Jewelry Enthusiasts Can Get Their ROCK ON! at Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery in Seattle

"Gold Top" by Todd Pownell. Exhibit: ROCK ON! Photo by Dan Fox. For the first time, Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery has made rocks and gemstones the subject of an exhibition. The work of fourteen contemporary artists, on display through July 31, 2013, offers jewelry enthusiasts an opportunity to get their ROCK ON!, as they feast their eyes upon what a Facèré representative calls "an exciting mix of the raw, cut, cool and colorful" gemstone jewels exhibited in the show. Highlights of the show include the pictured "Gold Top" ring by Todd Pownell, a stunning Pietersite necklace made by Wolfgang Vaatz, and "Metro", a ring made by artist Alison B. Antelman. Todd Pownell, owner of TAP Jewelry in Cleveland, Ohio, traces his inspiration to shop class, where melting steel rods sparked a passion for making objects with his hands. Later exposure to the seductive properties of silver, gold, and gemstones carved a natural path toward jewelry design and manufacture. As an independent studio craftsman, Mr. Pownell continues a mesmerizing affair with the intrinsic properties of noble metals and precious gemstones and the myriad ways they interact with light. As many artists understand, staring at the raw materials with only a glimmer of what they might become can nearly paralyze a person. Thankfully, Todd has steeled himself against the siren's call of procrastination. As he dives headlong into "the chaos of the process," he succeeds in creating stunning jewels that reflect the natural order and chaos that coexist in the natural world. "Gold Top" is an exquisite example of Todd Pownell's unique approach to jewelry design. The strength and order inherent in the noble metals gold and palladium are juxtaposed against the haunting qualities of his hammering techniques and the dark rim of inverted, bead-set black diamonds. With "Gold Top," Mr. Pownell artfully evokes the essence of the gloaming and transports viewers into the beautiful chaos of the natural world. We invite you to experience "Gold Top" and the numerous other works of artistic beauty that celebrate these gifts of the natural world at Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery during the month of July. You will find more information on Facèré's website.