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Artist Statement
My focus is predominantly centered on creating original, contemporary jewelry distinguished by a strong sculptural element that exemplifies a classic and timeless appeal. Growth, transformation of form, and momentum of line are the basis of the works I create. I want my artwork to portray life’s simplified beauty. With influences and concepts coming from the sciences, mathematics, the natural world, and both ancient and native cultures. I utilize the circle and the disk to represent these ideas so they have a cohesive appearance. The disk shape represents a seed, which holds the potential for life and energy, as well as the fuel for inner personal and spiritual potential. In both native and ancient cultures, it was a shape used to describe heavenly powers and perfection, and is the basis of my designs. Though spirituality and oneness of the natural with the physical are important, being able to simplify the magnitude of textures, forms, and feelings down to a single ideal is my goal with this work. I am working to explore my aesthetic sensibilities with hollow ware, serving pieces, and body ornamentation. Through utilizing mathematical equations, studying cultures, and meanings of body location, I hope to achieve a deeper meaning in the work I create. While I explore the possibilities of life, cultures, and events with in each piece, I attempt to approach a better understanding of my true artistic and spiritual essence and life’s potential. Biography Molly Strader was raised in Toledo, Ohio. She obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with a major in metalsmithing and a minor in ceramics and sculpture in May 2004. Ms. Strader graduated Magna Cum Laude, and with Departmental Honors from the University of Toledo, Department of Art. She completed a Small Business Management certificate from Florida Keys Community College in 2005, and her Masters of Fine Art in metalsmithing and jewelry design from East Carolina University in 2010. Growing up Ms. Strader was surrounded with art; her mother was a painter, interested in cultural arts of Native Americans as well as other native and ancient cultures. Her father was an engineer and owned a travel agency. From a very young age family trips abroad heightened an interest in other cultures. For two summers in the mid 90’s she traveled to Bali, Indonesia, to study Balinese culture, dance, and work under a master wood carver. That trip and subsequent studies set Strader on a life long journey concentrating on her artwork and developing her views of simplicity and oneness with nature within the art. Creating artwork was an essential part of Strader’s youth and still is today, along with her continued interest in the world’s cultures. She has taught metalsmithing at Florida Keys Community College, Pitt Community College, East Carolina University as well as private lessons out of her studio. Strader continues to design and create; her work has won many high awards, and has been shown in Museums, Art shows Nationwide, and Galleries Internationally. |
