Innovative and Experimental: Stacey Bentley Jewelry

Innovative and experimental.

These are the words that come to

mind when viewing work created

by Stacey Bentley.

Using iron, wire, silver 

and enamels this artist is changing the

face of enamel jewelry and 

exploring a method of expression that

breaks away from traditional

ideas and processes.

Her work in enamel is unconventional.

Going beyond standard procedures

she creates pieces where the enamel rises

above the surface of the metal rather

 than fusing onto it.

By underfiring the enamel she

 produces gritty textures and matte finishes

that evoke the urban landscape.

This helps us understand her

fascination with the raw industrial

contrast of life, corrosion and decay.

Each framework she creates is also unusual.

 Shapes are organic, layered and

have varied thickness. Each contributes

additional interest and texture to her designs.

 Here's are examples of her work that emphasize

 rich colors and unusual textures.

It gets even more intriguing when she

removes some of the enamel to reveal

the metal framework beneath.

Geometric shapes are occasionally

 combined with her asymmetrical designs.

We like how she experiments with each

aspect of the metalsmithing process

 as well as the enameling process.

Each structure seems haphazard yet

controlled at the same time.

For those familiar with the smooth velvet surfaces

 of enamels and the painterly aspects of

its application these pieces might seem

unusual and disconcerting.

We are inspired by this artist's willingness

to push the boundaries of what jewelry should

look like and how enamels should feel.

We admire her innovations

and experimentation.

What do you think?