See bottom for project write up!

...as an extension of my undergrad work I decided to really focus on identity and in particular my identity.  So my influences for this project were culture, tradition and personal struggle in relation to that.  In short, as a jeweler being from a Caribbean country, I always felt as though there was a lack of respect for the craft, in that metal work would carry more weight than that of, say, bead work.  This of course just my perception, but I do feel as though artists are somewhat constantly battling with themselves.  I struggle with having to fell as though I have to choose between different sides of myself (the crafter and the metal smith).  Although various techniques can be more or less time consuming than the other, it still makes me question why individuals within my community seem to value one craft over the other.  So with this project marking the beginning of the series, I would like to explore the mindset of the viewer and the reasons behind the valuing and devaluing of various crafts and skills.