Megan Diamond says that her love of silver as a material started in childhood. “The familiar color, the weight, and the ever-evolving patina were present at every meal,” she remembers.
Diamond creates original works in silver for both daily use and special events. The artist is influenced by the many places she has lived as well as her everyday experiences. Her works will be on display at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore February 20 – 22.
BmoreArt: Can you tell me more about your work?
Megin Diamond: With a vivid imagination, hands that work well, a keen innate sense of design and the fortitude to stick with it for 41 years, I have to admit, I am totally sold on building beautiful objects with my hands. It brings joy to not only myself, it enriches the lives of others.
My designs are prolific. In those 41 years, every design I have created originated in my imagination.
BmoreArt: How did you come to work with metals?
Megin Diamond: My introduction to silver in 1974 was a turning point in my life. I love the malleability of the metals, the durability, the beauty of the patina it gains with use. I love working with tools and building articles that bring a smile. The thrill has never gone.
BmoreArt: Can you tell me more about your working process?
Megan Diamond: I am able to make the specific design as sketched, but many times I allow fluidity in the process. A dialogue can develop between me, the materials and the final work. The results can be surprising, and every time delightful. I have experienced that when the right person picks up that right piece, it instantly sings! It has found it’s home. Now that is fun!
Since the very beginning as a San Francisco street artist, I made jewelry and diningware. That tradition continues,. In recent years I have expanded to making more sculptural pieces using repurposed materials like bicycle parts and combining them with the materials I worked with for years.
All of these things relate directly to the ACC Show and it’s longevity, surprises, and continuing evolution.
BmoreArt: The ACC Craft Show has been an established craft fair for many years, and brings in a huge following. Why did you want to participate in this program?
Megan Diamond: Since the inception of the ACC Shows, they have represented the best in American crafts. Many people make it an annual journey. I have clients that include me in their list of artists ‘not to be missed’- it provides an great opportunity to build relationships with collectors old and new, artists, and the friends of both.
The collectors get to know you, recognize your growth/evolution, bring their friends, and at some points buy what they admire. The community of artists that we form is nurturing, reinforcing, and enlightening. Plus the fact that the show is located very close to my home is a bonus.
BmoreArt: How does your work bring a unique perspective to the show?
Megan Diamond: Currently, I am experimenting with non-classical material combinations; fine fabrics with silver, bicycle parts with pearls, or a steel sprocket on a dupioni silk base with glass beads. This innovation builds out of 41 years of silversmithing and clothing design before that. It’s fun, it’s colorful, it’s durable and I have never seen anyone else doing it.
BmoreArt: How do you choose to define “Craft” ? How do you approach the term in relation to your work?
Megan Diamond: Craft is objects made by hand, embuing unique qualities to each piece through this process. Craft touches all strata of society, all cultures and all historic periods. Craft is also the skill in creating these objects. Creating well designed and ‘well crafted’ work is always the object.
Top Image: Silver brooch with Turquoise ‘ and Party of 8’ multi-functional pendant
Megan Diamond: Designs for enriching your life
This interview was conducted by Cara Ober.
