Slip

6 x 0.5 cm

sterling silver, vitreous enamel, aquamarine

Creating pieces by hand involves manipulating materials in ways that the material does not always want to conform. The tapers for the silver tubes required several hours to shape as the size had to be reduced from 5mm to 2mm to create the hollow taper. Finding techniques to suspend the tapers without using solder created additional challenges. The physics of successfully adhering enamel to sterling silver is a traditional technique not common in North America. Lost knowledge was regained in how to make this work. The design for these earrings was based on the unique shape of the faceted bullet shaped aquamarines. These stones felt like terminations, like stalactites growing from ice, the faceted clear stones slipped from the glass and silver to create a perfect jewel. The contrast of the naturally formed and uneven growth in the blue enamel contrasts the perfectly shaped bullet of the aquamarine.

Cheryl is a native of Saskatchewan that currently resides in a small town in Ontario. She studied engineering and fine arts, finishing her degree in Interior Design at the University of Manitoba. Her work practice as an interior designer involved creating environments and objects for clients, which provided a foundation for her practice in metalwork. Her work as a jeweller and silversmith allows her the creative freedom to explore ideas unfettered by client requirements. She creates for the pure joy of creating. If something is hard to do, it's worth doing. If something seems impossible, it is a challenge to find a way. Cheryl has exhibited across North America in juried art shows and gallery collections for over 10 years and has been recognized for her quirky approach to contemporary jewellery.