“Body image is often explored through MacKenzie Pearl Reid's work making connection to self, body and her environment critical. She uses metalsmithing as a way to explore self image. The harsh forming methods represent beauty standards and the way they shape us.

Belly Button Brooches was created to celebrate individuality in a unique light hearted way. Each little square is cut and finished to give a blank canvas for the chasing and repousse belly button. Each one is punched out, then flipped over and hammered back down. Texture, color and wax is added depending on the piece. Her goal is to make pieces that people can personally relate and connect to through various making methods.

Twist's portrayal of skin is highlighted through metalsmithing. Twist was created by first pushing the metal out with a snarling iron, then filling it with pitch, and finishing by planishing the metal back down. The sharp lines representing folded skin were planished back and forth to create an edge of metal that was gently hammered into place. Twist stands on a small base, inspired by a person stretching with their feet placed together. Just balancing the weight of the vase and furthering its movement. This piece pays respect to our beautiful bodies and the way they move.

Pearly Whites Cotton is inspired by strings of pearls. The ceramic beads are made from a mould of Reid's bottom teeth, that was taken when getting a bite plate made. In an effort to stop clenching from stress she created the series Pearly Whites as a way to make light of an area causing discomfort and create work people can connect too. The ceramic teeth are made in multiples from slip cast pouring. They were glazed and colored with china paint to give them their distinct gummy color. The beads are knotted together like pearls traditionally would be on cotton rope. The closure is a simple tie and the ends are capped with Sterling Silver. The connections within the piece are kept simple to pay homage to their inspiration."