Embracing the ethos of resourcefulness and creativity, I invite you to journey with me as we create a sand cast ring, a process that marries the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest with the enduring craftsmanship of my heritage.
In my workshop, nestled amid the islands of the Salish Sea and the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, in Edison Washington, we begin by selecting a piece of the world to immortalize in metal. Perhaps it’s texture from the rugged coastline, a fragment of pine, or a shape that speaks to the soul’s depth.
We’ll prepare our sand mold, a delicate task that requires patience and precision. This sand, reminiscent of the vast beaches and deserts of the Pacific Northwest, will cradle our chosen piece, creating a void that yearns to be filled.
Melting the metal, we are reminded of the transformative power of fire, a tool and a force revered by my ancestors for its ability to create, to change and to purify. The molten metal, glowing with potential, is carefully poured into the sand mold, its fiery essence captured in the cool embrace of the earth.
As we break the mold, we uncover a raw creation, a testament to the process and a tribute to the natural beauty and rugged individualism of the Pacific Northwest. This sand cast ring, unique and imperfect, carries the story of its making, the legacy of my family, and the spirit of the land that shaped me.
In crafting this ring, we honor the tradition of making, the value of resourcefulness, and the beauty of imperfection. It stands as a symbol of connection – to our past, to the earth and to each other. Join me in this celebration of heritage and creativity, where every ring tells a story, and every story bridges generations.