Emily Joyce | See-Saw Sally

Artist: Emily Joyce, Ohio
Materials: sterling silver, stainless steel, 14k gold, 24k gold
Size: 9

Artist Statement: See-Saw Sally is a hollow-formed and constructed fidget ring made of sterling silver, stainless steel, and gold. The ring itself is a 3D form inspired by a drawing from a book entitled Chicago High Schools Mechanical Drawing from 1925. The etchings on the exterior of See-Saw Sally come directly from pages 34 and 35 of that gorgeous book. Through my exploration of the playground, I often think of the see-saw as the perfect metaphor for how I attempt to manage my life. I’m up, I’m down, I’m crashing to the ground because of something out of my control. The See-Saw reflects the balance I am constantly trying to achieve. I love studying the simple mechanisms the playground has to offer and the see-saw is by far the simplest but most complex in measurement and balance. And because I am silly, See-Saw Sally features the tiniest 14k gold buttons on the pillows that one would sit upon if they were 2 inches tall. These tiny buttons can be removed and worn as earrings. Enjoy.

Artist Bio: Emily Joyce is a vitreous enamellist, sculptor, and art studio instructor from Cleveland, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Enameling from The Cleveland Institute of Art and earned a Master in Arts Education from Case Western Reserve University. Emily’s work is a thoughtful balance of playfulness and humor from her experience as an art teacher and as a student. She is currently interested in exploring the mechanisms of equipment found on playgrounds and how the undermanaged and immensely imaginative time spent on the playgrounds helps to shape us into adults.

This ring was part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2024, an online exhibition and competition. View the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.