Abdul-Malik Muhammad
he/him
Baltimore, MD, USA
At 33, Abdul-Malik Muhammad is a visionary metalsmith and jewelry designer based in Columbia, MD. His craft transcends traditional jewelry, offering profound expressions that intertwine ancient metallurgical wisdom, holistic healing.
“In my quest as a metalsmith and jewelry designer, I am driven by an intimate dialogue with the natural world and its profound ability to heal and inspire. The fundamental inquiry that propels my artistry is twofold: "Do you recognize the restorative essence of nature?" and "In what ways does nature communicate with us and through us?" Despite our deep connection to the natural world, we often find ourselves estranged from its rhythms and wisdom. In this space, I seek not only to create but to create in harmony with nature and the earth’s cycles.”
What does being queer mean to you in relation to your material choices? Is it something you consider?
“As a queer black man, the material choices resonated deeply with identity and express resilience, clarity, and authenticity. The Western Red Flowering Gum, with its hardy blossoming even in tough conditions, could symbolize the enduring spirit of someone who has navigated the complexities of being queer and black. It represents the ability to thrive and adapt in a world that may not always be welcoming.
Clear quartz, known for enhancing clarity and focus, was chosen to reflect the importance of seeing oneself clearly and without distortion, acknowledging the journey toward self-acceptance, and the continuous process of understanding and embracing one's multifaceted identity.
Copper, a conductor of warmth and energy, was chosen for its properties that are believed to promote harmony and positive energy, perhaps echoing the need for calm and balance in the face of societal pressures and the quest for inner peace.
Incorporating these materials and symbols into one's life can be a celebration of identity, an affirmation of resilience, and a commitment to living authentically as a black queer man. Each element carries a spiritual significance that echoes the journey toward one' self."
"Flowering Quartz", Western Australian red-flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia) seed pods, clear quartz shards, copper, 4.5" x 2", 2023Is the work queer because the maker is queer, or is it queer because the subject matter is queer?
“The queerness of work can stem from both the identity of a maker and the subject matter, and often the two are intertwined.
When the maker is queer, their perspective and experiences inevitably shape the creative process, imbuing their work with queer sensibilities, regardless of whether the subject matter overtly addresses queer themes. In this way, the queerness of the maker imparts an intrinsic queerness to the work.
On the other hand, the work can be queer in its subject matter, explicitly exploring themes related to queer identity, culture, and experience. This can be true regardless of the maker's identity, although a queer creator's lived experiences often lend authenticity and depth to the work.
Ultimately, the queerness of a work is not solely determined by the creator's identity or the subject matter but can be a complex amalgamation of both, enriched by the creator's choice of materials and the meanings they carry. In the hands of a queer black man, materials like the Western Red Flowering Gum, clear quartz, and copper can become powerful symbols of the queer experience, woven into the narrative of the work itself."
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“The electroforming process, used to create copper jewelry and artworks, involves depositing copper onto a conductive surface through an electrolytic bath. This process symbolizes transformation and creation, mirroring the spiritual journey of self-discovery and growth. Just like copper is formed into something beautiful and unique through electroforming, embracing your true authentic self as a black queer man can lead to a transformational journey of self-expression and spiritual connection.
In summary, the creative process, along with the symbolism of the Western Red Flowering Gum flower, clear quartz, and copper, can serve as powerful tools for expressing creativity, connecting to spirituality, and embracing your true authentic self as a black queer man. By incorporating these elements into your life and creative endeavors, you can cultivate resilience, clarity, positive energy, and a deeper spiritual connection within yourself."