“My work is an attempt to converse about the loss of innocence, gender issues and my search for identity in today’s society. This work attempts to reference ideals of the mid 20th century with cynicism and sarcasm. This piece steps away from an overabundance of color – and the elegance of black adds to the drama of the silhouettes – something the viewer can easily identify with. I try to make art with layers of meaning.
Two different techniques allow me to include color in a variety of ways on the pieces I create – the very ancient process of enameling paired with the modern technique of powder coating.
This piece is comprised of several enameled discs interspersed with female figures and the title was uttered by one of my good friends after being notified that she was runner up for a residency. I am at a point in my life when all my friends are getting engaged and married, but I am content with being a feisty artist. It is funny to me that being a “bridesmaid” has a negative connotation.”
Marissa Saneholtz began metalsmithing and jewelry work while in high school in Bowling Green, Ohio. She received her BFA in metals from Bowling Green State University in 2008, and her MFA in metal design at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.
Saneholtz worked for 2 years in Italy as an instructor and studio manager before moving to Vail, Colorado. She currently works for Jim Cotter in his galleries and studio. Her work has been published in Art Jewelry Today III and in Metalsmith magazine. Saneholtz has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally.