alternative materials

Laser Cut Clear Acrylic and Felt

The human body is composed of several essential biological elements that are both hidden beneath the skin and exposed on the surface.  I have chosen to focus my design inspirations on the intersections between art, science and technology. Drawing inspiration from natural patterns and designs within the human body, more specifically the circulatory system, I have developed a design by which the veins and arteries of the chest are visually represented on the surface of the skin. Rather than creating an exact representation of the veins and arteries, I have chosen to bring these biological diagrams to my design process in a form that both draws inspiration from, and looks at the biological relationships between veins and arteries.  

experimenting with a variety of forms

Modeled by my lovely sister Adelle Kaldeway.

twenty one.

Lavender

sterling silver and brass

Collection is most often referred to as the action or process of collecting an assembly of items that hold a combination of symbolic, historical and aesthetic value.   These values are often associated with themes of history, identity, and community and the important relationships they have with one another.  Drawing inspiration from the themes and characters in the film Everything is Illuminated, by Jonathan Safran Foer, I have chosen to fabricate a small collection of bullets that embrace traditional forms of Russian lace and the role of women in Ukraine during the Second World War.   Much of the film is about understanding one’s own cultural heritage and values; while also acknowledging the memories that are tied to these relationships.  Upon reflecting on the ways in which Ukrainian culture was portrayed in the film during the Second World War I have come to better understand the effect and impact of war on women and the varying ways with which they’ve contributed to serving their country.  This collection of bullets is meant to embrace these themes - through the integration of Russian lace, a bullet, and the lingering scent of lavender – leaving the mere trace of a memory that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

experimentation with saw piercing lace patterns in sterling silver

forming sterling silver sheet and experimenting with brass bullet tips on the lathe

I have chosen to present this collection of bullets in a box that was inspired by traditional ammunition cartons - I'd have liked to build this box in wood and potentially screenprint the lace pattern from the bullets on the outside slipcover..but I will have to save that project for another day!

the inside of the bullet has been filled with wool, soaked in essential lavender oil, in hope that this lingering scent may invoke traces of memory that can be interpreted in various ways.

mikayla rose

there is nothing as sweet as the embrace of a beautiful new baby :)

This past weekend I had the opportunity of meeting the newest edition to our extended family - beautiful little Mikayla Rose Kaldeway.

Patience

This verse has been on my mind a lot these past few weeks... and I was so incredibly encouraged when I came across this print by Society6.  I may just have to add this to my collection some day!

silversmithing

35mm Brass Sphere

This semester I've had the opportunity to take a silversmithing class with Shao-pin Chu, an incredibly talented designer of jewellery, furniture, and other sculptural objects.  I really like his approach and methods of teaching, but the learning curve has also proven to be rather steep.  Last week I spent 12 hr days in the studio hammering assignments that Shao-pin completed in just a couple hours.. *sigh*

Brass Bowl

I spent hours hammering and planishing the bowl above, only to discover that I'd been hammering incorrectly and had to re-hammer multiple times over to try and perfect the form.. By the end, my hands were so swollen and blistered that I could hardly even hold on to my metropass when I walked to the subway at the end of the day...

however, we learn from our mistakes and although these mistakes are time costly, I am learning so many valuable techniques and things about myself in the process...patience being one of them!

Valentine's Day Sale

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you are still looking for something unique for that special someone, you should come out to the MAAD Valentine's Day Sale next Wednesday, February 8 in the lobby of 100 McCaul Street!

The sale will include ceramic, fibre and jewellery work by OCADU Material Art and Design students. 

Sterling Silver Stacking Rings (set of five) - $60.00

to-do lists

Some would say that I am a little too obsessive over making "to-do" lists and being super organized, but making lists have become such a big part of my life these past few years.  My brain tends to run a million miles a minute and its not until I take the time to write out all the details that I begin to process my thoughts, the assignments, the due dates, the meetings etc... 

here is my colour coordinated to-do list for this week... (yes, I am nerd)

I used to think that I was actually capable of remembering all the tasks I have to complete in a day, but in the long run, I’ve gotten so forgetful that I make lists for almost everything!  

I have grocery lists, “stickie” lists on my desktop, project due date lists, "music I'd like to download" lists, lists of my goals and inspirations, I’ve even gone so far as to make lists by the hour to ensure that I have enough time in my day to complete each task on the list....okay, maybe I may be a little too ambitious at times, but there is something so incredibly satisfying about being able to physically check an item off the list… 

I should probably add that while my expectations may be high, there are always days when I only attempt the first few tasks on the list and I have to remind myself that life goes on.. and I am going to be okay!