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Home > Metalsmith Benchtalk > Metalsmith BenchTalk with Ann Turpin Thayer


	Podcast:		Metalsmith Benchtalk
	Episode:		Metalsmith BenchTalk with Ann Turpin Thayer
	Category:		Arts
	Duration:		01:04:00
	Publish Date:		2010-08-05 17:00:00
	Description:		Thursday, August 6th program at 3PM Pacific and 6 PM Eastern, my guest is the talented Ann Turpin Thayer. Direct from Ann's bio: 'I developed my version of wire wrap art jewelry by taking ancient jewelry-making techniques and interpreting them for modern audiences. To create my pieces, I hand-encase fine gemstones with precious metal strands (various gold carat weights and sterling silver) to both hold the gems securely and artfully display them. The technique I use is time consuming, but yields results unlike jewelry made with other methods. My wire artwork is perfect to showcase rare gems or unusually-shaped stones or crystals. Because I form the metal filament by hand into a tight chassis around the gem, any kind of shape can be turned into fine jewelry with no alterations to the natural stone. I never use solder or glues, so every gem is perfectly preserved in its original state. Aesthetics Every piece that I create has a powerful focal point, whether it be a gem, a crystal, a mineral, or an unusual object like a shark’s tooth. I then use metalwork to enhance the stone’s beauty, not compete with it. This is an important distinction of my approach. I eschew extreme ornamentation, seeking harmony and simplicity instead. It has taken me years of learning, practice, and experimentation to strike the right balance between the power of the stones and the precious metals. Since my wire wrap technique works with any kind of shape, I actively seek out exotic stones. Clients get to see gems & minerals that they might not ever see elsewhere. I love sharing the history and mythology of these rare minerals. Innovation I have a constant supply of ideas for new pieces, but usually my vision is more complex than the traditional techniques can accommodate. Such roadblocks tend to inspire me to develop brand new techniques to bring my ideas to fruition.' Ref: http://www.annturpinthayer.com/ Do join us for what promises to be a very special program.
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