Elaine Unzicker

I received my M.F.A. from Illinois State University in jewelry and sculpture. During my studies, I attended a workshop on making chain mail. Manipulating metal into chain mail came naturally; I loved the qualities of chain mail-soft and flowing, so unlike its natural state. My creations evolved into wearable art. Color patterns of anodized chain mail, interlocked one ring at time, overlay the stainless chain mail. I also embellish the stainless surface with castings from nature in bronze or gold-plated brass, for example, cast pistachio shells decorate a purse. Natural stones, such as pearls, are used to soften the surface. Forged, soldered nickel or brass rod is inserted thru the mesh to create folds. The use of soldered brass accents and pierced brass sheet add extra interest. Inspiration comes from working with the body as an armature for my creations. How does the piece lay on the body? How does the piece move? These questions always play a part in my designs.