2009 Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Senior Art thesis this would be the link had the theme of a feast celebrating two cultures. I created an entire dinner setting, (table, pillow seats, cup, bowl, spork, and teapot). I highlighted a variety of metalsmithing techniques I had learned (raising, fabrication, casting, forged, chain making, deep drawn, mokume-gane, and more).
THESIS STATEMENT (MSCD 2009)
My work utilizes the ancient Japanese metalsmithing process – Mokume Gane – that layers
various traditional alloys together to create a unique wood grain metal. The traditional and ancient craft
of shaping objects from metal is the art, not an idea behind the product. As I work the material, my own
spirit is infused into the metal. The craftsmanship develops the raw elements into art. My work is
comprised of a single, low, wood and metal table, similar to a chabudai, with a place setting, which
emphasizes my lifestyle and the idea of blending different cultures. The work is inspired by my heritage
and outdoor experiences intertwined with the Asian culture. Each piece is very functional and
fundamental, yet extremely rich and complex in its history and process of creation.
The ancient technique of Mokume Gane was lost over time but has been renewed over the past
twenty years. Historically, Mokume Gane was used to ornamentalize Japanese sword hilts – metal that
guards the hand. My passion for the process of heating and manipulating metal using industrial and
traditional techniques fuses ancient Japanese art with modern technology to create objects. The metal
absorbs my spirit and becomes part of it.
My one-person table setting represents many cultures using multiple traditional, modern, and
industrial techniques. A prominent aluminum spiral through the center of the table integrates the various,
woods, a blend of nature’s elements and man’s interaction with nature. My American heritage, love of
outdoor adventures, enjoyment of industrial processes, and hand craftsmanship are combined within the
table. A large blue pillow lies beneath the table; the table is set with a teapot, bowl, saucer, cup, knife,
napkin ring, and chopstick-spork ready for a meal. These objects merge Asian and American cultures.
Each vessel and utensil has a function and purpose of its own. The items are elaborately made from
precious metals and materials that elevate them beyond their everyday use, thus blurring the lines
between functional and nonfunctional art. The process of creating my work is the actual art because the
craftsmanship releases the inner essence of the metals. Each piece is brought to life because my spirit
infuses the metal elements.
Technical craftsmanship is the most significant aspect in creating objects. The metal has its own
meaning and I find it fascinating how metal can be manipulated with heat. My American heritage and
appreciation of Asian culture are expressed in my designs. I use the most basic elements from the earth to
create items used in the most simple, human endeavor: eating. Each piece elevates eating to both ritual
and art. History consists of the traditions of life and these objects are examples of treasured heirlooms.
Exploring the boundaries of creating and working with Mokume Gane represents my desire to push
myself and challenge the limits of metalsmithing, blending ancient and modern techniques. The product
is not only the art: it is mainly the process to the final product.
various traditional alloys together to create a unique wood grain metal. The traditional and ancient craft
of shaping objects from metal is the art, not an idea behind the product. As I work the material, my own
spirit is infused into the metal. The craftsmanship develops the raw elements into art. My work is
comprised of a single, low, wood and metal table, similar to a chabudai, with a place setting, which
emphasizes my lifestyle and the idea of blending different cultures. The work is inspired by my heritage
and outdoor experiences intertwined with the Asian culture. Each piece is very functional and
fundamental, yet extremely rich and complex in its history and process of creation.
The ancient technique of Mokume Gane was lost over time but has been renewed over the past
twenty years. Historically, Mokume Gane was used to ornamentalize Japanese sword hilts – metal that
guards the hand. My passion for the process of heating and manipulating metal using industrial and
traditional techniques fuses ancient Japanese art with modern technology to create objects. The metal
absorbs my spirit and becomes part of it.
My one-person table setting represents many cultures using multiple traditional, modern, and
industrial techniques. A prominent aluminum spiral through the center of the table integrates the various,
woods, a blend of nature’s elements and man’s interaction with nature. My American heritage, love of
outdoor adventures, enjoyment of industrial processes, and hand craftsmanship are combined within the
table. A large blue pillow lies beneath the table; the table is set with a teapot, bowl, saucer, cup, knife,
napkin ring, and chopstick-spork ready for a meal. These objects merge Asian and American cultures.
Each vessel and utensil has a function and purpose of its own. The items are elaborately made from
precious metals and materials that elevate them beyond their everyday use, thus blurring the lines
between functional and nonfunctional art. The process of creating my work is the actual art because the
craftsmanship releases the inner essence of the metals. Each piece is brought to life because my spirit
infuses the metal elements.
Technical craftsmanship is the most significant aspect in creating objects. The metal has its own
meaning and I find it fascinating how metal can be manipulated with heat. My American heritage and
appreciation of Asian culture are expressed in my designs. I use the most basic elements from the earth to
create items used in the most simple, human endeavor: eating. Each piece elevates eating to both ritual
and art. History consists of the traditions of life and these objects are examples of treasured heirlooms.
Exploring the boundaries of creating and working with Mokume Gane represents my desire to push
myself and challenge the limits of metalsmithing, blending ancient and modern techniques. The product
is not only the art: it is mainly the process to the final product.
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Teapot - Tea is a universal beverage, a modern teapot designed with traditional handmade teapots in mind.
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Spork - A spork is a traditional American camping utensil. It is a spoon and fork combined. This eating utensil is unique because the handles pull away from the spork and become chopsticks, once again merging the Japanese and American cultures.
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Cup- Drinking vessel for your beverage.
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Napkin Ring - A napkin accented by ring is a must for every meal.
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