The Hidden Treasures of Elizabeth Goluch

Northern House Mosquito by Elizabeth Goluch

Northern House Mosquito by Elizabeth Goluch

American Cockroach by Elizabeth Goluch

American Cockroach by Elizabeth Goluch

Elizabeth Goluch is a metalsmith from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her gallery contains (frustratingly small) images of well-loved, despised, and under-appreciated invertebrates wrought in precious metals and gemstones.  Goluch’s insects have working hinges, and each holds within them a tiny treasure, an object that is often a play on their name, or other association.  Her violin beetle contains a tiny violin bow. The ladybug hinges open to reveal an intricate house on fire.  The praying mantis contains… a male mantis head. What is more, her reverence and fascination with insects goes well beyond ladybugs and dragonflies (all too common in insect-related jewelry). Her copper and silver cockroach opens to reveal.. a small cockroach that has an even smaller delicate jewel cockroach within, an inspired reference to the fabled fecundity of Blattids!

Earwig, by Elizabeth Goluch

Earwig by Elizabeth Goluch

Earwig by Elizabeth Goluch

Earwig by Elizabeth Goluch

Sadly, my absolute favorite in this series, her European Earwig, has images so small I cannot make out what wonderful treasure it contains.. I think it’s a fresh-water pearl, but unsure. Just take a moment to consider:  Earwig. Copper and Silver. With pearls inside. It just makes me so happy to see an unloved insect get this kind of attention! If that wasn’t enough, she has also constructed woodlouse-inspired rings and terrifying jellyfish.  I would love to see these works in person.

Especially the earwig.

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