· Metalmorphosis ·

Mexican Trains and Opals

1 of 3 works by Carley Conemac

“As a versatile metal artist based in Alaska, I specialize in crafting unique jewelry and precious metal adornments that reflect the beauty of our natural surroundings and my unique history as a traveler and train hopper. My artistic journey encompasses a wide range of metalsmithing techniques, including metal clay, metal stamping, sand casting, gemstone settings, and the fabrication of raw silver using soldering and welding. In my creations, I strive to merge traditional gemstone settings with unconventional elements such as sea glass, teeth, fossils, raw gemstones, and more. Through intricate processes like mold making and silver clay work, I transform natural elements into exquisite silver objects that adorn my precious metal jewelry pieces. Teaching is a fundamental aspect of my artistic career. I offer workshops that cater to individuals at various skill levels, from beginners to advanced. This dedication to teaching not only enhances my own understanding of metalsmithing but fosters a culture of learning, sharing, and creation within our network. My art is a testament to the transformative power of creativity within a close-knit society. It not only supports and enriches our local network but also receives reciprocal support, creating a symbiotic relationship that fuels my passion for creating meaningful and impactful artwork. Through my work, I aim to inspire and connect with others, celebrating the beauty of nature and the artistry of metalsmithing while leaving a lasting impression on those who experience my creations.”

Pewter Bowl

1 of 3 works by Art Koeninger

“Foldforming is a method of cold folding, unfolding, refolding, forging, rolling, and working metal; in my case here, copper and pewter sheet. Due to work hardening from all that folding and forging, the metal must often be annealed by heating the project and cooled before working more. I enjoy working metal because of the variety of states it can be worked in, how it can be worked and reworked, and the permanence of the finished pieces. I first got into welded sculpture in 1966 through an art class at Rice University. From there I branched out into silver work, finding wearable art to be more personal and visible, not to mention quicker to make and easier to market. My skills have expanded over the years through various workshops and commercial jobs in jewelry production, custom design and repair, and architectural wrought iron construction, as well as my own experimentation. I have taught jewelry making since 1971, first privately, and then through the Alaska Artists-in-Schools program, and adjunct through several Alaska Community Colleges. In 2004 my metal working and sculpting skills enabled me to be the local hire to help mount the artifacts for the new permanent exhibits at the Pratt Museum in Homer. That experience expanded into 13 years at the Pratt, and other museum exhibit mount making opportunities, including teaching two mount making workshops through Museums Alaska. I currently design custom jewelry and teach jewelry making through Homer Community Recreation and the Anchorage Museum, when I’m not running my art gallery, Spirit Mountain Artworks ,in Chitina, Alaska, where I lived for 25 years before moving to Homer in 2003. “

PMC Silver Pendant -Teal Fern

1 of 3 works by Susan Welsh Smith

“The Alchemy of Precious Metal Clay Precious metal clay consists of micronsize particles of metal (silver, gold, bronze, copper) plus binder and water. The binder and water grant malleability to the metal. The complex process includes shaping, texture, drying, and sanding. Once the design of the object is complete, high kiln heat (1650 degrees) is applied. The first effect of the heating process is burnout of the binder. It also promotes attraction and bonding of the metals atoms. the result is a strong solid mass of 100% metal. the finishing process consists of burnishing and polishing. Precious metal clay was invented in 1990 and it has become a revolution in jewelry design.”

At the Breathing Hole

1 of 3 works by Jeff Dean

“Born and raised in Alaska, I’ve made art for homes, businesses, and public places since the early ’80s. I developed signature techniques for creating single—and multi-layered metal wall art using heat-colored steel, cut-out stainless steel, and weathering steel. My artistic process is a unique blend of precision and creativity. I use carefully chosen abrasives to grind designs into sheet steel, defining and modeling forms, creating a sense of depth, and suggesting movement. My grinder becomes my paintbrush, and my torch provides my color palette. The colorful pieces respond dynamically to variations in lighting and viewing angles, offering visual effects that are impossible to achieve with other media. Nature inspires my art and many designs center around Alaskan flora and fauna. ”

Wild Rose

1 of 1 works by Heather Floyd

“The Wild Rose, native to Alaska, inspires this unique steel art piece. The flower shapes are hand-cut using a plasma cutter, then forged and shaped with heat and hammering. After welding and cleaning, I add alcohol inks for a subtle touch of color. The entire work is sealed with Renaissance Wax.”

Out of the Ashes

1 of 1 works by Mavis Muller

“I created this basket using fragments of burnt wire retrieved from the ashes the day following the 18th annual Burning Basket enactment on the Homer spit. The 8’x14′ original woven sculpture of natural materials, RECOVER – Basket of Remembrance & Unburdening, 2021, was a gift to the community inviting all to embellish it with positive poetic sentiments, folded paper cranes inscribed with names of departed loved ones, with personal sentiments tucked inside. Then the sculpture was ignited and burned as a performance of fire-art to symbolically disperse our intentions in the sparks . The wire fragments left behind hold no less power of our collective intentions and remind us of the enduring quality of our community collaborative creativity and imagination. Mavis is a contemporary basket maker, installation artist, and originator of the Burning Basket Project of community interactive art. She has led a total of 46 Burning Baskets in and outside of Alaska. Twenty six of them have occurred in Alaska including twenty annually in Homer, two were outside of the US. “

Oxidation Wings

1 of 3 works by Cindy Nelson

“I walk the beach most days, even in winter. There I find many car parts & rusted items. While these have been accumulating, I thought to make some wok out of it, since in its original life it was and is metal! Especially since iron rusts with water & oxidation in the ocean with time. I added many things that I have had from other projects. copper buttons, plus on my walks I pick up shells and bones that interest me. The birch bark has a green hue that went well with the red ferric oxide. Enjoy!” – Cindy Nelson