The Las Cruces Farmer’s Market has featured an eclectic array of vendors, artisans and local craft enthusiasts since 1971. Among the clutter of food carts and booths on my visit to this Main Street fair this past Wednesday morning, the glimmering silver and pewter jewelry designs of one Alamogordo based artist caught my attention.
“I’ve always been into art and design” said Gary Strein, the artist behind Silver Wears.
A tool and die maker by trade, Strein has a masterful eye for detail and precision that could only be cultivated by years of work as a machinist. Etched and melded into each of his pieces are beautiful and intricate designs, but the sheer antiquity of them is impressive in itself.
The oldest piece among Strein’s current display dates back to 1834.
“That’s the side that I enjoy, the dated and old pieces especially” explained Strein.
“I try to do things that are as functional as possible and preserve the original artwork in the pieces as well as the historical value.”
While undeniably striking from a distance, it takes a closer look to realize that the work of Gary Strein is far more likely something you would recognize from your kitchen drawers than in a jewelry store.
One hundred percent Gary Strein’s art originates from antique silverware, if you haven’t already guessed that based on the clever play on words that brands his designs.
Strein’s work is not only pretty to look at, for many of the people who custom order from Strein, the sentimental value is what his clients treasure.
“After they see my work they get to thinking and reflecting about grandma’s old pieces that they have around”.
While some pieces are hardly more than a shadow of their former silverware selves, others maintain their original shape…or at least for the most part. The“Diet Spoon” (a dinner spoon with a large hole through the middle) demonstrates that Strein’s work can be as playful as it is pretty.
If you would like more information about the Silver Wears Usable Antiques company you can contact them at (575) 682-2813, or pay them a visit at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.
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