Tuff

Ken Bova, Tuff, 2000, cut, tied, textured, painted, varnished, bolted, and stitched sterling silver, 24k gold, apatite, and mixed media, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Martha and Pat Connell, 2001.23
Copied Ken Bova, Tuff, 2000, cut, tied, textured, painted, varnished, bolted, and stitched sterling silver, 24k gold, apatite, and mixed media, 3 123 in., 18 in. (8.97.6 cm, 0.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Martha and Pat Connell, 2001.23

Artwork Details

Title
Tuff
Artist
Date
2000
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 123 in., 18 in. (8.97.6 cm, 0.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Martha and Pat Connell
Mediums Description
cut, tied, textured, painted, varnished, bolted, and stitched sterling silver, 24k gold, apatite, and mixed media
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
  • Figure — head
Object Number
2001.23

Artwork Description

Ken Bova cut, tied, textured, painted, varnished, bolted, and stitched the sterling silver in this brooch, assembling it without soldering the metal. This is what the artist refers to as his “soft-tech approach” to metalwork. All of the components of his pieces are refashioned in some way. He especially enjoys the creative challenge posed by the pin stem and catch on brooches. In this piece, the extravagant stem is integral to the overall design.