Chickenscratch© Jewelry at Smith Galleries

Lisa and Scott Cylinder

    Some times we just take ourselves too seriously. We watch too many newscasts and read too many newspapers.  Pretty soon everyone and everything around us seems on the brink.  It’s time to lighten up, get our eyes off the screens, and look around us! It is an amazing place in which we live, and there are many artists who help us to see our world and our lives with a more balanced perspective.

"Full House" Pin

    Lisa and Scott Cylinder are such a pair. For 29 years they have been hatching ideas for jewelry under the business name of Chickenscratch©. Using non-ferrous metals such as brass, nickel silver, and copper, they hand cut and manipulate the metals, joining pieces with silver solder and/or cold joining connections. They also incorporate a diverse range of materials such as epoxy resin, low-fire enamels, plastics, and manufactured objects into their jewelry. Over the course of their careers, they have developed a unique patination process that allows them to achieve a variety of colors on the metal.  But their creativity only begins with their processes.  The end products are not only crafted with skill and precision, but delight the eye with their whimsy.

Reigning Cats & Dogs Earrings

    Earrings, brooches, and necklaces tell a story, remind you of a phrase, idea or cliche. They are both witty and wonderful. About their work Lisa and Scott say, “In a time when personal interactions are at a minimum, our jewelry creates a narrative that invites conversations through stories, humor and clever anecdotes. This human aspect gives the work a warmth that is sometimes nostalgic, often curious and usually joyful."

    When I asked Lisa how they came up with the name “Chickenscratch©", she replied, “Our studio multiples jewelry name “Chickenscratch©” came about when we started working together as an abstract working title. We thought that it could be just about anything. Initially we wanted total freedom to explore our creative ideas and genres and didn’t want to be hemmed in by a name. Almost 30 years later it is a name that goes with our style and humor.”

    So lighten up! Chickenscratch© will definitely make you smile, gain perspective, enjoy. It's time for some fun!

    Smith Galleries is located in suite J11 (second level) of the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, SC. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 800.272.3870