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In the Studio: Sculpting, Signets, and Monograms

I spent much of my time in the post-holiday quietude exploring the technique of deep relief engraving – a method of cutting away the background of a piece of metal in order to lift up and sculpt a subject with dimension.



When learning a new technique, I often return to the subject of birds because I have studied them so carefully that their shape and wing structure is familiar and easy for my mind's eye to recall. Pictured below is a pendant necklace in progress, my first attempt at true "deep relief engraving" where I sculpted two sparrows perched in a buckthorn tree flanked by a hand engraved line from my original poem, Early Frost. Approximately 1.5" x 2". 

In late January I also dipped a toe into the art of monogram design and signet ring engraving, as the two live beautifully together. Monogram design, though rooted in antiquity, appeals to the logo design side of my brain; I was a full time professional graphic designer before my foray into jewelry and metals in mid-life.

It has been interesting to apply deep relief engraving to signet rings because the area for sculpting is much more compact and tiny than I typically work within for my other sculpting work using the chasing and repousse technique. This small canvas has necessitated the grinding and shaping of my own tiny gravers and punches no larger than the head of a pin! And, I am learning to create marks and cuts that, to the naked eye, are pronounced enough to describe an object yet simple enough to retain clarity of form... Sometimes called the "curse of the scope," working under a microscope makes very fine engraving possible, but it also presents new challenges of scale and perception.



I also had a lot of fun hosting a livestream on my Instagram in January for my fellow jewelers. I shared tips about my favorite files and answered questions about my studio and the techniques I use in my work. Watch the recording of the livestream on my new YouTube channel!  

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I would love to know what you think!
Share your comments below.


4 comments

  • Nadia

    Absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for the sneak peek!
    I still haven’t recovered from missing out on your breathtaking Raveling rings – my father had just passed away then, but now my husband has recently passed… I will always hope and look for similar images in large rings —or the possibility for you to open up 1 or 2 slots for custom pieces 🙏. In the meantime, your breathtaking work/posts are sustaining me. Xo

  • Reid Smith

    What a great way to branch out! I always enjoy seeing your art and heart.

  • Maureen Macintyre

    I look forward to seeing your work. Having tried engraving techniques and wax carving, I understand how much practice goes into the process.

  • Leslie

    Beautiful work! As an artist it’s always fun to try a new technique. I will look forward to seeing more!Winter is such a great time to experiment.

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