I am drawn to time-consuming, arduous, and tedious processes. Looking to historical jewelry and ornament for guidance, I use intricate design, meticulous handwork, and careful treatment of materials to create an intimacy between the wearer and the work. Animals are my main inspiration; I find the beauty and symbolism in animal imagery irresistible. I strive to honor these animals and evoke their living beauty in my mixed media jewelry, which uses traditional metalwork, carved wood, leather, fur, and taxidermy.

 

Sonya McCormick was born and lives in Philadelphia. Sonya received her BFA in Craft & Material Studies from the University of the Arts in 2018. During her studies, she’s explored many mediums, but ultimately chose to major in jewelry/metals. As she is the daughter of two jewelers, it seems that in this case biology is destiny. In addition to metalwork, her mixed media jewelry includes carved wood, leatherwork, and taxidermy. Honors include a 2018 Windgate Fellowship Award, a 2018 Florence Whistler Fish Award, the 2018 Addie Grossman Annual Memorial Award in Jewelry Design and Creation, and the 2016 William E. Ridgeway Memorial Award in Jewelry/Metal Design. Her taxidermy work was voted crowd favorite at the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Alternative Taxidermy Competition. Sonya is currently a resident artist at the University of the Arts.

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Exhibitions:

 

2019

• Art Unleashed, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2018

• I’ll Tell You at Dinner – Senior Thesis Exhibition, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

• Raw/Refined: SNAG’s 2018 Student Slideshow, Society of North American Goldsmith Conference, Portland, OR

• C+MS Current Alumni Resident Exhibition: Trans-I, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

• Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, PA Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA

2017     

• The Big Reveal – The Student Slideshow, Society of North American Goldsmiths Conference, New Orleans, LA

2016

• Art Unleashed, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

• Student Annual, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

• 3rd Annual Philadelphia Alternative Taxidermy Competition, The Ruba Club, Philadelphia, PA

2015

• Art Unleashed, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

2014

• Experimental Costume Show, the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA