The New Silversmith: Innovative, Sustainable Techniques for Creating Nature-Inspired Jewelry
By (Author) Nicole Ringgold
Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc
Quarry Books
9th April 2024
20th June 2024
United States
General
Non Fiction
Precious metal, precious stones and jewellery: artworks and design
The Arts: techniques and principles
739.23
Hardback
160
Width 216mm, Height 267mm
862g
With an innovative approach that challenges metalworking's conventional wisdom, Ringgold makes use of scraps and minimizes the need for chemicals as she crafts intricately detailed pieces that appear to be electroplated, carved, or cast.
Metal, torch, and tools. An overview of the necessary materials and supplies and how to use them.
Stunning projects. A variety of techniques, illustrated by projects ranging from simple chain designs to a textured branch to a delicate dragonfly, provide inspiration as well as instruction.
Access to online tutorials. QR codes throughout the book link to how-to videos.
Create sumptuous earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings in sterling silver that celebrate natural forms with this revolutionary, zero-waste approach to jewelry making.
"I have had the pleasure of working with Nicole Ringgold multiple times in various workshop settings, including her dreamy and well-appointed studio in Winthrop, Washington. Nicole's innovative approach to silversmithing opens up an entirely new world of possibilities. Combining classic techniques with her own bold experimentation, Nicole goes where no silversmith has gone before--then turns with a grin, extends a hand, and warmly welcomes you to join her. She is thorough, caring, and has a beautiful way of seeing not only the potential in the material, but in the creative spirit of her students. Learning Nicole's techniques has radically changed the way I approach my own bench, and has given me confidence to push the limits and keep on thinking outside the box. I am thrilled for this benchside reference to guide and inspire me on many projects to come!"
--Jess Anderson, lowtidelanding.com"I have always admired Nicole Ringgold's work. [Her] workshop exceeded my expectations and was beyond anything I could have hoped for from an instructor. I felt that my skill level and confidence skyrocketed by the end of the six-day workshop. Nicole's philosophy is 'anything is possible, ' which is evident in each nature-inspired piece she creates. . . . Within one class she can challenge a beginner as well as an experienced metalsmith, creating an environment that stresses process (at your own pace) over product, making each student feel like they can indeed do anything. A Nicole Ringgold workshop is not to be missed if you are lucky enough to snag a coveted spot!"
--Dina Post, dinapostjewelry.com"I have been a professional jewelry artist for over thirty years. There is always something else to learn and master. This was driven home when I took a life-changing workshop with Nicole Ringgold. This experience enhanced the way that I see and work with metals, deepening and expanding my understanding and appreciation of their endless possibilities. Nicole approaches things from her own fresh viewpoint, torching the rules and pushing the limits. Her teaching is enthusiastic, creative, thoughtful, and organized. My first experience was so inspiring that I have traveled across the country twice to take additional classes with her. Each class has been different enough to nurture and enhance my understanding of and practice in metals, partly because Nicole continues to grow as an artist and teacher. Additionally, I have witnessed all of my fellow students catching the fire of enthusiasm and forging ahead with their work. I am thrilled that Nicole has written a book and look forward to seeing how she captures and expresses her ideas and techniques on paper. And I have no doubt that her book will be as riveting as her studio teaching."
--Lucy Golden, lucygoldenjewelry.comNicole Ringgold is a silversmith living in Winthrop, Washington, located in the North Cascade mountains. Her art is inspired by her natural surroundings: plants she encounters while hiking through the mountains, the shapes of rocks she plucks from a river, a sound, glimpse, or smell. Her botanical jewelry is hand fabricated, not cast, dipped, or electroformed. She starts with silver sheets and wire, sawing, soldering, filing, texturing, forming, oxidizing, and polishing every piece. Her intention is to recreate natural forms in silver with as much detail as possible, with the goal of making the metal appear alive. She teaches silversmithing workshops in her home studio and around the world. For more about Nicole's work, workshops, and tutorials, visit nicoleringgold.com and @ringgoldnicole on Instagram.