Abstract not available

Jewelry has been used as a gift exchange between lovers for many centuries. It has been conveyed in a variety of forms to symbolize the meaning of love. This body of work is associated with glory of love, of sexual experience between lovers representing the idea of unity when two parts become one unit, not only in the physical sense, but also in the psychical sense. The works were divided into three series including three pair of rings, two pair of lockets, and five pair of necklaces. The erotic expression has been addressed on every piece in an abstract way counting design motifs, material used, and interaction within the piece itself. Moreover, each piece has romantic meanings and essential aspects as a symbol of love.

Organic forms representing nature, but not particular species, are combined with elements signifying attitudes toward the natural world with an emphasis on North American culture. The viewer is encouraged to consider human effects on the environment. Aquarium Night Light and Trophy both refer to the human tendency for commercial exploitation coupled with the creation of nature images we sometimes seem to prefer over the reality of the natural world. Reliquary metaphorically connects traditional religious connotations associated with saints' relics to both a biblical injunction to use anything we needed from the natural world and our contemporary belief that exposure to nature can have beneficial effects on human mental, spiritual, and physical health.

Works of art by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition at Oak Street Gallery, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in copper, enamel, sterling silver, and steel by artist Jessica Sawyer as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "North".

Work of art in Sterling Silver by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in School desk, powder coated, steel, sharpie (other media include color sharpie) by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in copper, enamel, maple, and graphite paint by artist Jessica Sawyer as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "North".

Work of art in sterling silver, steel, enamel, gold, and graphite by artist Jessica Sawyer as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "North".

Work of art in school desk, black spinel, powder coated (other media include stickers, pencil, sharpie, color sharpie, color pencil, sterling silver) by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in Powder Coated Mild Steel (CNC Plasma Cut) by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in mild steel & rust (CNC Plasma Cut) by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in Mild Steel & Pine (CNC Plasma Cut CNC Routed wood) by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in chalk, powder coated, steel by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in copper, enamel, iron oxide transfer decal (horse hair, sterling silver, graphite, over-glaze) by artist Jessica Sawyer as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "North".

Work of art in school desk, black spinel, powder coated (other media included sterling silver, steel, pencil, sharpie, color sharpie, stickers) by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in school desk, ruby, powder coated (other media include sharpie, color pencil, sterling silver, color sharpie, steel) by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in sterling sliver, school desk, zircon (other media includes sharpie, sticker, steel, color sharpie) by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in copper, enamel, sterling silver, and acrylic by artist Jessica Sawyer as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "North".

Work of art in MDF, Acrylic Mirror & Faux Fur (CNC Routed MDF) by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in Poweder Coated Mild Steel (CNC Plasma Cut) by artist Keela Dooley part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Trappings"

Work of art in Morganite, school desk, powder coated (other media include steel, sharpie, color pencil, sterling silver) by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".

Work of art in copper, enamel, maple, and graphite paint by artist Jessica Sawyer as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "North".

Work of art in chalk, steel, powder coated by artist Jason Thomson as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Drawback".