VAIN is proud to host the astounding work of jeweler Harriet McNamara. Her line Surplus, much of which is created from scrap steel and found treasures, is a convergence of ancient, old beauty and modernism. Her rough and worn style invokes a feeling of the raw, yet stays clear from overtly industrial results. Without a hint of kitsch or heady romance, Surplus lets old pieces shine, as if re-purposed to show their true beauty.
Triangle Monolith Necklace – photo by Seth Thomas
Each item in the Surplus collection stands out as a unique piece on its own. McNamara may make more than one piece in a certain style, but because she uses found items, the individual elements of her work help make each one subtly unparalleled. Bracelets and rings, such as the shackle bracelet below, can also be custom sized for the best fit.
Shackle Bracelet (custom sizing available) - photo by Seth Thomas
McNamara, well traveled, has lead a diverse education and career path in art, fashion, photography, and journalism. Though her studies have taken her to cities like Chicago and Paris, in her own words, McNamara recognizes the recent local education and resources that allowed her to create Surplus: “I would like to acknowledge the encouragement, knowledge and steel scraps from Black Dog Forge. Louie and Mary…are not only great artists, but giving, caring and sharing people. This world would be a different place were there more hearts as large.” Her work has appeared in galleries across Seattle including the Henry Art Gallery.
We’re very excited about Surplus and hope you will be too!
See Harriet McNamara’s Surplus line at the opening reception for “Turn & Face the Strange” at VAIN downtown in the gallery space adjacent to the salon @2018 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
Are those vintage wares embraced by divine light?