Sgraffito Bird in Black by Beth Wegener

Jewelry

Copper enamel in sterling silver setting with steel pin

Sgraffito enameling, centrifugal casting and silver metalsmithing

2.25 x 2 x .5 inches

My enameled jewelry work celebrates the natural world while exploring my deep desires for permanence, beauty, and human connection. I view jewelry as miniature sculpture or paintings—wearable art that demands from me, the maker, a high degree of perseverance and practice to achieve success. Working at a diminutive size is a deliberate challenge for me and the resulting pieces force viewers to slow down, lean in, and discover subtle details that might otherwise be missed. The jewelry scale of my enamels creates a unique intimacy between the wearer and the audience, turning a single piece of art into a powerful catalyst for connection and conversation.

Additionally, the vibrant, enduring nature of enamel satisfies my desire to create objects that will outlive me. I am captivated by the thought of an unknown person in a future generation appreciating and wearing my work. I am a relative novice at enameling and this future-focused mindset is one thing that drives my commitment to continuous learning and technical mastery. I am placing importance on craftsmanship because an object must be both skillfully made and visually compelling/beautiful in order for it to be valued and subsequently survive over time. By marrying organic, universal, nature-inspired themes with archival materials that capture my unique hand and gesture as an artist, I am creating enduring pieces that will essentially (hopefully!) delight and connect people with each other -- and me -- with those in the future.