Lingua Nigra

Alicia Goodwin of Chicago launched Lingua Nigra after graduating from F.I.T. The work is inspired by nature, with a focus on ancient talismans, Victorian era work and mourning sentimental jewelry. Made of brass, silver and gold, the work is created using several techniques, most notably acid etching and also metal reticulation. Each approach yields random texture that can never be predicted during process. The final result is metal with a mix of textures based on time and chance. Shapes are then cut out of the work, or cast items created from wax receive texture. During one of the final steps of the process, the texture becomes even more trans-formative when electroplated with 22kt gold. 

With nods to everything from markings on beetles to the texture on trees, Lingua Nigra is meant to evoke a timeless feeling that can be worn everyday, because this form of art should be shared by wearing.