Earth

7.4 x 2.4 x 1.8 cm

sterling silver

Sami Dalby explores themes and topics in her work related to social and political issues and personal experiences. Using precious metals, gemstones and reclaimed or re-used vintage materials, she explores contemporary styles using line, texture, shape and surface finishing to create both abstract and more literal pieces. In addition to her Jeweller's Certificate, Sami holds post-secondary degrees in political science and nursing and works in health care in rural Ontario. She has volunteered as a health care professional in Central and South America and travelled extensively. Her work in politics and health care greatly influences her personal culture and her art practice. Sami Dalby's submission to the BC Craft 2025 Earring Show is inspired by the desire to view the world and current social landscape through a feminine lens. " I wanted to interrupt a narrative that I'm hearing and reading every day and shift focus to a different viewpoint or experience" says Dalby. "I hope that people will interact with my pieces and experience a message or feeling that is different from the widely accepted messaging on social and other media. I want to lift the veil on the simplistic approach that uses conflict, competition, oppression, fear and so-called populism and instead bring attention to another way of understanding and being in this world - one that includes harmony, unity, resilience and wisdom." To convey these themes, Dalby has submitted three works depicting natural or botanical images - each in a different style.

In 2014 Sami Dalby began spending vacations and weekends taking courses at the Halliburton School of Art & Design (HSAD) in metal sculpture, mosaic making and silver metal clay jewellery. The silver metal clay provided an introduction to small scale sculpture and metal work that got Sami's attention. In 2018 Sami enrolled in the HSAD Jewellery certificate program and learned the fundamental skills of designing, forming and finishing. Sami fell in love with the creative possibilities of telling stories with metal and in 2020 she and her partner built Cramahe Hill Studios on their property just outside of Warkworth in Northumberland County, Ontario. Sami has shown her work in the Apple Route Studio Tour (2023 and 2024) and the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth (Warkworth Group Show 2023). Cramahe Hill Studios hosted two online studio shows in 2020 ("Art for All") and 2021 ("Tilt"). Sami's work is also sold at The Edit Boutique in Warkworth. Sami Dalby is a member of Craft Ontario.