Forged stainless steel earrings with silver hypoallergenic hooks by Pete Gierzynski of Transmute Metalworks.

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Artist Statement:

I believe it is a delicate balance to create a thing that has a refined yet handmade character, especially in a world that prioritizes low-cost, fast, and flawless products. I think a lot about the deeply harmful effects of perfectionism on makers and our society, as a whole. Modern technology, social media, and the perpetuation of perfection– whether in works of art or in how we portray our lives– obfuscates what makes us human. The process of creation is often messy and unrefined, which I fully embrace. I lean into creating pieces that show the signs of the hand that worked them as a way to make the object more relatable, approachable, and warm– which is somewhat ironic, for steel.