Fragments

Author/Artist Name

Rose m. CraigFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Fall 11-21-2025

Artist Statement

My work explores the intersection of functionality and self-expression through jewelry. Jewelry is a piece of art that often becomes emblematic of the wearer, revealing fragments of identity and how someone chooses to be seen. It serves as a second skin connecting form and function and becomes both a form of personal expression and presence. My pieces connect the body and materials, using form, structure, and materials to create a narrative related to the wearer's identity.

This exhibition features three pieces of jewelry alongside photographs of the jewelry modeled on the body . Keeper of the Vulnerable balances fragility and strength with its enamel piece contained in a sterling silver basket setting connected to an oval-shaped ring. The enamel piece symbolizes one’s vulnerability and is protected by the stronger sterling silver ring. The ring represents the tough exterior that protects the fragile enamel piece. Nexus of Harmony exhibits completeness and unity with a series of circles and uses the Jasper stone at the bottom, being a product of the earth, to show groundedness and humility. Mark of One focuses on identity and beauty. The necklace features an enamel piece with a fingerprint design representing the physical aspect of identity. The piece itself acts as a “beauty mark” with the enamel, malachite, and mother-of-pearl insets sitting asymmetrically to the side of the necklace in a seemingly random place, acting as a natural beauty mark.

My metalsmithing work is inspired by contemporary metalsmiths Janis Kerman and Sophie Kissin. Kerman's use of organic forms, often constructed from flat sheet metal, inspires the balance and structure within my own work. Kissin’s organic and expressive approach informs and inspires my exploration of form and movement in metal. Together, these artists and their work influenced the way I think about metal as a material, composition, and form, as well as the expressive potential of jewelry as both art and adornment.

Advisor/Mentor

Professor Mike Martin; Rebecca Williams (Advisor); Jeanna Beaver (Mentor)

Description

This exhibition explores identity, vulnerability, and self-expression through contemporary jewelry. My portion of the exhibition features three handcrafted jewelry works accompanied by photographs of the pieces being worn, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the body and the materials. Keeper of the Vulnerable(3.4 x 2.5 x2.5 cm), made of sterling silver and enamel, reflects the balance between fragility and strength. Nexus of Harmony(3.8 x 1.6 x 1.6 cm), composed of silver and jasper, centers on unity and groundedness through layered circular forms. Mark of One(16.1 x 17.3 x 1.5 cm) incorporates enamel, malachite, and mother-of-pearl to explore individuality using a fingerprint motif and an asymmetrical “beauty mark” design.

Photo Credit

Rose Craig

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Craig, Rose m., "Fragments" (2025). B.A./B.S. Practicum Group Exhibit (ART 499). 81.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art499/81