Rachel Morris | Points of Abstraction (Trapezium Collection)

Artist:  Rachel Morris

Materials: Sterling, fine, and reticulation silver. 18k gold. 22k bimetal. Phil Baldwin's Raindrop pattern mokume (copper and argentium).

Dimensions: 20x2x0.75

Origin of featured materials: Shining Wave Metals / Phillip Baldwin

Story behind the piece:  This exquisite necklace features a dynamic arrangement of twenty-one vari-shaped geometric hollow forms, both flat-surfaced and concave and convex, constructed using a blend of mokume-gane (a centuries-old Japanese metalworking technique), and reticulated surfaces. The flowing, woodgrain-like patterns in copper and silver, and the bark-like textures of the reticulated and blackened silver create a striking interplay of color and texture. A single 22k gold bimetal concave dome nests inside the negative space at the central circular mokume hollow form and 18k gold beads top off each hinge pin. Each form is  hinged to flex easily around the collarbone. The work blends tradition and modernity, perfect for those seeking a distinctive and elegant statement piece. 

I took my first mokume gane class from Jim Binnion and Chris Ploof at Rio Grande and haven't looked back since. I've taken additional coursework from Eric Burris at CMAG and more recently, Anne Wolf at Danaca Design. While I love mokume ring making, it's the larger hollow form work I do that really gives me the best opportunity to showcase the patterns fully. 

Artist Bio: At 8, I was in the Barnum & Bailey circus and took my first metalsmithing class. Clowning didn’t stick—but the torch did. What began with enameling grew into a passion for hand-fabricating bold, sculptural jewelry in metal and stone. Texture? Yes. Scale? Absolutely. I now create architectural statement pieces that anchor and inspire my everyday collections, and I share the flame as an artist/educator, teaching workshops virtually and in person on both coasts.

This piece is part of, From Wave to Shining Wave: a Celebration of Phil Baldwin and Shining Wave Metals Baldwin. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Seattle Metals Guild. 5% of sales will be donated to help fund an endowment at Pendland in Phillip Baldwin’s name. Learn more HERE. All work will remain on exhibit through July 20, 2025.

📂 [View the entire collection HERE ]

ℹ️ [Learn more about the exhibition HERE]