DARK GREEN ABALONE AND MOP CHUNK DROPS

sterling silver, green abalone shell, mother of pearl shell

2.5 x 1 x .25 inches

My work investigates how female identity is constructed and performed through the body. Women in history that have rebelled against power and changed the trajectory for all women, often image themselves wearing pearls. For me pearls are a symbol of power and strength for all women and femmes. In this body of work, I introduce mother of pearl and abalone as big bold talismans that allow us to connect with the history of strong women wearing pearls.

Artist Bio:
Sarah Holden is a contemporary jeweler and sculptor. Sarah received her Master of Fine Arts with a focus in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Crafts Materials Studies and Sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University. Sarah has presented as a visiting artist at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has taught as a Metals Instructor at The Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. Sarah’s work can be found in the permanent collections of the Mint Museum in North Carolina and the Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin. Sarah has been recently honored with an Illinois Arts Council Individual Artist Grant and a Society of North American Goldsmiths Professional Educational Endowment. Sarah currently teaches steel fabrication, welding and metal forming at The Chicago Industrial Arts and Design Center in Chicago, Illinois. Sarah’s limited production jewelry and sculpture can be found in galleries across America. Sarah lives in Chicago where she works as a studio artist, metals instructor and mom.