GOLDSMITHING...
Phill's use of gold increased over the years, both with his ability to afford working it, and with his increasing skill in mastering gold soldering. The combining of silver and gold continued in parallel with this development in gold; each being used as the vehicle for differing statements, according to their differing properties and connotations.
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Sheer economy dictated that early exclusive use of gold was of minimal nature, so Phill extrapolated a modern application of 'cannetille' with wire and shot. Phill called this style his 'Tendril' ware. The very earliest of his development of this form was truly sparing (see text box right), but in time it flowered into the complexity of organic forms like the ring above, typical of the late 'eighties.
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Later the tendrils took on zoomorphic forms, as in the ring above set with the two tourmaline cabs...
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And Phill's love of the Gothic sometimes morphed tendrils into architectural tracery, as in 'Finger Tiara', from the early 'nineties, above...
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Nevertheless, Phill still produces pieces of restraint in this style, such as this penannular pendant and brooch from 2005, set with indicoloites...
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Although, these pendants, also from 2005, show the most recent development in the twenty year exploration of this form of fabrication: set with yellow diamonds.
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Tyrus is also taking this development in his own direction, such as this 'Lunar Lantern' pendant with two cabochon moonstones.
[The last few images are photographed by Phill using very diffused light, which 'dampens' the high polish, but better illustrates the form.]