Toll House Studio
Jewelry
Van Hart is a sculptor that focuses on undulating and textural surfaces. Asymmetry and kinetic features lend surprising grace to the larger scale of this narrative work: each piece develops as a tribute to a hero, a meditation on place, a plea for strength in times of adversity. The Heart Armor are based on an inverted milkweed pod. Botanical portraits are pierced, forged, reticulated, granulated, fabricated repousse body and architectural adornment. A constant voice in this work is the supple technique of diminished diameter forging. Sterling, 80/20 silver, 14-18 K yellow or rose gold, and copper are occasionally combined with rare gems and Akoya pearls. Historically significant botanical symbols, people and stories are conceptually interpreted with contemporary flair using classic techniques.