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I construct sculptural jewelry, influenced by nature, architecture, travel, and the materials themselves. I combine wood with Mokume Gane; they complement each other visually, but contrast in terms of natural vs. man-made. Maps are incorporated to offer visual clues and add color.
Mokume Gane, a technique born out of Japanese metalsmithing translates into English as “wood eye metal”. It is a time consuming process where two or more different metals are alternately stacked, clamped and heated to high temperature. The result is the lamination of all layers into a solid mass of metal, or billet. The billet is then prepared for patterning by forging to half its original thickness. The pattern is started by carving through layers and forging the billet even thinner, or by bumping the surface and grinding through the first several layers. In both cases a very organic wood grain pattern develops. The billet is now usable as sheet metal which can be formed, forged, and soldered.
Currently I live in Silver Spring, MD with my partner Gretchen and our dogs Lita and Sligo. I have a small but well-equipped studio where I am able to make my own raw materials. I participate in regional and national fine craft shows and festivals. I have also been an educator for several years, teaching at the college level and conducting workshops on Mokume Gane.
Eric Burris,
Jeweler & Metalsmith
