First Place, Saul Bell Design Award 2014
"The Bobcat Keeps Crossing My Path" 
Merry-Lee Rae
Freedom, California, USA

The Bobcat Keeps Crossing My Path. The idea for this piece manifested a couple of years ago when I had a series of bobcats cross my path. So many that it could not possibly be a coincidence. Each time, the cat stood squarely in my path and focused intently on me before turning to continue into invisibility. Each occurrence, I felt a sense of awe followed by a reassurance of protection. I felt as though this Lynx was there to protect my dreams and allow me to let my vulnerability be present. I still don't know what it really meant except that the vision was so strong that I felt compelled to draw the Bobcat with an invisible wing that became the feathers in the secret’s hair. The sleeping, dreaming secret. That is what resides in the Bobcat's locket.

Using traditional cloisonne techniques, the wirework of the piece was meticulously hand-formed in 24K gold ribbons to match the outline of the preliminary artwork.

Once each tiny wire was gently kiln-fired into place, I began wetpacking thin layers of glass enamel into each division.  The amazing color and depth was achieved by adding approximately 20 layers and subsequent firings.

I fabricated the setting using 18K and 22K gold using granulation, fusing and other traditional goldsmithing techniques.  The gemstones are all Sapphires.  1.5” W X 2.5” H