Work of Jewelry Artist at Reflection Gallery in November

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery will host an exhibit of jewelry designs by Marquette, Michigan-based artist Aaron Sault from November 1 to November 30, 2009.

An opening reception and artist talk will take place Thursday, November 5, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., at the Reflection Gallery. The reception is open to the public and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Sault creates industrially refined, yet organic, jewelry that highlights the beauty of fur, bone, leather, wood, glass, and wool. At the heart of his work are the combination of sculpture and function and the contrast of metals against natural, non-metal textures. He says he seeks to honor the relationship between the organic and the refined through textural opposites.

Sault admits that he sometimes encounters design problems when attempting to fuse such drastically different materials. Despite the challenges this process creates, Sault states that "experiences and mistakes further my knowledge, and the mere 'act of doing' is an important aspect of my growth."

For Sault, the creation of jewelry is more a process of experimentation than creating items of adornment. "I believe that this small-scale sculpture has the possibility to get more intimate with the viewer because it is jewelry," he explains. "Especially when worn, these pieces seem to have qualities that invoke reaction."

About his art creation process, Sault further shares that he is "intrigued to learn from the process of living in the moment. The process of creating is a very useful tool for self-exploration." This self-exploration is the control Sault has on his jewelry pieces.

As for the viewer, Sault says he is not concerned about personal opinions, he is interested in the questions viewers take away from his work; questions such as Why do we choose the things we do? What do they say about us? and What is the use of adornment?

Sault completed a bachelor of fine arts at Northern Michigan University. He is currently employed as the exhibits and facilities manager at the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum, Marquette.

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia's Jutila Center campus, 200 Michigan St., Hancock.

For additional information, please contact Yueh-mei Cheng, associate professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375 or yueh-mei.cheng@finlandia.edu.

Photo cutlines: Jewelry by Aaron Sault