Iliana Lawrence | Constrained

Artist: Iliana Lawrence, Texas
Materials: sterling silver, nickel
Size: 5 and 6

Artist Statement: This piece was made using the lost-wax casting process. I carved the rings to resemble the bars of a jail cell. I also carved the phrase “What constrains you?” on the inside of the larger ring. It was inspired by hardships a lot of us face and thinking of ways we can break those chains that constrain us. So after I carved my rings in wax, I casted the rings by melting down sterling silver. I then oxidized the rings and created a chain to connect the two rings. The chain is long enough to be worn in different orientations as shown in the images.

Artist Bio: Iliana Lawrence is an undergraduate student at Texas Tech University. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics. Her junior year of college was her first introduction into the field of metalsmithing and jewelry design and the start of her artistic journey. Jewelry enamored her and would then become one of her passions that she would pursue. She has since taken four jewelry design classes and has been able to learn various techniques that allow her to incorporate her passions into various forms of jewelry.

She is interested in using her artwork as a means of activism. Her activism centers around animal rights, environmental issues, and social rights issues. This can be seen throughout her work in the meaning behind her work as well as the materials used. She hopes her artwork can engage the audience and start a conversation around these issues.

This ring was part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2023, an online exhibition and competition. View the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.