Artist Mark Beltchenko has merged the disciplines of SCULPTURE and JEWELRY with s series of mixed media sculptures that carry a message as well as designs for elegant brooches that provoke the imagination and delight the eye.

THE SCULPTURES consist of six pedestal size works created of limestone, steel and bronze.  The smooth, almost pillowy, carved limestone is supported or almost cradled by steel structures that seem threatening and yet provocative.  The common denominator in all six is the steel clad channel that pierces each work from top to bottom.  These vertical chambers house a maze of bronze wires which according to the artist, embody the vast network of privileged information that is so closely hidden from most citizens.

THE BROOCHES are sweeping linear creations whose lines mimic those of the hidden entangled bronze wires.  The act of wearing one or placing it on top of it's bronze pedestal/channel metaphorically brings information to the surface.  Adornment and display become a provocative strategy!

Beltchenko's conceptual linking of sculpture and jewelry "uniquely unifies and mutually strengthens the two disciplines in the artist's brave new body of work," according to critic Dennis Nawrocki.

Each of the brooches is hand crafted of sterling silver (or can be commissioned in gold), contains a cabochon cut amethyst or citrine, and is treated so as not to tarnish.  The antique patinated bronze pedestal/channel has the title of the pin inscribed on it as well as the artist's hallmark.

Title of the series:  INSIDER