Photo by Jina Seo

Artist Statement
My exploration in metalwork and enameling illustrates a diverse array of entomological life. However, dissected, manipulated, or scrutinized, these organisms remain elusive and woefully unappreciated. Anthropomorphically biased, we focus only on the exasperations specific to the human condition—the blood thirsty mosquito, stinging wasp, or menacing cockroach lurking beneath the stove. So ready to smack, squish, and spray, we fail to appreciate the evolutionary aptitude and anatomical brilliance of these savage bugs. From intricate venation patterns within glassy wings to microscopically formidable tarsi, complex microcosms of line, form, and texture abound. Despite our cultural aversions, insects are the successful progeny of millions of years of evolution. They will continue to flourish or perish, irrespective to the blinds of human perception, long surpassing our own evolutionary blip. Perhaps the real aggravation then is not the pesky mosquito to the human, but the human as the ephemeral vexation in the eternal reign of the insects.

Biography
Charity Hall is an enamel and metal artist in Blacksburg, VA. Using metal, enamel, found objects, and stones, she creates biologically inspired jewelry and small sculptures. As a former botanist, Charity is interested in the intricate relationships between art and science. She completed her MFA in Metal Design at East Carolina University in 2008 and taught Metalworking and Design at Pima Community College before moving to Virginia in 2013. The allure of science remains strong, influencing every piece she creates. Her work appears in American Craft Magazine, Behind the Brooch, Humor in Craft, New Rings: 500 Designs from Around the World, and 500 Enameled Objects, and she was a contributing author for Art Jewelry Magazine. Her work has been exhibited in a variety of juried and solo exhibitions. Charity teaches kinetic sculpture, enameling, and jewelry workshops at a variety of universities, craft schools, and guilds around the United States.

M.F.A. Metal Design, East Carolina University 2008
B.A. Biology, Colorado College 2000