The art that I make is a physical representation of the belief that art has more than just aesthetic value. Through multiple mediums, I explore the interaction between individuals and the world around us.

Fluid line quality and elements of movement, both literal and implied, are crucial aspects of my work. This engagement of the eyes and, in some cases moving parts, encourages people to interact with the pieces. This interest in viewer engagement is what attracted me to Metalsmithing. Not just the interactive capabilities of things like wearable art and jewelry, but also the incredible intimacy of these historic processes and precious materials.

Traditional processes are a powerful metaphor in my work. By combining formal training with alternate materials and contemporary processes, it draws connections between the longevity of tradition and the impacts of instant gratification on the world we leave behind. The intention is to plant a seed in viewers, in hopes that the interactions they have in the gallery will affect the actions they take in their daily lives.

Artist Statement

Resume

Ginger Rasmussen

Artist - Licensed Massage Therapist - St. Louis, MO - gr.silversmith@gmail.com

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Education

2019 Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

Bachelors of Fine Arts emphasis in Metalsmithing: Magna Cum Laude

Casting & fabrication

Vessel forming techniques

Color on metal

Surface Techniques

2015 St. Louis Community College at Meramec

Associates in General Fine Arts: Academic Honors

Advanced Figure Drawing

Advanced Ceramics

Hand-Building

Wheel-Throwing

Mold-making techniques

Glaze mixing & electric Kiln loading

2007 Midwest Institute of Medical Assisting

Board Certified in Massage Therapy

Deep Tissue

Sports Massage

Trigger Point Therapy

Professional Experience

2009 – Present Freelance Artist

Jewelry and Drawings

2007 – Present Licensed Massage Therapist

Provide individualized preventive care and sports maintenance

Inspired Artwork for Bodywork series

2015 – 2016 Pulitzer Arts Foundation

Gallery Assistant

Art Shows

2019 SIUE Student Annual Juried Art Show

Art and Design West, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

2018 Hybridity Art Show

Edwardsville Art Center, Edwardsville, Illinois

2018 Plastic Nation: An Eco Art Collective

Stone Spiral Gallery, Maplewood, Mo

2018 SIUE Student Art Show

Art and Design West, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

2017 Void: Places without People Exhibit

Edwardsville Art Center, Edwardsville, Illinois

2017 Wood River Small Works Show

Wood River Museum, Wood River, Illinois

2016 St. Louis Artist's Guild Collectors Choice

St. Louis Artist’s Guild Ramp Gallery. St. Louis, Missouri

2012 Student Art Show St. Louis Community College

STLCC at Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri

Awards

2018 Provost Academic Scholarship

Awarded by SIUE Art History Department

2017-2018 Stellar student award

SIUE Studio Art faculty voted award

2016 SIUE Undergraduate paper competition

Third place for an Art History paper on British Artist Mary Beale

Commissions

2018 Framed Print for Massage Therapy Practice

Board Certified Massage Therapist, St. Louis, Missouri

2017 Multiple Drawings and watercolors for Extreme Green Incorporated

Synthetic turf distributor in Missouri and Illinois

2017 Framed Triptych for Sole Shine Barefoot Massage Therapy

Ashiatsu Massage Therapy Clinic and School, St. Louis, Missouri

2017 Framed Mixed-media drawing for Massage Therapy Practice

Deep Tissue and Structural Alignment Clinic, St. Louis, Missouri

2016 30 wrist cuffs commissioned for Heritage Festival

Vendor commissioned work from several artists, St. Louis, Missouri

2011 Sterling Silver wedding party jewelry

Set of seven including a hair piece for the Bride, Springfield, Missouri

2009 – Present Numerous personal jewelry commissions

St. Louis, Missouri

Affiliations

2018 – Present Compónere Gallery of Art

St. Louis, Missouri

Represents a line of my Sterling Silver jewelry

2017 – Present Wagner Association of Metalsmiths

Student Metalsmithing organization

2016 – Present Member of St. Louis Artist Guild

Professional Art Organization

2014 – Present Member of Phi Theta Kappa

Student Honors Society

Related Professional Experience

2017 Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator

Graphic Design, SIUE, Edwardsville, Illinois

2017 Michael Goode weekend workshop on Anti-clastic Raising techniques

Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri

2016 Stacey Webber workshop Sterling Silver filigree techniques

SIUE, Edwardsville, Illinois

2005 Worked one on one with a Geologist to acquire basic lapidary skills

Gem and Mineral Club, Quartzsite, Arizona

Volunteer work

2017 – Present Peter H. Raven Library Conservation Lab

Missouri Botanical Gardens, St, Louis, Missouri

Assist Book Conservator

2010 – 2012 Lighthouse for the Blind

Lighthouse for the Blind Industries, St. Louis, Missouri

Gave chair massage to employees