Rings

Ring, 2004
Ann Wright Au (American, born 1959)
Pink tourmaline and 18kt yellow gold
Gift of Deborah and Michael Hubbell. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
UM2015.130

Ring, 2015
Ann Wright Au (American, born 1959)
Heliodor (Green Beryl), Pink Tourmaline and 14kt yellow gold
Gift of the artist. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
UM2015.36

Ring, 2004
Ann Wright Au (American, born 1959)
Tahitian Black Pearl and 14kt yellow gold
Gift of Charlotte and Fred Hubbell. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. UM2015.131

Metalsmithing is the practice of shaping and fabricating metal into jewelry, and as a craft, has long been a male-dominated discipline. Today, however, two-thirds of America’s metalsmiths identify as women and the field is slowly shifting to allow for a change in gender representation.

Ann Au is a local Des Moines based artist who has been working with metals and gems for decades. In a recent collaboration with her husband, photographer King Au, Ann Au used aerial photography of landscapes and architectural objects (as photographed by Kind Au) as inspiration for the lines and forms found in her jewelry. The same geometrical lines can be seen in the three rings on display. Au’s work challenges what it means to make wearable pieces, producing rings that are sculptural and architectural in design, striking in both composition and size.

-Dr. Ruxandra Looft