Melissa Visintin

Artist Statement

I am fascinated by the ability to create something from nothing, a notion that drives and inspires some, and terrifies others – that’s interesting. I am constantly pushing myself to figure out new techniques, like how to make clay look like a real stone or a vintage cloisonné pendant. By hand-carving, coloring, and layering the clay, I’m able to mimic the depth of natural stone and the intricate detail and beauty of cloisonné. I finish each piece with structural silver wire weaving and polishing, ensuring the metalwork complements the complexity of the focal elements. Beyond satisfying my own curiosity and the fun of the challenge, the purpose behind my technical exploration is the woman who wears the finished piece.
My primary influences are the Impressionist painters. I have always loved the way they used layers of color to capture the light and all the colors it captures and reflects back, because it makes you feel something. I try to bring that same energy into my jewelry. Instead of a flat veneer, I layer thin pieces of clay dyed with several different tints and pigments to get the depth and vibration you see in a painting. My practice is about translating that fine-art complexity into something you can hold in your hand and wear.