
Push Comes to Shove is a collection of wearable sculpture (aka jewelry :). It was born of my sculptural work that references the body and concepts of repression/liberation — restraint/release. Bulging forms breaking free despite hard compression is a visual metaphor for the push we humans must inflict on the social restraints that threaten to squash us into submission. Ageist, misogynistic, political, religious… these constraints threaten to choke our voice.
Process follows concept: Stoic form is forced into undulation under pressure, malleable clay is cinched to the breaking point, slick epoxy fills cavities and brims over, metal becomes velvet through texture and color…
The work references abstracted body parts, sensual and unnerving….forcing us to question our value structure. Lumps and bumps, oozings and drips, thick folds and wrinkles...
What is beautiful? What is sensual? What is illicit?
What is acceptable?

Wriggle
ring
powdercoated copper, epoxy clay, epoxy resin
2"x1.25"x1"
2019

Snuggle
ring
powder coat, sterling silver, epoxy clay
2"x1.25"x1"
2019

Squeeze
neckpiece
epoxy clay, animal gut, rubber
18"x9"x3"
2019

Dance
earrings
powdercoated brass, latex, animal gut, sterling silver
4"x2"x1.25"
2019

Writhe
earrings
powdercoated brass, gold, foam, graphite, sterling silver
3"x1.25"x1.25"
2019

Plop
earrings
powdercoated copper, epoxy resin, sterling silver
1"x1"x.5"
2019

Wrinkle
earrings
powdercoated aluminum, sterling silver
3"x1.5"x1"
2019

Shimmy
earrings
powdercoated brass, sterling silver
1.75"x.375"x.375"
2019

Dangle
earrings
powdercoated aluminum, sterling silver
2"x.75"x.5"
2019

Stand
earrings
powdercoated copper, epoxy clay, sterling silver
2” x 1” x 1”
2018

Bulge
earrings
powdercoated copper, epoxy clay, sterling silver
2” x 1.25” x 1”
2018

Drip
earrings
powdercoated copper, epoxy clay, sterling silver
2” x 1” x 1.25”
2018

clockwise from top left:
Poke, Tamp, Sway, Stretch
earrings
powdercoated copper, epoxy clay, epoxy resin, sterling silver
size varies
2018

Undulate
earrings
powdercoated copper, sterling silver
1.75” x 1” x 1”
2018

Slide series
neckpieces
powdercoated copper and brass, rubber, steel cable
sizes vary from 3"-9" slides on 36" adjustable cables
2018

Cinch series
brooches
powdercoated copper, epoxy clay, steel
sizes vary, approx 3"x1"x1" each
2018