Reliquary

One of the most important aspects in forming the NCMAG was a desire to inspire, support and learn from each other, a need to branch out from our own studio practices and communicate with other working artists. From the very first meeting we knew we wanted to have "assignments", projects that challenge us artistically and intellectually. Today each member scrawled an "assignment" onto a piece of paper and one was drawn at random:

Wearable Reliquary
-Hollowform fabrication
-Must incorporate at least two metals/materials
-Must use one "new to you" technique

Presentations including research, models and/or drawings are due at the next meeting with projects due for completion on Monday May 31st. Pieces will be up for viewing during North Coast Open Studios June 5-6 and June 12-13 from 11am to 5pm.



So What is a Reliquary?

Reliquaries are often associated with religion. For example, in Christianity they were used to encapsulate the bones or possessions of Christ and the saints, were usually made from precious materials and were often believed to have miraculous powers (Victoria and Albert Museum).

One contemporary jewelry artists working with reliquaries is Becky McDonah, from Arizona State University who celebrates the ordinary and mundane from the act of applying lip gloss to the chore of watering the lawn in her work pieces: "Moistutane: A Reliquary for Chapstick" and "Hunting Nightcrawlers: A Reliquary for Dirt".


For Further Reading:

The Trophies of the Martyrs:An Art Historical Study of Early Christian Silver Reliquaries
Epehemeral Fang Reliquaries: A post history