The Hoard Series masterfully explores the exquisite nature of honeycombs using cast bronze, gilded plaster, and often precious and semi-precious stones. Though bronze is usually regarded as a robust medium, the material assumes a jewelry-like delicacy in Coryndon’s hands. Coryndon became interested in bees after learning about the current global crisis facing the insects. In an effort to capture abandoned “ghost ship hives,” Coryndon employs the lost-wax method, an ancient and labor-intensive technique.

Sophie Coryndon combines traditional decorative arts techniques with modern innovation. Material and process driven, she employs multiple disciplines including bronze casting, painting, embroidery, and sculpture to capture elements of the natural world, rooted in historical aesthetics. “Basically, I’m drawn to craftsmanship in any form, especially dying crafts,” says the artist, “But I like to take those things and re-imagine them.”

Inspired by close observation, Coryndon’s work illuminates what is often overlooked.  Her enthusiasm for the organic intricacies ever-present in the macrocosm drives her tenacious ambition to transfigure the microscopic into the monumental. This practice of maximalism fosters her desire to, as she states “take things further, make them larger, make them grander, right to the point of lunacy. Insane beauty is what I’m ultimately after.”

As Coryndon works on a commission basis, custom works may be requested.

Medium: Bronze, 23.5kt Gold Leaf, Garnet, Citrine, Quartz and Resin

Dimensions: 16” H x 12” W, 40.64 H x 30.48 W cm