JURORS FOR METAL INCLINATIONS
The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths is proud to introduce the three jurors for the
METAL Inclinations International Online Exhibition. The expertise and guidance
of our distinguished judges helped to make it possible for SMM to produce an exhibition of this caliber. SMM
would also like to thank the hundreds of metal artists worldwide for participating in
our inaugural event. The high quality of metalwork currently being created around the globe made
the selections challenging for the jurors.
The three jurors for the Metal Inclinations Exhibition are:
Michael Monroe For over 35 years, Michael Monroe has been a vibrant and influential figure in contemporary American craft. Prior to his current role as Executive Director of Bellevue Arts Museum, Monroe was the Executive Director of the American Craft Council and President of the Peter Joseph Gallery in New York City.
Monroe was associated with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery for 21 years. In 1993 Monroe was invited by President Clinton to organize a collection of American craft for the White House to commemorate The Year of American Craft.
Juror's Statement: The reappraisal of the role of metalsmithing in America is gathering momentum – regenerating this ancient art form – so that its meaning and purpose is being redefined for the present-day world. The works seen here are eloquent examples of the unification between the artists’ vision and their extraordinary skills so vital and necessary for bringing their ideas to fruition. Metalsmithers, like artists working in other media, exist in the realm of ideas, striving for authenticity in an attempt to present a clear and coherent personal interpretation of the world, to the world. I was impressed at the multiplicity of styles and forms submitted – examples of minimalism, geometric formalism, abstract expressionism, social commentary, organic form, narrative, pop, as well as humorous pieces. The contemporary metalsmither, working though the alchemical process of imagination and material, has encouraged us to appreciate and take delight in the grand and vast world of possibilities. Michael Monroe |
Marilyn da Silva Marilyn da Silva is a metalsmith who's work is based on telling stories through imagery and representational elements. Her work has been displayed nationally and internationally, including at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the National Gallery of Australia. She is represented in public and private collections. Also, she has been featured in numerous books, magazines and catalogues. She was selected as Fellow for the American Craft Council, 2007 and “Master Metalsmith 1999” by the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Marilyn da Silva is Professor and Program Chair of the Jewelry/Metal Arts Department at California College of the Arts in Oakland where she has been since 1987. Before moving to California, she taught from 1978-87 at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She earned her MFA in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana and her BS in Art Education at Bowling Green State University.
| Juror's Statement: The umbrella over the field of metalsmithing has grown more expansive. As one of the three jurors for “METAL Inclinations International Online Exhibition”, I was impressed by the diversity and dynamics of the many entries submitted for this exhibition. The entries that stood out for me demonstrated innovative approaches to design and execution combined with a concern for surface, detail and craftsmanship through the use of traditional and non-traditional materials. It goes without saying that an online exhibition relies not only on compelling work, but also on quality images. The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths should be applauded for their decision to make this exhibition accessible to the multitudes over the Internet. I would like to congratulate the artists selected for this exhibition. Marilyn da Silva Professor and Program Chair California College of Arts |
Susie Ganch is currently Assistant Professor and Head of the Metals Program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond Virginia. Exhibitions include: The Japan Jewelry Art Competition 2008, The 5th Cheongju Biennale (Korea)(Honorable Mention Award), 11th Biennial International Juried Enamel Exhibition (Columbus, OH)(Juror’s Award), Chazen Museum (Madison, WI), SOFA Chicago and NYC, Society of Arts and Crafts (Boston, MA), John Michael Kohler Art Center (Sheboygan, WI) and The Mint Museum (Charlotte, NC).
Ganch is a recent recipient of a VCU Faculty Research Grant and received the 2007 Educator of the Year award sponsored by Niche Magazine and the Rosen Group. Selected publications include: Metalsmith Magazine (2008, volume 28, no. 3), Lark Books’ 500 Necklaces and 500 Bracelets. Susie Ganch is represented by Sienna Gallery, Lenox, MA, the Velvet da Vinci in San Francisco, Snyderman Works Gallery, Philadelphia, PA, and Quirk Gallery in Richmond, VA. Her work can be found on the web at Klimt02.net and susieganch.com.
Juror's Statement: I understood the theme "Metal Inclinations" to mean an aptitude or proficiency with metal. While all the applicants’ work displayed these characteristics, I selected what I thought was the most exciting and well-documented work. I was attracted to work that combined ideas I hadn’t seen before with refreshing applications of technique. In addition, I sought work with amazing technical proficiency and understanding of what metal can do. There were an overwhelming number of applicants for the exhibition and I was truly honored to read the statements and see the work of so many artists. We have a vital international community. I am proud to be part of this field and I am thankful for having participated in this jury process. |