Hashtag Heart Succulent Pendant

Bio:

Aric Verrastro was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He received a Bachelors of Arts in Studio Art and a Bachelors of Science in Metals and Jewelry Design from SUNY Buffalo State College, and received his MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Indiana University, Bloomington. He has been a Lecturer in Foundations at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Aric was selected for Talente 2015, an annual prestigious international trades fair held in Munich, Germany, and has been a finalist for Art Jewelry Forum’s Artist Award. In 2014 he was the recipient of a SNAG Educational Endowment. His work can be found in the permanent collection of the Cooper Hewitt-Smithsonian Design Museum in New York and the Espace Solidor in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France. He has exhibited in over 90 international and national exhibitions, and his work can be found in several publications such as American Craft, Lark Books, and Current Obsession Magazine.

Artist Statement:

Our world has become over synthesized, from our biologically enhanced food to our filtered existence on social media. Even though we are fully conscious of this fabrication and are generally active participants, the beauty the veil creates seduces us. The simple forms, floral imagery, and sparkly paint were inspired by photo trends on Instagram and used as a device to draw in the viewer. Each piece I created was constructed from mostly synthetic materials to mirror the artificial nature of the veil. I used 3D printed forms as the main structure of each piece to highlight our constantly evolving technological and software advancements, which unfortunately creates less social interaction. The camera lens eye is meant to confront the viewer to inspire self-reflection. Begging the question I am being judged? Should I be judged? The vibrant colors and metallic paint make a bold statement to draw in and create real human connection and conversation.