The event of a move often brings re-discoveries. When the Metalsmithing and Jewelry program at the University of North Texas moved into new facilities last summer, we found all kinds of things hiding in obscure storage areas. Among them was a box of my work from my years as an undergraduate student. I was simultaneously delighted by the find, confounded by what now seems like poor craftsmanship, and led to compare that work to what I have been doing lately. While my skills have changed, much of of the imagery and formal language that I am drawn to has not.
This prompted my interest in inviting a group of mid-career makers to exhibit one newer work paired with something they had made more than ten years previously. I hoped to provide them with an opportunity for the same moment of reflection that I had in being reunited with a box of dubious treasures from the past.
I would like to thank all the artists who agreed to participate in the exhibition. Mounting of the physical exhibition was supported with a UNT Small Grant and my travel to the conference received assistance from the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas. I would particularly like to thank my Chair, Lauren Lake, for looking under all the couch cushions.
Circling Back was organized in response to the Society of North American Goldsmith's call for proposals for the Adorned Spaces segment of the 2019 conference. It will be taking place in Chicago, Illinois from May 23rd through the 24th at the Palmer House Hilton with a reception from 5-8pm on Friday the 24th. The theme of the conference is "The Loop: Coming Full Circle. 50 Years of SNAG."
The website for this exhibition will remain active through April 2020.