IG: @ruston_metals
amberruston.com

In Play

Curiosity and inquiry are an inherent part of being human. Playing establishes an understanding of ourselves in a physical world through our sense of touch. How we interact with objects is an exploration in asking questions and gaining knowledge. Kinetic opportunities and the suspense of potential movement channel our human desire for tactile joy. As a metalsmith, I have the advantage of working with a rigid and durable material that allows for precise measurements and mechanisms.

This body of work focuses on the significant neglect of play in adulthood. It compels the wearer to adorn themselves with mundane acts of play, and explore how we continue to carry out such acts even as we age.

Each piece is designed to be enticing through potential movement and the release felt when the action is completed. Leaning forward while wearing Louver, flipping Ripple over, running your fingers across Traverse and Trundle, and finding that worry-stone like movement in Orbit, all release that potential movement and fill the wearer with tactile joy.

Bio

Amber Ruston is a metalsmith that focuses on encouraging play and exploration through kinetic jewelry pieces. Outside of her past four years at Maine College of Art & Design, she has worked teaching teens basic metalsmithing techniques at Camp Fernwood, was an intern apprentice for jewelry repair at Day’s Jewelers, and worked as a gallery sales consultant at Maine Craft Portland.

Ruston creates a tension of potential movement in her work, using simple mechanisms made of powder coated brass. She investigates the merits and joys of playfulness, as well as the mundane acts of play we experience in our everyday lives.