Gretchen McLaren

Being an artist is not something that I do; it is something that I am. As humans, we are all the sum of our life experiences, and, as artists, our life experiences are expressed through our work. My work speaks of the simplicity of form through the qualities of of quietness, cleanliness and elegance while reducing elements to their simplest forms. I search for the spirit in each piece.

My style has roots in the artistic movement of minimalism, but also draws upon my European aesthtics. My creative influences include a great-Grandfather who was a coppersmith, and emigrated from Poland. He made three-dimensional utilitarian objects such as vases, flower pots, teapots, and spittoons. Many of these pieces are still in existence, and are owned by collectors and various family members. A few years ago I was delighted to discover all his tools and hammers, still in the barn at my Grandmother's farm. By restoring and refinishing the hammers, I use them in creating my work, thus keeping this aspect of my own family history and creativity alive.

There are defining moments in each life, and my own personal relationship with metal began with one of those moments during art school. Initially I had intended to become a commercial artist, but, from the instant I walked into the jewelry studio for the first time, I felt like I was home. The second defining moment came when I decided to become a blacksmith--the minute that my hammer first struck the anvil, I was enthralled. I have been a metalsmith ever since.

All of my work is hand fabricated using embossing, forming, soldering, setting, and enameling techniques. I truly enjoy creating and making each piece by hand. What satisfies my soul is to simply be a maker of objects.

My life experiences and unique vision are subtly expressed in each piece. It is my hope that a piece is chosen because it speaks to the collector via it's quiet beauty and simple elegance; my goal is that the soul of each piece shines through. The pieces are designed to be timeless and classic, and it is my wish that they be proudly worn and enjoyed for a lifetime.