Maria Eife’s 3D Printed and Lasercut Jewelry #WearableWednesday

I remember falling in love with Maria Eife’s work as soon as I saw it. That’s saying a lot since I’m not a jewelry diva. It reminds me a lot of the furniture I love– interesting lines with amazing textures. I decided it was time to catch up on her work and learn a little bit more about her process, starting with her Cage Bracelet.

This bracelet immediately reminds me of a basket, yet notice it has an inner and outer chamber. It’s so mysterious and you know it must involve 3D printing when you see its intricacy. I asked her about its beginnings.

The design originated with the idea to make a spherical. I wanted to make something geometric and precise, yet asymmetrical and random at the same time. The spines that make up the sphere are placed at random, but the overall form is precisely calculated. Basket weave was not my intention, but I like that some people connect to it that way.

When asked about her favorite work, Maria said she is definitely favoring the Cage Ring and is wearing it in gold every day.

I was curious why someone coming from a jewelry and metals degree would have an interest in computer driven art.

3D printing and laser cutting allows me to create work that would be (almost) impossible otherwise. I can do complex, interlocking parts and intersecting forms.  I also really enjoy the process, building in CAD, drawing in Illustrator and the exciting moment I can hold the REAL object and then wear it.

Apparently there is more 3D work coming and I feel it really combines Maria’s more serious cage design with her playful dash of color. The chain is 3D printed in combination with natural stone beads. This is an example of her lapis piece.

I know the piece I was first attracted to was her Binary1 laser cut necklace. With its cute take on numbers and fuzzy felt, it just seemed like the perfect necklace to represent my love of art and technology. Of course the question is how many other people enjoy this sort of jewelry? Aren’t people more traditional and metal loving in their choice of accessories?

I have done quite a few “traditional” craft shows and most people are fascinated. People respond to the design, the colors, the technology or all of the above. There are a wide range of women with a wide range of styles who wear my jewelry. It is bold, but it is still very wearable. There are, of course, people who prefer more traditional styles, and perhaps that is most people, but there is something for everyone. Those people will zoom past my booth in search of something tamer. Or something with more diamonds. 

I’m really glad that Maria stays true to her art, and I’m sure as more people discover the modern tools involved, she will generate even more interest. I had an interesting discussion in a design store recently with an employee that feared new technology. However, as soon as I mentioned 3D printing, she agreed that it was creating new opportunities for artists. Embrace the technology and get hooked on 3D printing. It may seem confusing with so many printers out there, but luckily we have a Desktop 3D Printers Buying Guide to help you out. Ideas may not be new, but sometimes a new treatment can make all the difference.


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