Elements of Surprise: An Artist’s Statement

As an artist I find myself drawn to shape and form and texture. I find the play of metal wire against a natural element, extremely appealing. I strive to create a fluid or playful form from the rigid wire and stone or glass.

I enjoy the challenge of seeing possibilities in elements that we take for granted. I like the idea of taking a surprising element like a sea-worn piece of shell or weathered glass as the base for some of my pieces. However, sometimes the clean look of shiny glass or a gemstone cab is what is needed for the piece I have in mind.

I usually create spontaneously, inspired by the look and feel of the base element being used. Sometimes it is the look and feel of the glass or shell while other times the wire dictates what the piece will become. Sometimes it is close to what I imagined and other times it is totally different. I have no preconceived notions as to what it will look like other than a vague image. I let the wire guide me — it seems to have mind of its own. Color and texture are important in the overall piece. I try to play these up as much as possible to get the effect that I feel will best complement the piece.

Most of my pieces use a variety of elements and texture. Glass against metal, metal against shell, I like the idea that you need to reach out and touch it to completely “experience” a piece. Wearable art is truly an experience to be touched and not just seen.

Lee Richards, Metalsmith

Education

Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana B.S. in Art: Major in Metals, Minor in Drawing

Awards:

Ball State Student Art Show, 1st place in vessel category

September 1986 awarded an undergraduate fellowship in photo-etching to develop and explore techniques in this process on a variety of metals.

Organizations

American Craft Council Member

National Honor Society

Society of Midwest Metalsmiths

Best of Missouri Hands

Currently

Developing my business “Dzignz On You: One Of A Kind Wearable Art” and I have recently had or currently have pieces at:

Spring Street Gallery, Jeffersonville, Indiana

Studio Jewelers, North Manchester, Indiana

Morgie’s Gifts & Things, St. Charles, Missouri

Elm Street Company, Washington, Missouri

High Plains Art & Design Center, Valley Ridge, Missouri

The Painted Daisy Artique, Eureka, Missouri

Juried Shows Include:

Boulder Creek Festival, CO

Celebration of the Arts, Charleston, IL

Artist’s Boutique, Kirkwood, MO

Washington Fall Festival, Washington, MO

Central West End, St. Louis, MO

Dzignz On You

Lee Richards, Metalsmith

707 S. Oak St.

Union, MO 63084

636-583-7947

http://www.dzignzonyou.com

E-mail Lee Richards

Dzignz On You – Lee Richards