Title: Copper Crown Transit

Artist: Marilyn Da Silva

Rarity: Unique

Method: Repurposed London bus panel

Material: Aluminium, copper paint, wood

Size: 23 x 34.5cm

Weight: 0.5KG

Nationality: American

"The transit system in London is magical to those visiting the city. The iconic double-decker red buses trigger the imagination. But for those living in the city with no other option of travel, the buses are a lifeline. I took my scratched and bent piece of aluminium from a bus and painted it bright yellow. Yellow can represent brightness and caution at the same time. There is a large black raven with 3 red chairs. The raven has different meanings in different cultures about life and death. It wears a copper crown representing the middle class; the many, not gold like the monarchy; the few. The piece asks the question 'when is it your turn to take a journey on this raven's coach?' Homelessness and hunger are all around and any outreach to those in need is welcomed. 'Upcycling for Good' is a project that creates hope through creativity" - Marilyn da Silva

Marilyn da Silva’s work in metal is based on telling stories through imagery and representational elements. She was a pioneer in using nontraditional colour on metal with her trademark surface treatment of gesso and coloured pencil, creating a rich palette for her sculpture and wearable pieces. Her work has been displayed nationally and internationally. She is represented in public and private collections and is represented in numerous books, magazines, and catalogues.

In 2007, she received the honour of being nominated as a Fellow of the American Craft Council. She was invited to be “Master Metalsmith 1999” by the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the recipient of the James Renwick Alliance “Master of the Medium” award in Jewellery/Metal in 2017. And in 2022, she was selected to be a Montgomery Fellow by Dartmouth College.

Marilyn da Silva is professor in the Jewellery & Metal Arts program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco where she has been since 1987. Before moving to California, she taught from 1978-87 at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She earned her MFA in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing at Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1977 and her BS in Art Education at Bowling Green State University in 1974.