Battle of the Rings 2024
Competition is now complete!
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VIEW FULL COLLECTION HERE.
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VIEW DAILY MATCHES HERE.
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Walkthrough of the Battle of the Rings on YouTube:
Watch Part One, HERE , Watch Part Two, HERE
2024 Champion Ring | Star Rise, Star Fall
Artist: Christopher Gerber, Washington
Materials: sterling silver, cz (ring) - brass, wood, sterling silver, felt (base)
Artist Statement: So much of the natural world fascinates me, but the night sky is far and away what leaves me most in awe. As the passing of the day drapes the forests and mountains in shadows, the enchanting and silent movement of the sky overhead always brings about the strongest sense of wonder. Echoing this movement in this ring, a gentle brush of your finger will bring the shimmering stars into view. As these points twinkle and arc across the sky, another brush of your finger whisks them away, off to hide behind the landscape until you once again feel the desire to sink into the heavens and let your mind wander in the cosmos. Nestled within a stack of hand-cut and engraved layers, the stars are but one piece in the simple yet complex landscape.
A matched stand offers a modest home for the ring when not being worn. Its' warm hues and soft textures compliment the cool, crisp aspects of the ring itself, and offering another reference to how simple, yet complex, the world around us really is.
Learn more HERE.
Representing Team Shanks: Nicole Ringgold
Nicole Ringgold is a self-taught silversmith living in the North Cascade Mountains in Washington State. She received her BA from Wittenberg University in Sociology and Studio Art, and her MA in Art Therapy from Antioch University.
For 3 years after earning her BA Nicole served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, W. Africa where she met her husband Derek. They chose an intentional lifestyle in which to raise their daughter Cymone, key values including maintaining a small footprint, sustainable gardening, outdoor recreation, and community involvement.
Until 2014 Nicole worked as the director of various non-profit organizations. After losing their home and her art studio to a wildfire in 2014 she resigned from her most recent directorial role and devoted her time to perfecting her skills as a silversmith.
Since 2017 Nicole has taught her self-discovered techniques to over 1000 students both in her personal studio and around the globe.
Representing Team Mandrels: Ryan Gardner
Participation in the arts was always important to me growing up. A strong arts program in high school influenced my decision to pursue a degree in the arts. I chose the arts program at Bowling Green State University in northwest Ohio where I discovered and fell in love with metals. I was introduced to many artists, including Michael Boyd, who became an inspiration for me.
Upon graduation I apprenticed for Michael Boyd at his studio in Colorado. That experience turned into an eight year adventure that continues today. It was with Michael that I learned to work with and manipulate stone, adding a new element to my love of jewelry design.
Since being in Colorado I have started my own business, Ryan Gardner Designs. I now showcase my work in galleries across the country. I love working with combining stone and metal in new ways creating works of art for people to enjoy in their daily lives.