Vitrice McMurry: Jewelry

My jewelry is modern and multi-faceted, a reflection of my cultural influences and interests. I combine sterling silver and 18k gold plate with precious and non-precious stones and intricate cloisonné enameling. I create my work in two primary ways: constructing directly from sheet and wire and using the ancient lost-wax casting process for more 3D forms. Some pieces feature cloisonné enameling, a meticulous art form in which powdered glass is fired or melted within walls of fine silver or 24k gold enclosures (cloisons) to form painting-like images. Deco architecture, Mayan hieroglyphics, and the organic forms of nature inspire my designs. To create textured layers I employ many techniques including roller-printing, appliqué, forging and anticlastic raising. I do custom work here in New Orleans and have taught metal-smithing for many years at Country Day School in Metairie, LA. My work is in the private collections of John Goodman, Bonnie Raitt, Allen Toussaint, Peggy Scott Laborde, and Madelyn Albright.