Here's some beautiful artistic jewelry made with ancient techniques. Linda Kindler Priest has mastered the technique of repoussé, which traces its roots to the Bronze Age (3500 to 1200 BC).
The first three examples below are from Kindler Priest's latest series, Brooches in 2 parts. Each pairing includes two pieces that are made to complement each other but can be worn alone.
'Twilight Run' cheetah brooch in two parts. Top: gold repoussé with blue sapphires. Bottom: Blue sapphires, lapis, oxidized silver.
The artist explains: "The imagery is done by sculpting into metal, in relief form, using an ancient process called repoussé. I have made or reshaped over 100 tools to do this...."
Kindler Priest actually pushes the precious metal (usually gold) out from behind to create the sculpture.
'Sea Wanderer' fish in two parts. Top: gold repoussé with Biwa pearl. Bottom: Ocean jasper with gold and diamond foam or seaweed.
Each piece is about an environment with living things, reflecting her love of animals, birds and fish.
'Afghan Hound' two-part pin/sculpture. Top: gold repoussé. Bottom: Oxidized sterling silver filigree with sapphires and blue topaz crystal slab.
Kindler Priest graduated with honors from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and is the recipient of multiple awards for her jewelry and silversmithing.
One of the things I like about her work is that even though she's using precious materials, Kindler Priest's designs are informal, asymmetrical, and even tinged with a bit of humor. They're imperfect, while being engaging. Not what you would expect for objects made with gold and precious stones.
Winged Lion brooch in a brooch. Gold repoussé lion with diamonds inside silver frame with amethyst, topaz, and pearls.
Right now, Kindler Priest's work is showing at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts as part of Adornments and Delights: Five Jewelers Courting Nature show.
You can see more at Linda Kindler Priest or Aaron Faber Gallery.
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