Darke practices silversmithing, a craft that is generations old. She is fascinated by traditional ways of making things, and finds that there is a reemergence of a love for the craft.

Part of what Darke loves so much about forging, an ancient method where metal is heated and reheated, strengthened and hammered into curves, is the physicality of it. Darke describes it as an intimate process, one that allows you to leave a legacy within the piece. Often, the silver pieces built by these smiths are built to last for years and years.

According to the owner of Newbury Crafters, the shop where Darke works, they are the only place in America that hand-stamps silverware in this fashion.

Darke, who will be graduating the spring, will be featuring some of her own creative silverwork at the Chazen from April 26 to June 16, as the Russell and Paula Panczenko MFA Prize Winner.

View the “Craft in America” episode featuring Darke on this pbs.org web page.

And to learn more about her work that will be showcased at the Chazen, visit this web page.