Nicholas Hesson

I love the consistency, delicacy, and strength of metal. I explore these ideas through making jewelry and objects that incorporate precious metals, mixed media, and enamel. Metal's willingness to be transformed, both in form and texture, makes it the perfect medium for exploring the sculptural ideas that I use in my work inspired by the human body. Furthermore, the vibrancy of vitreous enamels displays the colors and transparency I desire in my work. Jewelry has been used by human societies for thousands of years as a symbol of social status and economic wealth. However, I feel jewelry has the potential to do much more than that. This idea is important in my work as I think about the wearer and the perceptions that can be drawn from their adornment. I believe that jewelry can be a talisman that transforms the wearer, instilling emotions and ideas they may lack. 

My work explores the hidden world of the human body, the complex system of networks that make up our bones, nerves, muscles and organs that lie beneath the skin. I look to create windows into the body to give insight on what is not seen and is often overlooked. Whether it be organs or bones, each part of our body is integral to our existence, yet most of the time we do not appreciate these parts. Our bodies are made up of a culmination of cells that have evolved over millions of years to make us what we are today. The aim of my work is to allow the viewer to see the body as if it were x-rayed or surgically cut open in order to bring about a clearer understanding of one’s being. Through the use of enameled copper and silver forms I depict organs and bones onto wearable objects. These objects serve to give a sense of relation to the body, a peek into the complexity that is the human form, a link to the object and wearer.