Forged In Metal: How a Ring Crafted in Love Became a Part of Me

Bryan Knicely

Executive Director

You and I share something truly extraordinary: the art of craft. Every creation is one of a kind, infused with intention, skill, and the unmistakable imprint of the maker’s hands. Craft is deeply personal—it reflects who we are, becomes a signature of our creativity, and weaves itself into the fabric of our identity. 

That’s why I’m inviting you into my world of craft through this new monthly blog. Here, I’ll share the remarkable work happening at Craft Alliance, celebrating the artistry and innovation shaping our community. But more importantly, I want to hear from you—what’s inspiring you, what you’re creating, and what excites you most about the world of craft. Let’s embark on this creative journey together. 

As I thought about how to introduce myself in this space, I found myself looking at my hands. They’ve changed over the years—perhaps more than I realize. In my mind, I still carry a memory of them from decades ago, frozen in time. Yet, these hands have touched so much. They have created, explored, and carried stories with them. And often, when I capture photos from my travels, my hands make their way into the frame—always adorned with my “iconic” ring. 

I have worn this ring every single day since 1994. It was a gift from my sister, crafted by her own hands in a lost-wax casting class while she was working on her MFA. It is more than jewelry; it is a piece of her artistry, her love, and the enduring connection between us. 

Shortly after she gave it to me, I spent a weekend in New York City, visiting my favorite museums, catching shows, and exploring the city—before social media turned every trip into a digital scrapbook. A week after I returned home to Ohio, I was adding cream to my coffee at a local shop when a stranger suddenly blurted out, “You were at the Big Cup cafe in New York City last Saturday afternoon!” 

I was stunned. I didn’t know this person. How could they possibly know me? 

It wasn’t me they recognized—it was the ring. They had noticed its unique design in passing, realizing it was likely one of a kind. That tiny detail—a handmade ring—had connected two strangers across time and place. As it turned out, we lived in the same city, and that chance encounter sparked a friendship that has lasted ever since. 

That moment made me see my ring in a new way. It wasn’t just a piece of jewelry; it was a marker, a story, a piece of art that had taken on a life of its own. It’s why I still take photos of my hands and my ring when I travel, as a reminder of the places I’ve been, and the stories craft carries with it. 

One of my favorite photos features my hand reaching toward the recreated ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at an art festival in Denver. When I posted it on Facebook, people immediately recognized the ring. Some thought I had touched the real Sistine Chapel, but most said, “I know that ring. I know that hand.” 

This ring has become a part of me, much like craft becomes a part of all of us. More than anything, it reminds me that craft is not just about the objects we create—it’s about the meaning they hold, the memories they carry, and the connections they forge. 

I would love to hear how craft has shaped your life—how it has inspired you, transformed you, or connected you to something deeper. Your thoughts, questions, and reflections on all things Craft Alliance are always welcome. Until we meet again, keep creating. Keep infusing the world with beauty, meaning, and the unmistakable touch of your artistry.

2 Responses

  1. I have a 1974 newspaper clipping of a photo of Maria Martinez’s, hands as she, a 90 year old Tewa Indian, was making one of her pots at a Calif. Art Conference. She was world known for rediscovering the firing process of creaing the black surface on ancient Indian pots. She inspired me to follow my path into ceramics as an artist. I lived in California and had just taken my first classes with Paul Soldner. He was the Raku guru at the time. Having studied painting at RISD for 2 years , this was a big change for me. I continued on my journy here in St Louis and finished my degree in ceramics and have been working as a potter ever since. I helped to develop the Raku and Saggar classes at CraftAlliance until I retired in 2020. I recently took some photos of my hands at 85, and they look just like Maria’s.

    1. That is an great memory…thank you for sharing. So happy that you found your craft and that Craft Alliance has been part of your creative journey!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Responses

  1. I have a 1974 newspaper clipping of a photo of Maria Martinez’s, hands as she, a 90 year old Tewa Indian, was making one of her pots at a Calif. Art Conference. She was world known for rediscovering the firing process of creaing the black surface on ancient Indian pots. She inspired me to follow my path into ceramics as an artist. I lived in California and had just taken my first classes with Paul Soldner. He was the Raku guru at the time. Having studied painting at RISD for 2 years , this was a big change for me. I continued on my journy here in St Louis and finished my degree in ceramics and have been working as a potter ever since. I helped to develop the Raku and Saggar classes at CraftAlliance until I retired in 2020. I recently took some photos of my hands at 85, and they look just like Maria’s.

    1. That is an great memory…thank you for sharing. So happy that you found your craft and that Craft Alliance has been part of your creative journey!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *