This past weekend, Jen Library was beautifully adorned with jewels of all kinds. The jewelry trunk show was an amazing exhibition of SCAD’s jewelry program, showing the immense diversity in the kinds of pieces on display.
From metalwork to more sculptural pieces, the bottom floor of the library was alive with work that felt connected through the use of movement. To see the care put to breathe life into the jewelry was amazing. Metal bent into curves, and pearls painted dripping down necklaces. The artistry put into creating such amazing works of art was so palpable while walking through the space, and I felt as if I was walking through The Met filled with Million dollar necklaces.
A few select necklaces were encased in glass boxes, and these pieces were dripping with giant jewels and larger-than-life sculptures of angels. The animal pendants with moving pieces caught my eye with the attention to detail that jumped out at you as you walked by.
I was hesitant about touching these pieces due to their innate beauty ass I noticed someone else picking up rings to try them on, and I did not feel worthy of these touch-true works of art. Much like fashion, these are pieces meant to be appreciated and worn, which are the central point of an outfit.
The smaller pieces stole my heart as I know there was so much time spent manipulating such small materials like rings and intricate bracelets. I have always been a fan of jewelry; however, I have never seen the inner workings of the jewelry program at SCAD and this was truly such an amazing introduction. Wearable art has a special place in my heart because the artists not only have to worry about the artistry of their pieces but also the ability for the art to be worn and not broken.
The talent and dedication to their art form were evident as you strolled the Jen Library ground floor. This is an event I would love to continue to go back to, especially when I can buy the pieces. There is such a glorious feeling of relief and passion in the air when you are with people who put time and energy into creating unique pieces of jewelry.
Jewelry is usually looked at as a fun accessory to your outfit; however, these pieces speak to you and tell a story through color, movement, and material.
Words by Annika Petersen.
Photography by Annie Cater.