Bisbee

Artist: John Marcel

Materials: sterling silver, brass, turquoise, Indian Head nickel, mother of pearl, stainless steel pin back

Dimensions: 2.25" x 3"

Beneficiary: Southern Poverty Law Center

Artist Statement: My reliquaries and talismans present ordinary objects for adoration. When a boy empties out his pockets at the end of the day or a beachcomber dumps out the contents of her pail, what had been just a rock, a seashell or a rusty nail has been elevated to an object worthy of adoration. This act of worship transfigures that which was previously ordinary into something revered. The integration of an artifact such as this into a piece of jewelry, is my way of celebrating this once mundane object. This collection of silver, turquoise, shell buttons, and an Indian Head Nickel, although dissonant, plays into the romanticized image of Native Americans and their role in the celebration of Thanksgiving.

50% of the sale of this piece will be donated to the beneficiary listed above.