Ursa Metals

“Interconnected” detail shot. See it in person at the NCMA! Opening reception Friday, Nov. 18th 5-9

Brass and flax paper

“Mobius” (2022)
Brass

This piece is hand-pierced to create a facsimile of the woven structure of thread. The movement of the design flows along the endless curve of the mobius structure. The polished edge is a line that guides the viewer through and around the piece.

“Perception” (2021)
Copper, Sterling Silver, Handmade Flax Paper, Light Box

Based on my research into the philosophy of perception. This is a physical representation of a lens of perception and the framework through which an individual views the world.

“Memory Box” (2021)
Copper, Sterling Silver, Enamel Photo-Transfer, Acrylic Lens, and Embroidery Thread

Inspired by the tendency to focus on a single aspect of an experience to the extent of being blind to all else. Also exploring how memories can be unlocked by sensory triggers.

Excited to participate in my first OCAG Studio Tour! Come by this weekend or next to check out all the new pieces I’ve been working on! You can find me in studio #66, hosted by the incredible

Interested in learning how to add pierces cutouts to your work? I’ll be teaching workshops on that and more this summer at in Carrboro! Check out the class listings at www.jamescarterstudio.com

I’m a little obsessed with this ruby! Currently for sale in my Etsy shop, but I’ll be sad to see it go. 14k gold and sterling silver.

Looking for something to do next Sunday? Come to the OCAG Spring Pop-Up Show! I’ll be selling and showing some new work. You can support local artists, treat yourself to something special, or just swing by to say hello and see what everyone’s been working on!

“On The Wing: Honeybee” pendant series. Sterling silver, 14k gold, dendritic agate, and citrines.

“On The Wing: Hummingbird” pendant series. Sterling silver, 14k gold, and rhodolite garnets.

“On The Wing: Heron” Pendant series. This whole series was inspired by my desire to recreate one of my favorite designs. Sterling silver, 14k gold, Larsonite Jasper, and Montana Sapphires.

Here’s something a little different that I’ve been working on. This double layer statement ring is part of my exploration into jewelry with a more sculptural element that forgoes some of the everyday functionality of my usual work. Hand pierced and entirely handmade in sterling silver.

Looking for something to do this afternoon? Come check out this awesome virtual art show! Complete with local music and live video chat with the artists!! Stop by for some holiday shopping, if you have any questions or would like to inquire about custom work, or if you just want to say hi!
eventhub.shop/virtual-fall-arts-on-market-2020

This reversible ocean jasper pendant is currently available in the Virtual Fall Tour! Handmade in sterling silver with an intricate songbird and ivy cutout. You can find it, and other one-of-a-kind pieces, at https://gallery.ocagnc.org

Support small businesses by checking out all the amazing work from the talented artists in this show! This weekend is usually filled with studio visits to see all the hard work that goes into each beautiful creation, but this year you’ll be able to shop and schedule virtual studio tours from the safety of your home! Check it out at https://gallery.ocagnc.org/

I’m really loving how this piece turned out! Dendritic agate slice in sterling silver with 14k gold accents. It’s available in my shop: www.ursametals.etsy.com

These two aquamarine rings are now available. Both rings features gorgeous milky blue aquamarines in 14k gold and sterling silver settings. Check them out at www.ursametals.etsy.com

This stunner of a ring is now available! I love how the combination of meteorite and diamond contrasts and accentuates the rough and refined nature of each stone. This piece is handmade in 14k gold and sterling silver. You can find it in my shop: www.ursametals.etsy.com

These one-of-a-kind pieces are currently available at the OCAG 2020 Virtual Summer Show! Check out the show at www.gallery.ocagnc.org to see tons of beautiful art from local makers!

This little beauty is available in my shop: www.ursametals.etsy.com

Dendritic Agate Slice Necklace with Patina’d Sterling Silver and 14k Gold

“The Seedling” was inspired by the hope and perseverance of new growth. I feel that same strength in the voices crying out for change.

I hear you.
I see you.
I stand with you.

Please stay safe.

These creek jasper and pearl drop earrings are now available in my shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/785925940/creek-jasper-and-sterling-silver?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1
Swipe to see the adorable bee cutouts on the backs!

Thought I’d share some of my design process with a new pendant series I’m working on: The Heron, The Hummingbird, and The Honey Bee. Inspired by a desire to revisit one of my favorite designs while working from home. Swipe to see some close ups!

All of my work starts out with a sketch, and the more elaborate pieces get entirely planned out before I even get to the bench! The sketches are a helpful blueprint, but I usually have to make some adjustments when it comes to building and assembling the actual pieces. Each cutout element is designed, transferred to sheet metal, and then hand cut with my jewelers saw. The cutouts are then carefully soldered in place along with any bezels for stones. This process takes a lot of time and focus, but the ability to create these little snapshots of nature makes it worth the effort!

Feeling inspired by all the budding leaves and Spring growth! This new variscite ring is available in my shop: www.ursametals.etsy.com

This beautiful stone is from the lovely

I just listed this geode ring in my shop: www.ursametals.etsy.com Check it out or send me a message if you have any questions!

I’ve been playing with these gorgeous freshwater pearls while I wait for my torch to arrive. I have triple, double, and single pearl drop earrings in my Etsy shop now. Check them out at www.ursametals.etsy.com or DM me if you have any questions!

'Fishbone' Earrings in Sterling Silver. This new design is finally available in my shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/778716951/fishbone-spike-earrings-in-sterling?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

This gorgeous minimalist open circle necklace is now available in my shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/748687690/gold-circle-necklace-14k-gold-and?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1