Tracy S. Mastro - Ponder Two Finger Ring

Artist: Tracy S. Mastro
Materials: enamel, copper, fresh water pearl
Size: 7.5-8.5
Dimensions: 2 1/8" x 2 1/8", 1" h, 4mm round "band"

Artist Statement:
I've been playing with the idea of the mood ring and how rings can evoke or project the mood of the wearer.

I’ve been thinking a lot since I’ve had to stay at home. I worry about so many things right now and especially over what is to come as we try to get back to normal. I’m grateful to have this space for myself to ruminate and create work. The outside world seems to be far away and I don’t miss it, not yet. I’m content to stay safe at home and ponder in my studio.

My Ponder series consists of bits and pieces of enamel interspersed between layers of sifted enamel, some bleeding through to the surface and others revealing something beneath the surface. They are symbolic of various thoughts, feelings and ideas floating around and connecting or bouncing off one another.

Artist Bio:
I live in the Sebago Lake region of Maine where I maintain a studio for my enamel jewelry and fine art practice in what was my late father’s studio. I enjoy using the vintage enamel powders, supplements, and tools that he had used when he was making enamel jewelry. My making equates to journaling, which evokes my thoughts, feelings, reactions, etc… I strive to make jewelry that is unusual, bold and fun to wear.
My recent work was accepted into Surface Matters: Grit or Gloss a traveling exhibit by The Enamelist Society, Under Fire 3 an on-line exhibit by the Enamel Guild North East, and Chemical Exchanges presented by the Brookline Arts Center at their Beacon Street Gallery. I received my BFA for jewelry and Metalsmith from the Maine College of Art in 1991.

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.