AbdulMalik Muhammad
he/him
Baltimore, MD, USA
Abdul-Malik Muhammad is a dedicated 33-year-old metalsmith and jewelry designer from Columbia, Maryland, whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional adornment. Each piece he creates is a complex conversation between the natural world, spiritual traditions, and the scientific principles that make these connections possible. With his brand, Essense Stoned, Abdul-Malik integrates holistic healing practices and spiritual philosophies, such as Shamanism and Buddhism, into his art, driven by a profound belief in the vital role that alignment with nature plays in achieving collective understanding and healing.
“My work explores the deep connections between nature, identity, and spirituality, aiming to reconnect us with the natural world. Using techniques like electroforming, knitting, sand casting, resin, and cyanotype prints, I create unique rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings from materials like flora, fossils, and crystals. For [Queerphoria] Volume 4, I focus on the theme of connection by highlighting our bond with nature and its influence on our identities. Each piece of jewelry serves as a reminder to reconnect with the earth, honoring both our cultural roots and the environment that nurtures us. Through my work, I invite viewers to discover a sense of belonging and community within the natural world and within themselves.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“My work is intricately connected to the theme of connection, particularly in how it intertwines nature, identity, and spirituality. One piece that exemplifies this connection is the Cedar Tear Drop Pendant and earrings. Cedar, a symbol of protection, resilience, and devotion, is at the heart of this piece. In a world where natural identities are often threatened, this pendant serves as a reminder of the strength needed to stay true to oneself. Cedar’s resilience, its ability to heal and regrow after losing a branch, mirrors the human need for strength and perseverance in the face of change.
The tear drop shape of the pendant carries multiple meanings. It represents tears of joy shed during the creative process, symbolizing the deep emotional connection I have with my work. These tears, metaphorically, watered the piece, allowing me to express my true identity through my art. The shape also evokes rain, a cleansing force that nurtures growth, much like the resin in the pendant which symbolizes nourishment and balance.
The painted green and tan colors on the pendant further deepen its connection to the earth. Green signifies grounding, growth, and abundance, while tan emphasizes the earthiness that ties us back to the natural world. Without this grounding, our sense of connection would be lost.
Copper, the metal used in the pendant, is linked to the root chakra, representing our core identity and where we began. It reinforces the idea that our true selves are deeply rooted in the earth and our natural surroundings.
In the context of [Queerphoria] Volume 4, my work invites viewers and wearers to reconnect with their natural identities and the earth. It is a celebration of resilience, growth, and the enduring connection between humanity and nature. Through this piece, I aim to remind others of the importance of staying true to oneself and honoring the natural world that sustains us.”
What role does connection play in your creative process?
“Connection is the cornerstone of my creative process, weaving together the literal, philosophical, and figurative aspects of my work. My artistic journey is deeply rooted in exploring the intricate relationships between nature, identity, and spirituality. By using materials such as flora, fossils, and crystals, I strive to create pieces that resonate with the natural world and reflect our inherent bond with it.
On a literal level, connection manifests in the materials and techniques I use, such as electroforming, knitting, sand casting, resin, and cyanotype prints. These methods allow me to physically link elements of nature—like botanical specimens or ancient fossils—into wearable art forms, creating rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that are not just adornments but also symbols of our deep-rooted connection to the earth.
Philosophically, my work delves into how these connections shape our identities. Each piece is a meditation on the ways in which nature influences who we are and who we become. For example, in my contributions to *Queerphoria* Volume 4, the theme of connection is central. I aim to highlight how our relationship with nature informs our sense of self, encouraging viewers and wearers alike to reconnect with the earth and, by extension, with their own identities. This reflection on identity through the natural world also touches on spirituality, as it invites contemplation on our place within the broader web of life.
Figuratively, connection in my work serves as a bridge between the individual and the collective. By creating pieces that resonate with universal themes of belonging and community, I invite viewers to see themselves as part of a larger whole. My jewelry is not merely personal adornment; it is a reminder of our shared roots and the environment that nurtures us. Through these connections—literal, philosophical, and figurative—I seek to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a more profound understanding of ourselves within it."
"Echoes of Earth", Cedar leaves, UV resin, Copper, Enamel Paint, Blue Patina, Necklace Length: 13", Earrings Length: 5", 2023 What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“My queerness connects me to the world around me in profound and transformative ways, serving as both a reflection of nature and a conduit for understanding the fluidity and diversity of life. In a holistic sense, the vessel I inhabit carries divine queer energy that mirrors the vibrant, unrestrained beauty of the natural world. Just as nature does not question or judge, it simply allows—so too does my queerness move fluidly between spaces, embracing both masculine and feminine energies without restriction.
This fluidity is akin to the coral gobies, small fish that can change their gender back and forth as needed by their environment. Nature doesn’t pause or disrupt its rhythm to accommodate this transformation; the ocean’s current continues, and life carries on. In this way, my queerness is a natural, integral part of the world, allowing me to navigate through life’s various currents with ease and authenticity.
Nature, as our greatest teacher, offers lessons in acceptance and coexistence that society often struggles to embrace. In observing the symbiotic and mutualistic relationships that form in nature, based on fundamental needs like nourishment and protection, we see a model for how communities can thrive without the burden of judgment or imposed limitations. My queerness, therefore, is not just an identity but a bridge to understanding the broader, more inclusive patterns of life."