“I love to work in metal. I am seduced by fire, by the tools, the malleability and transformational qualities of the materials.
I use bone carvings in some of my pieces, creating the tiny moon faces and bas relief carvings that characterize this work. Each is different: I collect expressions, sketching faces and capturing moods to use in new pieces. I am now introducing animal-human faces into some of my pieces that are inspired by Celtic transformation myths. I’m trying to capture the surprise a critter- or person- would experience once the perhaps unintended transformation has begun.
Pieces evolve from these carvings, from stories, photographs of memorable places or times and interesting stones. I have been experimenting with textures and patinas in combination with imagery to create narrative pieces that work like miniature paintings. I am also working on more three-dimensional pieces like my pods, and using fold-forming on a small scale. These pieces have organic but imaginary forms.
I want my pieces to have presence and scale, but to remain light and always wearable.
I am always learning and exploring of ideas, materials and fabrication techniques. As long as there are technical and creative challenges, I will hammer on.”
Barbara Mullally lives in Clayton, Ontario with artist Robert Pauly. Together they have operated Moondance Gallery for over 40 years.
‘Floraison’ series of hand-cut sterling silver and semi-precious stones
chrysoprase pendant, 18″ chain $239 code 31-163 Labradorite pendant, 18″ chain $210 code 31-165 turquoise pendant, 20″ chain $210 code 31-166 American turquoise pendant, 16″ chain $239 code 31-168
ruby earrings, 1″diam. $285 code 31-162 silver earrings $65 code 31-181 silver leaves w/amethyst beads, 2.5″ $195 code 31-116 leaf earrings w/ turquoise $90 code 31-117 silver pea pod earrings $120 code 31-179
forged copper gingko leaf pendant w/beads $180 code 31-132
‘Henry’ enamel brooch series, in honour of a favourite feline
‘Henry Pollock’ 4 x 2.5″ brooch $150 code 31-84 ‘Henry Monet’ 4 x 2.5″ brooch $150 code 31-79 ‘Henry Klimt’ 4 x 2.5″ brooch $150 code 31-87
enamel series inspired by the 1960’s abstract expressionist movement
3/4″ green enamelled earrings $65 code 31-111 orange enamel $65 code 31-160 pink enamel $65 code 31-160 yellow enamel $65 code 31-160 black enamel abstract $85 code 31-184 orange enamel abstract $85 code 31-184 red oval abstract $85 code 31-184 white abstract $85 code 31-184 yellow square abstract $85 code 31-184
2-part hinged enamel ‘Wave’ pendant on 22″ silver chain $129 code 31-183
rectangular enamel $85 code 31-92 abstract leaf $75 code 31-185 red abstract round $75 code 31-185 black hoop enamel, 1.25″diam. $65 code 31-125 orange hoop enamel $65 code 31-125 red hoop enamel $65 code 31-125