SASKATCHEWAN ART AWARD - one of two designs that were short-listed

"2019 Saskatchewan Arts Award" Prototype Submission
Melody Armstrong - Artist Statement

"Every Saskatchewan Artist is unique in their creative expression, like a beach stone, no two are exactly alike. Relating art to nature, ideas take time to form, develop, grow and flourish. Let us celebrate these innovative achievements and the Artist’s contribution to Saskatchewan's quality of life and economic growth.
This award represents the unique possibilities that are achievable by creative thinkers. Encouraging artists to reach beyond, pushing their own boundaries to enjoy limitless artistic outcomes. It is as much about the creative process involved, as it is the final form, which then continues to inspire and be appreciated by the community.
This necklace features a beach stone collected at Last Mountain Lake in Saskatchewan. Each pendant has a different Saskatchewan beach stone that reflects the award recipient and their artistic personality. The 2mm gemstone on the backside of the pendant is the Artist’s birthstone adding that personal touch. Each of these Saskatchewan Arts Awards are customized with the award, category and recipient’s name, hand stamped into the layers of metal on the reverse side.
This necklace is most fitting as a Saskatchewan Arts Award because it can be worn close to the heart, where the love of creativity thrives. As a functional art piece, wearing this award will engage conversation and bring awareness of the Artist’s accomplishments. When the recipient isn’t wearing this award, it can be proudly displayed on the custom oak necklace stand that includes an etched copper plaque also stating the award, category and recipient’s name. This 2019 Saskatchewan Arts Award is a perfect wearable work of art to celebrate and cherish for years to come."



Materials:
Pendant: Sterling silver, bronze, cubic zirconia, Saskatchewan beach stone. 
Stand: Oak, copper, brass, steel.
Methods:
Pendant: Sawing, filing, sanding, soldering, stone setting, texturing, oxidizing, polishing, fabricating, riveting, stamping, hammering.
Stand: Sawing, sanding, etching, drilling, fabricating.

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There were only two designs that were short-listed.  The competition was very, very close, but in the end, the committee chose the other artist’s prototype as the Saskatchewan Arts Award for the next five years. The committee recognized the thought, care and craftsmanship that had been put into the artwork and appreciated the way I made the work stand on its own as an award, as well as a piece of jewellery to be worn.

This Prototype has been purchased by the Saskatchewan Arts Board to become part of their Permanent Collection. It will be add to the other works they have of mine in their collection.

First Prototype:
Proposal for the award design for the Saskatchewan Arts Award 2019
"CELEBRATE YOUR CREATIVE EXPRESSION – BE UNIQUE"

In progress, design development and technical notes.

Other pieces in the Saskatchewan Arts Board collection:

THE SKY IS LIMITLESS - sterling silver, 23.5 k gold keum-boo, peridot, walnut base.
https://www.melodyarmstrong.com/blog/the-sky-is-limitless9123397

CITRON NECKPIECE  - Melody Armstrong, 2013, sterling silver, 14k yellow gold, diamonds, enamel on copper, pierced, soldered, enameling, doming, stone setting, texturing, oxidized, 5 x 46 x .8 cm.