Gabriele Landolt
USA
Inna Soummer
Canada
Iwona Tamborska
Polska
Iwona Tamborska
Polska
Joy Wignall
UK
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Lora Hart, Erin Harris, May Bartrum
WINNER Beginner
Fire – Ring
Juror comments:
The shape, texture and colours of your bling all contribute well to your fire design. The stones are well set. The edges have been well finished making this a very wearable ring. A very accomplished ‘beginner’ piece.
I see the “fire” in this ring, both with the choice of stone and the design on the backplate! Overall, it has good symmetry and attention to detail.
For a beginner, this ring design was well thought out. The pointed almond shape of the backing plate paired with the cruciform layout of the stones creates a very pleasing design. The stones seem to be well set. The undulating texture behind the stones is nicely accented by the placement of the granules.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
WINNER Intermediate
Dragon Treasure – Necklace
Juror comments:
This piece is beautifully executed and the design is multilayered and complex. The materials you have chosen express your intention and unify the piece. The attention to detail sets this piece apart. Not only does it express ‘bling’ but a clear narrative that draws you into another world.
Wow! Unique design, beautiful craftsmanship. I do wish there was a close up of the dragon and the stone as it is hard to make out the color and detail in it, but I love the way you’ve set it with the clay swirls and the dragon’s claw. I wondered if the points on the branches would poke into the wearer’s neck, but when zooming in on them it appears they have been rounded. Well done!
This little dragon is a charming thief of bling. I can see why he’s holding on so tightly to the beautifully set praciolite. The movement and decorative details are well thought out and executed. It looks like the stone may have been set from the back and a second photo would have been appreciated to illustrate that. The matching clasp really takes this piece to a higher level, and the braided and twined silk cord is the perfect finish. Well done!
Photo credit: Ed Ralph
WINNER Advanced
Necklace for a princess – Necklace
Juror comments:
Your piece reminded me of sea glass and barnacles – in a good way! I would love to see the reverse of your neckpiece. The matching clasp shows good attention to detail and unifies the design. The tiny CZs are beautifully set and complement the texture of the metal flowers.
The juxtaposition of the large, rough amethyst and more delicate flowers is beautifully done. It puts me in mind of lichen covered rocks. The decision to add the purple CZ’s to the flowers was a wise design choice as they serve to unify the two dissimilar materials and textures. The metal clay work is well done, the way it formed around the amethyst- well I’m trying to wrap my head around how you did it! Some of the stone settings are a little off center but it adds to the organic feel of the necklace. Stunning piece.
I’d love to see this piece in person. The design of the bronze caps sets off the rugged cut and finish of the amethyst beads beautifully.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Elipse
Juror comments:
A very clean and simple design that has been well executed. A very accomplished sophisticated ring.
Simple but classy. The texture on the top contrasts beautifully with the smooth band. The stone selection and decision to leave the ring un-patinated were terrific design decisions.
This ring is a wonderful illustration of how metalsmithing and metal clay can combine to create well thought out pieces of jewelry. The metal clay bezel setting looks to be very well constructed and finished. There are no flaws, scratches, or divots in the highly polished surface. The textured oval provides a nice compliment to the smooth surfaces of the ring band and stone setting.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Rae Evans
UK
Wizz Stearne
UK
Annemarie Klappe
The Netherlands
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Paula McDowell, Helga Van Leipsig, Tonya Davidson
WINNER Beginner
The Golden apple – Pendant
WINNER Intermediate
Ogoni Joe – Pendant
WINNER Advanced
Past, Present, and Future – Pendant
Beginners – Mihaela Ungureanu
Juror comments:
Excellent application of the gold keum boo especially for a beginner! The rivets are clean and blend well into the texture. I would have loved to have seen the back but I like the hidden chain bail. All in all a simple yet well executed piece using the medium for what it is so beautifully used (texture).
Good use of riveting, the inside gold is unexpected and a delight. Making the holes in the shape of your texture is very thoughtful.
I love the way the keum-boo glows from within the piece. Timeless symbology and nice mix of techniques.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Intermediate – Kim Rumberger
Juror comments:
Nice concept and good execution. I like how you made the face domed. Good work!
Very well made mask with intriguing geometrical shapes. Good choice of beads that work well with the mask. Good work.
Great mix of materials to emphasize the symbology. Well made.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Advanced – Gabrielle Landolt
Juror comments:
Nice design and symbolism for the challenge. I felt the stone setting could have used a little more refinement especially because it took such a proud spotlight. Great concept and enameling!
A beautiful symbolic piece with many layers of meaning. I like how each crow is different and that you used the stone to give all three of them a personality.
Beautifully imagined and constructed. Innovative mechanism to set the stone.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Woodland Fairy Door
Juror comments:
Sweet little designed door. I loved the bail design on the back. Nice texture. Would have loved to see the leaves a little bit more carved and realistic. Well done! Keep up the good work!
A lovely sculpted door with a nice detail from the doo rknocker that can be used. Free sculpting is an excellent use for metal clay and you applied it well formed. The woodland theme comes very well across. The photo’s should be a bit more in focus.
Wonderful sculpted elements. I love the working door knocker. As a stand alone pendant, I don’t see the “door”.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Beginners Category
Beginners Category
Intermediate Category
Advanced Category
Advanced Category
Advanced Category
Advanced Category
Prizes were awarded in the following experience level categories: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Jurors – Pam Feindel, Lisa Pavelka, Cynthia Tinapple
WINNER Beginner
Cosmic Universe in Rhyolite – Pendant
WINNER Intermediate
Beauty Lies Within – Pendant
WINNER Advanced
Hide the Precious – Locket
Beginners – Denise Hershey
Juror comments:
The Rhyolite stone was a good choice and looks carried right out of a Klimt painting. The cosmic and orbiting bits swirl on both the front and back of this pendant. The way the elements roll over the edges of the stone make it feel quite secure and wholly part of the design. A substantial and rough yet organic design is consistently carried throughout the piece.
Unique and imaginative design. Nicely done bezel with overlay accents.
Fun rolled bail, looks to be attached well to the piece. Stone fits relatively well in the bezel. I see some open space between the bezel wire and the base of the pieced that should have been filled with metal clay to close the gaps. Overall this is a wonderful early piece. Setting stones is challenging, keep up the great effort!
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Intermediate – Joy Wignall
Juror comments:
Strong overall design. A close up shot of the interior would make the inscription easier to discern. Excellent and clean example of hinging.
The story reads well with this rough yet flowery hinged piece. The angular shape of the roughly textured door with its rough edged front gives little clue as to what’s inside. The abundance of daintily placed gems looks both difficult to accomplish in such a small space and surprising. There’s also an intriguing tiny charm that hangs to the side. Altogether a charming piece.
Well constructed piece. Wood texture is very realistic. Three layered front adds a great depth of field. Hinge is well done. You open the door and are surprised by the fun color flower motif and stone background. Great job!
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Advanced – Gabrielle Landolt
Juror comments:
Beautiful construction and hinging. Nice execution of making a tiny, enameled globe.
Well constructed inside and out. A world within a work. Interior color well done. With a perfect little world contained within. Exterior is well finished; bezel fits stone and 2-piece bail provides movement for the piece. Well done!
I might be worried that I’d lose the tiny world within this piece. But that’s probably the point. The enameling gives the otherwise ponderous piece a colorful touch. The hinged coverings are impressive and add to the feeling that there is something precious inside. The symbols inscribed on the front seem metaphysical and medieval. The enameled world itself looks small and fragile. The piece holds together on many levels.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Dragon’s Hoard, pendant
Juror comments:
Good choice of dragon mold, it is fun and whimsical; a tricky mold to remove the clay from without breaking tail or wings. Nice surprise that the back pivots and there’s a treasure.
Nice use of mixed media. The hinging shows great ambition for a beginner. The theme is exhibited well. Nice use of layered, multi-dimensional effects.
This piece makes me think I should have watched Game of Thrones. It has a layered ancient otherworldly, somewhat Celtic feel that works well and is well balanced. The texturing on the background of the front is very appealing. What an abundance of treasures within. While not all are revealed in the photo, we can see that they’re colorful and embedded in deep textures. I wonder about the endurance of glitter, however. Fascinating and nicely done.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Beginners Category
Intermediate Category
Intermediate Category
Intermediate Category
Advanced Category
Prizes awarded in the following experience level categories: Jewelry, Non Jewelry
Jurors – Corina Gheorghe, Randi Harper and Sherri Haab
WINNER Jewelry
Man in the Moon pendant
With glow in the dark resin
WINNER Non Jewelry
Dancing Anemone candle holder
Juror comments:
Nice design, balance, visual flow & execution. Great use of materials. Back complements the front & invites the viewer to look again ( and learn the story …) Meets all criteria for challenge. Original design with clever special effect (moon glow). Impeccable workmanship and attention to detail. Pleasing composition. Great use and control of color. Good use of line, pattern and space. Front, back and sides all complement each other with unified theme.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Juror comments:
Good use of repetition using sculpted shapes to create rhythm and movement. Contrast created with use of smooth gold on rough silver. Nice concept & use of materials! Well balanced & uplifting!
Photo credit: Artist’s own
People’s Choice Award
Freedom of Expression
The lid is a detachable medallion which can also be worn as a pendant.
Juror comments:
Excellent composition and placement of elements. Contrast is created using size, texture, and patina. Craftsmanship is neat and precise. Incorporation of stones creates focal point. All parts of piece work together with purpose and intention.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
Prizes awarded in the following experience level categories:
New to Metal Clay – actively working with metal clay for under six months.
Beginners/Intermediate Level Artist – actively working with metal clay for six months to two years.
Advanced Metal Clay Artist – actively working with metal clay for over two years. This category includes instructors.
Jurors – Robert Dancik, Brittany Golden and Keith Lo-Bue
WINNER New to Metal Clay
Egyptian Blue – Fine silver earrings inspired by Lis-el Crowley’s fused Dichroic glass cabs
Juror comments:
Good technical ability and good design.
Photo credit: Charlotte Edwards
WINNER Beginners/Intermediate
InCognito – Fine silver locket inspired by Sian Hamilton’s Floral Delight
Juror comments:
Well designed and executed. Love that the design was carried into the inside of the locket. Great construction and fun design – nice work! Very well done – I like the attention to detail even in the background of the inside of the locket.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
WINNER Advanced
Underwater Lush – Sterling silver (950/960 formulas) necklace inspired by Gordon Uyehara’s Ammonite Pendant
Juror comments:
Terrific piece, fabulous and weird, calls up bronchial branches and coral outcroppings. An adventurous design. Well done!
Photo credit: Artist’s own
While viewing and again in reviewing all the fabulous work submitted for this competition several thoughts kept occurring to me.
One was that in what is a fairly nascent field (metal clay adornment) the level of expertise at all levels was quite impressive.
Another was that all the artists submitting work were obviously well versed in the elements of art and principles of composition – the basics of any artistic endeavor. This is a key factor as all the technical ability in the world is for naught if a piece of work is not well composed and well designed.
A third realization was almost more of a surprise to me in seeing just how far some of the entrants were able to “push” the material to fashion pieces that are both inspired and inspiring in their form, function and design. Especially in the 2 categories for the artists working in the material for less than 2 years. The talent these artists exhibited with such limited experience means that the metal clay field has tremendous potential and I look forward to seeing just where it leads in the future.
As a juror, I feel it necessary to make a comment here on the “non-making” side of the entries – namely the photography of the work. As a juror, I had only the image submitted to judge the work by. The prospectus for the competition was quite clear in the considerations the artists needed to keep in mind for the images they submitted. It was most unfortunate that a number of entries that seemed to have potential were very difficult to assess due to a poor photograph. Considerations such as the distance from the piece, the background and lighting are always important and allow anyone viewing the image a more accurate and true means of assessment.
Lastly, I thank AMCAW for the opportunity to be part of this initial foray into events featuring the talents and abilities of metal clay artists around the world without consideration of the type of material, organizational affiliations or any other constraints. I trust there shall be many more such events and I look forward to seeing them all.
It was an honor to be a part of the first AMCAW design challenge! The entries were engaging, and the talent was fantastic! The time spent on the jewelry was apparent as well as the craftsmanship. I hope the artists learned from the process and can take away key points to improve their work and continue their creative journey.
People’s Choice Award
Butterfly Dance – fine silver, inspired by Ir-resist-able Patina by Lora Hart.
People’s Choice Award
This award was a public vote. Voting was open to everyone, and the winner was the person with the most votes.
Photo credit: Artist’s own
