Katie Poliquin - They/Them Bubble-Wand Ring

Artist: Katie Poliquin
Materials: sterling silver, glass jar, bubble solution, paint
Size: 9.5
Dimensions: Height: 3.25" Width: 1.25" Band width: 7/8" Band Depth: 3/8"

Artist Statement:
This object, hand-fabricated in sterling silver, is both a ring and a bubble wand. It features a heart and the pronouns “they” and “them”. It lives in a jar of bubble solution, with the trans flag painted on the lid.

I came out this year as non-binary/trans, and started using they/them pronouns. While this truth has been in me for many years, this was the year that I gained both the language to define myself accurately, and the willingness to share my inner world with my outer world.

This ring is a joyful validation of being non-binary/trans. It trades in everyday wearability for playfulness and an invitation to do something simple, expressive, and second nature to my inner self: blow bubbles.

Artist Bio:
Katie Poliquin is a traveling metalsmith. They earned their BFA at Massachusetts College of Art.
Their work has been featured in 500 Metal Vessels and Art Jewelry Today 2.

Katie keeps a minimal studio that can be taken on the road. After taking a class with Julia Lowther at North Seattle Community College, and being influenced by Julia’s emphasis on simple and accessible tools, Katie had the key to metalsmithing while being nomadic.

Originally from Maine, Katie lives in Colorado when not traveling around the country. When traveling, Seattle, New Mexico, California, and Arizona are their favorite places to be. Katie is hoping to travel to Maine this fall, and return to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

This ring is part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2021, an online exhibition and competition. Shop the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.