Sterling Necklace by Sam Patania
I made this necklace earlier this year and named it “Spikey”. My inspiration was to make a piece which was like a spiked collar. My work is classical, I want it to be enjoyed for generations. I took the inspiration and made it my own by bringing it off the neck and laying it flat. I feel I made a statement piece, a piece which cannot be ignored. I make my pieces out of solid sterling, they are not thin and light. They are not heavy either, they have a good feel to them. When you pick one of my pieces up you will know what I mean. The tactile dimension is very important to me as an artist. This necklace is made to be worn on the skin and warmed by your body to make it come alive.
I made this necklace with a set of dies my grandfather had made 50 or 60 years ago. I updated the use of the dies with a set of cutting dies form Dar at Sheltech. I can cut the die formed elements after they are formed. Dar’s work has had a major influence on my work. I am able to make multiple elements much quicker than my grandfather could. My grandfather employed many craftsmen and ran a studio which could make many pieces by having the work force to produce finished jewelry. Training new craftsmen is a long process. Apprentices start with very simple jobs then learned by doing more complicated work over a period of years. Most apprentices don’t become journeymen then masters. It takes a special desire to continue metalsmithing to become a master. This business model is too expensive for today’s market and I have had to find new ways of producing the same quality in less time. Sheltech’s dies are a big part of my ability to produce.
For my one of work, like the Floral necklaces and Branch Coral pieces, I have no way to speed up the process, they just take a long time to make. Having Dick Barber here to make bezels is the only way for me to outsource my work. All other pieces, parts and elements are things I create myself at my work bench.
Spikey necklace and earrings are available at the Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm, Tucson, Arizona, 85719, ph# 325-1541.
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Daniel Culver 10.28.08 at 9:18 am
very cool! Post a larger image when you get a chance.