| allan mason's handcrafted jewelry |
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Background
I have pursued many creative
endeavors over the years, and I became actively involved
in silverwork in 1996. As a long-time collector of Indian
Jewelry, I learned how to "fix" certain pieces to suit
my own tastes. This led to the realization that I had
lots of ideas for pieces that were unlike what I could
find in the marketplace. The solution, of course, was
to make them myself!
Philosophy
I decided to concentrate on bracelets
and rings because, unlike most other forms of adornment,
the wearer can see and enjoy them as much as everyone
else. My principal philosophy is that each piece be essentially
asymmetrical, the designs changing from side-to-side
and end-to-end. While this approach requires more design
and production energy, I believe it results in pieces
that are more interesting and thus, more valuable over
time. I think of my work as "the art of asymmetry".
Technique
My intention was never to create "Indian" jewelry,
although I do use many of the same techniques, and much
of my work has a sort of "spacey southwest" quality.
Most of my pieces show a lot of stampwork. I have hundreds
of stamps to choose from- the majority of which I designed
and made myself. I also use the multi-level overlay technique
frequently, as well as good deal of filework. And, of
course, I love heavy silver! I use lots of selective
surface oxidation to highlight the details, and I prefer
a softer, hand-rubbed finish. These aspects all contribute
to the complex, abstract, and sculptural qualities you'll
see in many of my designs. Occasionally I'll add or inlay
small amounts of such materials as 18K gold, copper,
mammoth ivory or abalone shell; but, for the most part,
my pieces are pure sterling silver, so they are highly
wearable and enjoyable.
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