Ayesha Mayadas, our Featured Artist this month, was born in Calcutta and moved to America when she was 15. She began her career as a textile engineer, but after 13 years enrolled in the Rochester Institute of Technology to pursue a Masters in Metalsmithing. Initially she perfected her skills at hammering and forming to produce large sculptural and abstract vessels made in copper, silver and steel. Later she began to make jewelry, which is really only a smaller version of her vessels.

Ayesha pays meticulous attention to the line in her designs. She believes that the character and direction of a line has the power to communicate emotion and states of mind. For Ayesha the line, along with form, weight and balance are key components that ensure a piece of jewelry resonates with the human form. According to Ayesha, the line is best expressed by metal forming and shaping. For that reason the hammer is one of her favorite tools.

Ayesha’s youth in Calcutta remains a large influence on her work. Her inspiration is drawn from the world around her: rocks, leaves, seeds, flowers – nature in all of its glory. Movement and fluidity, which were key elements of her sculptures, remain in her work today. The shapes that she creates often are interpretations of the handprint water leaves behind as it passes over the landscape. Diamonds are used to accentuate the shapes and forms.