•Mana Mazaheri, George Brown College
“Pieces of metal, stones, colours, and textures around me are the forces that help me shape and make my jewellery designs. I draw inspiration from ancient cultures and nature. I do believe art is a universal language. My voice is heard when the hammering, bending, cutting, soldering, and setting is done; my jewellery is my connection with others.”
• Ann McCosker, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University (NSCAD)
Ann Perry McCosker was born and raised in Vermont. The child of two craftsmen, she has always loved working with her hands. While attending New York’s St. Lawrence University, she worked in the theatre, designing and constructing costumes. After acquiring her bachelor of arts in environmental studies, she was accepted to NSCAD University to pursue her interest in costuming. At the encouragement of a friend, she took the introduction to jewellery course and fell in love with working with metal; she was so enamoured, she promptly became a jewellery and metalsmithing major.
Ann currently draws inspiration from the gold filigree jewellery on display in the ‘Ancient World’ collection at the Boston Museum of Fine Art. When she had the opportunity to see this magnificent collection, she was riveted by the delicate artistry and amazed people could do such intricate craftsmanship 2000 years ago. Ann decided to explore the technical aspects of this archaic filigree while drawing on her fascination for deep space and love of fantastical characters for inspiration.
Using her version of silver filigree, she creates elegant, clean jewellery incorporating gemstones and geometric forms that would be at home adorning ambassadors, priestesses, and scientists at an intergalactic summit.
