My Ode to Media

My Flagbook Page : Visual Response of Ode to Media

• Metal, especially sterling silver, was my favorite material in my art studio practice. Sterling silver is precious material. Although silver tarnishes over time, it does not deform unless subjected to strong force. It suitable for long-term preservation. During my undergraduate metal fabrication class, I undertook a project to make a spoon by a two-pound silver ingot. One page of my flag depicts me working on the spoon project by acrylic paint and color pencils. I also created silver jewelry as gifts for my friends and mother, and I drew inspiration from these pieces to complete the other page of the flag.

A Letter of Ode to Media

Shiny my friend, Sterling silver, I have spent the past six years with you. You are a material that revealed so many possibilities to me! Through the processes of sawing you into desired shapes, annealing you with fire, hammering to alter your form, and adding texture, I have had so much physical contact with you. I was happy back when I melted you to make a two-pound ingot, then shaped it with a hammer to create a spoon. I made jewelry and gave it to my mom and friends as gifts, and they were absolutely delighted. Unlike other materials, you never caused any issues when touching my skin. You stayed with me for a long time without easily deforming or breaking down. Your very substance could melt and be reborn into the shapes I desired. Being reborn into new forms amidst the heat, you are nothing short of a magical medium. It makes me so sad that you've become so expensive these days.

It’s a shame we aren’t in touch much for three years, but I know we’ll meet again someday along with the enamel and stones. The opal and other stones I bought a while back are still resting in my drawer, waiting for the chance to be with you. I’ll make sure to bring you all together! Thank you so much for everything. I really love the way you spark yourself!