The ideas of fragility and human/animal connectedness are central themes in Teresa Faris's work. Faris says, "I have become interested in working in collaboration with animals rather than using their bodies." Here, in her 'Collaboration with a Bird' series, pieces of wood are repetitively chewed by a bird and then reassembled and merged with sterling silver. The idea behind the work just floors me! What I love about the ring (left) and brooch (below) is how Faris uses the silver to cradle the wood and mimic the curves of the wood. In addition to creating jewelry, Faris is an Assistant Professor of Metalsmithing and Jewelry at the University of Wisconsin. Below is a photo of Faris and Charmin, her Umbrella Cockatoo, who works the wood. Go to Teresa Faris to see more of her work. 
I found Faris's work at the Facere Jewelry Art Gallery.
Yes, this is a novel idea, indeed. I checked out your site to discover that you create bird-themed jewelry. Nice work!
Posted by: Sandi | July 03, 2009 at 09:28 AM
I love her work. What a novel idea.
Posted by: Ruth | July 03, 2009 at 12:07 AM