Etching is a technique that exhibits a long history in both printmaking and metalsmithing. This research into alternative methods for metalsmiths began when I became aware of non-toxic methods that were developed for printmaking practices. At the time, I had only been exposed to the ongoing trends of using ferric chloride and nitric acid, among other caustic solutions, for etching copper based alloys, including sterling silver. This effort included a desire to make metalsmithing studios safer, cleaner, and more streamlined as well as establish a conversation between printmaking and metalsmithing studios.

My thanks go out to the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) for providing a platform for this work.