Woodland Alchemist
Jessica Gibson's Work
Nature-Based Artistry
Jessica Gibson is the artist behind Woodland Alchemist, and her jewelry made of metallized leaves, twigs and other plant materials is her contribution to building awareness of nature in modern life. Several of Jessica’s jewelry pieces are now available for purchase on the NTCC website, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the work of the Tree Corps.
Meditative Mementos
Jessica says the woods have always been a calming place, where she can go to sit and take a moment to connect with her surroundings. “There are lots of things like leaves and sticks that we don’t pay attention to,” she says. “Taking time to sit, look and consider the shape and beauty in every little piece of something is a kind of meditation. You get the chance to be present by appreciating a leaf, vine, mushroom, or piece of bark with your full attention.”
Jessica has been able to help people see these bits of nature in a new way by preserving the material’s inherent beauty through a preservation technique known as electroforming. This is a process where organic material is given a metallic exterior that is bonded to the natural material at a molecular level, preserving the form of, for example, the texture and ridges on a pair of cicada wings.
The Alchemical Process
When a leaf, flower or other piece of organic material is electroformed, copper molecules are fused to the surface of the piece, which is submerged in a solution and connected to an electrical power source. The item actually becomes a new material, rather than just organic material with a metal coating. The process can take 6 to 12 hours to infuse, but the whole process of drying, preparing and transforming the material can take between 3 and 10 days for an item, depending on its size.
The resulting pieces, Jessica says, often surprise people with their light weight. Some of her most popular items are ginkgo leaves and hydrangea blossoms, as well as a subset who really love mushrooms. Acorns and maple seed pods, or helicopters, are other staples in her collection.
Natural Connections
Aside from the engaging process of finding materials and making the jewelry, Jessica says her work is a great way to meet and talk with people. While she uses a lot of materials that she finds herself, people also request specific items. “Many people, even those who don’t consider themselves plant people, have some kind of connection to a plant that reminds them of a particular person or place.”
She shared a story of a woman whose grandmother loved hydrangeas, and another about a rosebud pendant that would be a reminder for a woman’s mother who was moving from her longtime home. Yet another project was snake vertebrae pendants that a woman and her sister found on a hike, which now commemorate that special time together.
Organic Development
Jessica started Woodland Alchemist in autumn of 2021, displaying her pieces in local shops and art fairs. This allowed her to meet lots of people who helped expand her reach. While she’s currently working with smaller items like leaves, stones, and mushrooms, Jessica has long-term goals to continue to refine and expand her craft. “I’m an incremental worker, and over time I’m experimenting and working towards bigger pieces, like altarpieces or wall hangings. I would love to eventually make an electroformed bouquet and some tabletop statement pieces.”
To see examples of Jessica’s work, visit her Instagram page, and check out the NTCC store to view our selection of Woodland Alchemist jewelry for sale. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our activities, local tree news, and tree-care tips!