jill.herlands

after teaching myself about the science behind metalworking, i became obsessed with the manipulation of raw materials. my technique of choice is hand fabrication, and i consciously disregard the traditional. instead, i use unorthodox combinations of precious metals, rough gemstones, and non-traditional materials to create tension and expose the unexpected. i thrive in an atmosphere of controlled chaos, while allowing the materials to dictate the final outcome of my work. i draw inspiration from experimentation, along with new york city’s textures, architecture, concrete and steel. while manipulating raw material, i look for contrasts, empty contours and visible and imagined boundaries, which allows me to conceptualize the shape within. i am fascinated that metal can change so drastically from smooth and industrial in appearance to an intriguing organic form bearing no resemblance to the original. it is as if an object not only assumes a second life but reveals its true identity. m