Metals 1 was a game-changer. From the very first moment I gripped a saw frame and began cutting into a sheet of metal, I was completely captivated. It was an experience far beyond anything I had imagined. I’ve always loved jewelry, admiring the way it could transform an outfit or carry deep personal meaning. But my collection was modest, with only a few pieces in precious metals. Still, I never imagined that I could create such pieces myself. The realization that I could take a flat, unassuming sheet of metal and transform it into something entirely new, something born of my imagination, felt like unlocking a secret form of magic.
What fascinated me most was learning to work with the metal itself, its plasticity, its malleability. Metals, often perceived as rigid and unyielding, revealed themselves to be dynamic and responsive in ways I never thought possible. Understanding that something so seemingly unchangeable could be shaped and stretched into forms that defied expectation was profoundly satisfying. It felt as though I had tapped into a hidden potential; not just within the material, but within myself.
I fell in love with everything about metalsmithing: the process, the tools, the challenges, and even the mistakes that became opportunities to learn. I knew in my heart that I had found my path, and that metals was my true major. Changing my concentration was not an easy decision; it meant stepping away from familiar ground and venturing into something entirely new. Yet, it was a choice I have never regretted.
The community I discovered in metals, the friends, the mentors, and the shared passion, has been life changing. These people have influenced me in ways they may never fully realize, reshaping not only my artistic perspective but also my outlook on life. Their encouragement, wisdom, and camaraderie have left an indelible mark on me, and I will always carry that gratitude with me.
Metalsmithing has become more than just a craft or a concentration; it is a part of who I am, a language through which I express ideas, emotions, and stories. It is both a challenge and a comfort, a reminder that even the strongest materials, and people, can transform into something extraordinary with enough care and determination.
This piece, titled “10 years together”, was deeply personal, representing not only the incredible sights and memories of that trip but also the love and partnership my husband and I have built over ten years together.
The rotating pendant perfectly captures the duality of the journey, with one side showing the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and the other the majestic mountains of Yosemite.
It reflects the journey we took through so many incredible places: starting in our hometown of El Paso, visiting Albuquerque and Santa Fe in New Mexico; exploring the beauty of Mancos, Colorado; marveling at the sights in Page and Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon; driving along the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada after a stop in Las Vegas; and finally reaching Yosemite, Fresno, and Santa Monica in California before making our way home through Tucson, Arizona. Each destination added its own unique magic to the trip, weaving together two unforgettable weeks of adventure.
The phrase “The end or to be continued?” on the reverse side is a perfect metaphor for our travels—both the ones we’ve had and the ones still ahead. This pendant is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a keepsake of those cherished moments, a celebration of the places we’ve explored, and a promise to continue creating new memories and adventures together.
Flor Fabela 