2017 Saul Bell Design Award Winners

[Brigitte Martin]

First Place - 2017 EMERGING JEWELRY ARTIST
22 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER
"Flexibility"
Jason Baide
Bozeman, MT, USA

Artist Statement: Hand-fabricated from wire and tubing, "Flexibility" is a different take on the symbolic nature of wedding rings. "Flexibility" is strong yet supple. It is fluid and dynamic. Its strength is derived from its many connections. It has the permanence of gold and the uniqueness of untreated Montana Yogo sapphires.

First Place - Enamel
"Fool's Errand"
Sandra McEwen
Raleigh, NC, USA

Artist Statement: The inspiration for this triptych brooch came from the colorful illuminated manuscripts of the medieval period. The brooch is composed of three champlevé and cloisonné enamel panels enameled on fine silver; floating over a sterling backing plate with cut-out ivy tendrils, the brooch includes a faceted pyrite and lavender moon quartz.

Best of Show Alternative Metals/Materials
"Firenze"
Valerie Jo Coulson
Pequea, PA, USA

Artist statement: "Firenze" ... an embodiment of feelings in expression to epitomize the masterworks of the architects and artists of Renaissance-era Florence. Formulated through hollow fabrication and stone inlay, the bracelet is presented sculpturally atop an interpretation of the iconic octagonal roof structure of the Battistero di San Giovanni.

Hollowware/Art Objects - Finalist

“Golden Botrus Teapot” 
Genevieve Flynn
Kansas City, MO, USA

First Place
"Discovery of Eggcellence"
Aleksandr Maryaskin
Yorktown, VA, USA

Artist Statement: This is an Old World-style gold filigree egg that has blue sapphires, tsavorite garnets, rubies and diamonds intertwined throughout. It encases a three-dimensional church, which is fully functional with opening doors and staircases. The egg sits atop lapis lazuli with a filigree base.

First Place - Alternative Materials
"Poison Ring No. 2 "
Andy Cooperman
Seattle, WA, USA

Artist Statement: Rings are often signifiers of status or affiliation. I liked the idea of a ring serving as a warning device. Painting the naturally grey rattle without freezing the segments—and losing the sinister buzz—was key. The ring is sterling, 14-karat gold and 18-karat gold with a diamond at the rattle tip.

View more 2017 Saul Bell Design Award Winners and Finalists and read their interviews: http://www.saulbellaward.com/2017-winners#