Independent Artists Grant

Melody Armstrong is the recipient of a 2010 Independent Artists Grant.

Independent Artists grants support the creation, development or performance of new work in any art form, professional development for artists and research in the arts. These grants support the ongoing development of artistic practice in Saskatchewan, as well as independent curators and critics in all arts disciplines.

MELODY ARMSTRONG – VISUAL ARTS
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

"My artistic objective is to continue to explore and develop as a Jewellery Artist working with sterling silver, gold, titanium, gemstones, and incorporating other experimental materials such as found objects and common elements. By the juxtaposition of industrial and naturally occurring forms, contrasting surface treatments, textures and color, my aim is to manipulate the materials to arrive at jewellery forms that elicit visual stimulus and tactile qualities.
My jewelllery is born through a diligent creative process of influence, design rendering, and then using my metalsmithing skills to form and manipulate the materials into my desired intension. My objective is to create intimate jewellery objects that offer a compelling reason for others to enter into the investigative realm. The scale of the jewellery is well suited for this pursuit, allowing me to build precious forms to draw one near, engendering intimate interactions. My aim is to create a group of compelling new wearable works that reflect the artistic possibilities of metal as jewellery. I now want to expand my ideas further through research and incorporating new techniques. I am very excited about how my recent work is leading me towards the development of a distinct and groundbreaking body of work.
I would like to push the limits and move beyond commercial restrictions to make room for extensive experimentation. Receiving this creative grant would allow me to devote twenty hours a week for six months, affording me the focus and the time needed to achieve a substantial body of work for the “Regina Jewellery Artists” curated exhibition at the Saskatchewan Craft Council Gallery from March 4 to April 3, 2011. When completed I intend on documenting the work and submitting proposals to various other galleries across Saskatchewan."