About the Artist - Nancy McCalla

As a native of Wyoming , my work is a direct reflection of Wyoming’s western heritage and our state’s natural beauty. Through the use of metal, stones and other natural materials I am able to express  my own connection to and appreciation of this heritage and beauty. 

 Growing up on a farm, I spent most of my time outdoors. Raised primarily by my grandparents, I was always encouraged to try anything.  I learned how to work with my hands  to make “pretty” objects from found items, how to sew and design my own clothes, how to build and repair, how to plant and harvest, how to hunt and fish.   I was an avid “rock hound”,  finding meaning, companionship and solace in stones. Six years ago, when I attended my first metal working class at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, it was a revelation. Metal met stone and I discovered an entire world therein. 

I want my work to reveal the inherent nature of the materials used and to allow the viewer/wearer to see these materials in a personal and  different way.

I would like to express my deep appreciation and many thanks to my good friend and "Partner in Prime", Sandy Bordson, artist and owner of Sandy K. Designs. It is due to Sandy's kindness and generosity, that viewers are able to see information about me and NM Works on Sandy's web page. Sandy and I met as metal working students at Laramie County Community College. As LCCC students we had the opportunity to offer our work for sale at last spring's Master Gardeners Conference. It was our first experience in pairing up and selling our work and we had a great time. Sandy then graciously sponsored NM Works as featured artist at her next "Martini's and all that Jazz" trunk show. This show cemented both our friendship and professional relationship - we have been a team ever since. Once more, thank you, Sandy!

Contact Information:

If you have questions about NM Works, please contact me via email at nanmccalla@gmail.com or call me at 307-637-5404. I do prepare custom orders and NM Works is set up to accept credit cards - Visa, Master Card, American Express.

Specific Comments about work:

I design and create wearable and non/wearable pieces by combining  stones with brass, copper, sterling silver and other natural materials.  Wearable art includes rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants, chains, etc.   Non-wearable art includes small “sculptural” and decorative pieces made with metals and other natural materials such as gourds.  I also do custom designs and pieces for customers.

HOOP DANCER SERIES
by Nancy McCalla
NM WORKS
nanmccalla@gmail.com/cheyennejewelry.com
307-637-5404

"Hoop Dancer"  is both a tribute to and a personal  interpretation of the spirituality and purpose behind the performances of Native American Hoop Dancers.  The pieces explore the interconnection of the circles of life that are traditionally represented when hoop dances are performed.  The various circles converge at a single point, yet maintain their separation  and freedom of movement. 

Each piece is individually constructed - wire is cut, formed, soldered, textured.  I use a variety of materials: sterling silver, copper and  14/20 karat gold filled wire. Each metal imparts a different sense of  style to the pieces. To further explore the potential of the stories that are told through hoop dancing,  I sometimes add a precious  or semi-precious stone to pieces. Some pieces are finished with  a patina, some are hand textured and highly polished, some have a matte finish - each is an adventure in expression.

It is my hope that each person who wears "Hoop Dancers"  feels  joy and freedom of movement, while also experiencing a sense of connection with this world in which we all live.

Earrings "Encircled" Embossed Sterling Rectangle

Ceremonial Bowl “Calling the Elements” Made with gourd, sterling, brass, copper, shell, stone, feathers

Pendant Fused sterling and brass with rivet and CZ accent stone

Pendant “Morning Tears”: Sterling, turquoise, apache tear