About

Rayna Liddell, owner

Rayna Liddell is a metalsmith based out of Richmond, VA. After serving in the US Air Force for six years, they decided to pursue their love of adornment in 2020 and has since received a BFA in Craft & Materials Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. Through fine jewelry Liddell explores joy, whimsy, and connection through pieces meant to be worn intentionally.

They are currently a Working Artist at Longwood University.

Artist Statement

One day, we stopped going outside to play, we stopped playing make believe, and we stopped being children; this is where my relationship with materials comes from. 

I create with the hopes of honoring and healing our inner child by exploring joy, whimsy, and curiosity. I no longer wish to dwell upon trauma but rather use it as a bed of soil to grow a garden of delight. When you adorn yourself with a piece of mine, I hope to cultivate feelings of beauty, power, and celebration.

//

My jewelry is made to be worn with intention. I draw a lot of inspiration from fantastical worlds, nature, and the Middle Ages - these themes giving way to a realm of escapism I always found in books and play as a child and aim to invoke now as an adult. At the same time, escaping the trappings of modern society and capitalism forces me to examine my materials, practices, and morals on a daily basis: what is responsible? Is this ethical? How is it sustainable? How can I combat capitalism and consumerism? These questions come up every time I find my hands in motion and drive my decision making further.