Precious (2009-2010)

“Precious” is a series of of re-purposed farm tools which I embellished with damascene inlay, an age-old technique originally developed for inlaying silver and gold on arms and armour. The work addresses pastoral notions of agricultural labour and the romanticization of rural life.

Precious, 2010. Dimensions variable. Installation view, The Point Gallery, Salt Spring Island.

Small spade, 2009-2010. H 44” x W 5” x D 2” (112 cm x 13 cm x 5 cm). 24K gold Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Collection of the artist.

Bill hook, 2010. H 41.5” x W 7” x D 2.75” (105 cm x 17.8 cm x 7 cm) 24K gold and fine silver Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Collection of the artist.

Pitchfork, 2009-2010. H 59” x W 8.5” x D 5.5” (150 cm x 21.5 cm x 14 cm). 24K gold Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Collection of the artist.

Scythe, 2010. H 58” x W 32” x D 5.5” (147 cm x 81 cm x 14 cm). 24K gold and fine silver Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Collection of the artist.

Shovel, 2009. H 58” x W 9” x D 6” (147 cm x 23 cm x 15 cm). 24K gold and fine silver Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Private collection.

Edger, 2009-2010 (detail). H 39.25” x W 8.25” x D 1.25” (100 cm x 21 cm x 3 cm). 24K gold and fine silver Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Collection of the Metal Museum, Memphis.

Bill hook, 2010 (detail). H 41.5” x W 7” x D 2.75” (105 cm x 17.8 cm x 7 cm) 24K gold and fine silver Damascene inlay on found object (carbon steel and ash). Collection of the artist.