Ornament Print Edition Volume 44.2

Welcome to our newest edition of Ornament Magazine! We have masterfully made jewelry, coverage of the Philadelphia Craft Show, an exploration of ancient precolumbian stone beads and ornaments, the quintessential Scottish textile, and even a bit of romance for you in this issue. Ashley Callahan relates an unusual love story between two master artists, Aaron Macsai and Frances Kite. Finding each other again after thirty years of being previously married at the Paradise City Arts Festival, their joy at being together is mirrored by the fertile ground tread in their collaborations.

Robert K. Liu delves into the sublime bead adornments crafted by ancient Precolumbian cultures. While other forms of jewelry worn by royalty has been extensively researched, these finely crafted objects, made by unknown artisans long past, have received little attention.

Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell brings the pride of bonnie ol’ Scotland to these pages, in a review of the exhibition “Tartan,” on display at the V&A Dundee. No longer just for kilts, you’ll be led on a fascinating journey as this traditional pattern shows how much it has grown and evolved through the centuries.

Patrick R. Benesh-Liu is a veteran of many years at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show, and each time comes away with new lessons learned, and new people to celebrate. As he muses on the great changes of the past several years, the importance of communal, in-person activities like the Philly show come into focus.

Carl Little shines a light on Brie Flora, a younger metalsmith who is charting her own course in becoming a successful studio jeweler. Her appreciation for color and pattern plays out in her use of powder-coating, sometimes embellished with colored pencil, for bold, expressive pieces.