Dana Masters: Sculptor and founder of ON A Whim

On a Whim Silhouette Jewelry

After years of working with pewter I thought it might be nice to try my hand at something a little different. At first I tried working with brass and then I came across the colorful metal called "anodized aluminum" and I've fallen in love with the the colors it offers and the effects I can get by cutting and layering it.

To create each of my Silhouette Jewelry piece I first cut the basic shapes out of the anodized aluminum or brass sheets. I design the "silhouettes" and make a pattern that I place on what is to be the top metal piece. Next using a jewelers saw and a very, very fine blade I carefully saw the silhouettes out. I then layer the shapes with the cut out pieces on top. Some times I rivet all the layers together and some times I allow each layer to move separately for a different effect.

Over the past several years I've found that I really love the flat expansive colors of the works of the abstract expressionists, especially Ellsworth Kelly, Ad Reinhardt, and Mark Rothko and the moving sculptures of Alexander Calder. And it seems my new Silhouettes reflect a bit of the inspiration I found in these great artists' works.

After years of getting lost in and loving the heavily detailed work that I do with the pewter I am equally enjoying the the peaceful, quieter more minimal shapes and colors of my new pieces.

I hope that you find inspiration and enjoyment in them as well.


Anodized aluminum is a light weight colorful metal that is easy to wear and It will not tarnish or change color, but use care in storing the pieces as they can be scratched if brought in to contact with a sharp object. It's best to keep your Silhouette Jewelry in the organza pouch that comes with it. For the necklaces either secure the pendant part in the pouch or hang the entire necklace to store it.

Some of my pieces are all brass and will darken over time. They can be rubbed with the the polishing square that comes with them or allowed to darken to show off a more rustic patina. They should be kept in the accompanying pouch or hung up to store.

The findings I use are either sterling silver, nickel free wire, or stainless steel. The chains and neck wires are either sterling silver, brass, steel cable or silver plate.