Sandra Blakely, owner of Silk River Metals, graduated from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2001 with a BFA in Metals and a minor in Fibers.
In 2010, Sandra began presenting her metal work seriously. Her body of work follows a narrative of past, present and future living simultaneously in our diaspora cultures. From Africa to China, all of the Americas to the global Island Nations, our presence has been seen and felt. Research into these cultures has provided Sandra the opportunity to create her Queens Collection of necklaces and earrings based on ancient to present day women of power and influence. In combining past, present and future, the designs give the appearance of being archeological discoveries, appropriate for today’s women of color who will be a powerful influence in the multiverse of our near future. This same intent is present in Sandra’s batik fabrics, sculptures and home goods.
