Culture
All about forks and spoons
Hand-forged in bronze by Colchester, Vermont artisans at Ace Casting, the same pieces also come in sterling silver.
Image courtesy of: Ann Ladson Stafford, photographed by: Ann Ladson Stafford
When someone spends their entire life working with their hands, it’s only a matter of time before they find their “true calling”. Such was the case for Ann Ladson… jewelry maker, metal worker, floral designer, audio engineer, and pastry chef… who knew she needed a change. Transition from making jewelry to making forks and spoons seemed like a natural progression.
The deep chef tasting spoon in bronze.
Image courtesy of: Nouvo
The South Carolina native gathers inspiration through long walks. When she sees, for example, shadows connecting on a bridge, she sketches it out and starts her prototypes.
Ladson was formally trained in traditional metal working techniques at the Penland School of Craft and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. She seamlessly applies those established methods into her artful design process. It’s an individual system that Ladson has learned via the many mediums that she has worked with. Handling flowers, sound, and sugar has taught Ladson a complete understanding of composition, form, and finish.
Items, such as this baby spoon, can be engraved with a single initial.
Image courtesy of: Ann Ladson, photographed by Ann Ladson
She begins with a sketch which is fleshed out in wax or metal, then cast in Vermont by individuals who modify technique and solutions for the specific needs of each design. The entire process is followed by one person throughout the entire process. Obviously because of the labor that goes into each piece, no two items are identical.
Bronze spreader knives with silver sterling barnacles.
Image courtesy of: Sunny’s Pop
Ladson also has a collection of barnacle-adorned silverware. She was quoted as saying, “I’ve always had a thing for barnacles. It’s ironic. I used to work in the Caribbean, and I’d have to scrape them off the bottom of boats. And now I am putting them into my work.”
The sterling silver crustaceans are uniquely placed on the bronze forks, spoons, or knives… again, making each piece completely unique. The reverse can also apply where the barnacles are bronze and the utensils are sterling silver. It is a toss-up as to which ones we prefer!
Ann Ladson in her Charleston, South Carolina studio.
Image courtesy of: Ann Ladson
Ladson pieces can be called works of art. Their elegant stems and delicate detailing, along with the timeless patina they wear makes them unique in a world where plastic and paper products are becoming more and more common. Ladson proves that beauty never gets old!
