Bring on the heavy metal

Metal artist Nayna Shriyan blends metal craft with enamelling to design one-of-a-kind abstract copper and brass jewellery

Bring on the heavy metal

Metal artist Nayna Shriyan blends metal craft with enamelling to design one-of-a-kind abstract copper and brass jewellery

Like the rest of the city that goes about their daily grind, artist Nayna Shriyan (33) hops over to her quiet Thane studio at 10 am and works till 6 pm, hammering and polishing her wares to design unique jewellery. While artists are known for their unpredictable timings, Nayna is an exception and prefers the discipline of fixed working hours. A Sir JJ School of Arts alumnus, Nayna applies mural enamelling and sculpture techniques onto metallic surfaces such as brass and copper. For the uninitiated, the process of enamelling involves decorating a metal surface by fusing different substances over it.

Necklace made from copper and vitreous enamel

Metal magic
Her brand The Green Leaf-Jewel offers vibrant, asymmetrical necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are the result of constant experimentation. She is particularly proud of her lentil-shaped necklace and the Chain maille bracelet (inspired by chain mail armours sported by knights) that she created by using her jump ring-making machine. While necklaces take up to a week to make, bracelets and earrings are created in three days. "I prefer to call my work constructed jewellery as the pieces are made by fusing metals and beads," says Nayna.

Chain maille bracelet made of copper and brass wire with red
glass beads

Copper is the coolest
She sources the metals from the metal market at Pydhonie and once she decides on a design, the metal is cut, treated with chemicals, its texture is played around with, polished and ultimately, the disparate pieces are joined together. Nayna admits that her favourite metal is copper as it is versatile and easy to cut, colour and shape according to her designs. "I love its warm red colour and antique character. It can easily take on a patina (colour acquired through applying chemicals that react with the metal) as well," she states. "The downside is that copper reacts swiftly to atmospheric air and turns black unless varnished." Most of her jewellery is abstract, multi-dimensional and inspired by nature. She is open to customising jewellery.
These days, she's curious about etching with palette knives and is also dabbling with oil painting, her second love. Her next target? To apply oil painting techniques onto copper jewellery. Watch this space.

At 27A, Flat 22, Vrindavan Society, Thane (W).
Call 9819139004
Cost Rs 350 onwards for earrings, Rs 1,500 onwards
For Necklaces
Log on tou00a0https://jewellery musings.blogspot.com