Featured Artists » » MICHAEL SCHWADE

MICHAEL SCHWADE

Michael utilizes an oxyacetylene torch to I weld bronze alloys and brass to sheet copper shapes in a thin but textured layer. Copper strips are formed around glass cabochons to make bezel settings. Often contrasting metal wire forms and balls are fused with, or embedded into the thin bronze or nickel silver layer.

Pieces are finished by hand buffing to a bright, satin luster. Often, chemicals or heat is used to patinate the surface and raised surfaces are selectively polished to show the contrast between areas. Finally, all pieces are signed and lacquered with three coats to preserve the finish.

"I have always admired the jewelry of ancient civilizations. The ornaments of Egyptian, pre-Columbian, African and Celtic cultures have an almost magical power that taps into the archetypal energy underlining the mythical consciousness of modern humanity.

"My goal is to design jewelry that has the look and feel of ancient artifacts. I try to create pieces that add a touch of drama to a contemporary ensemble and bring out the inner Cleopatra in every woman"