Alex Austin is one of few remaining people who does traditional silver smithing. She loves the processes of hand raising, sinking and forming and the fact that she is perpetuating an ancient art. Using a hammer and anvil, she creates her pieces in much the same manner as Paul Revere or Thor in ancient times.

Austin always begins with the lines of a piece. She wants volume, form, curves and asymmetrical lines that have harmony and balance. The right balance and flow are critical. She also loves the color - or lack of color - in silver and its highly reflective nature.

As a material, silver can be both forgiving and unyielding at the same time. It is one of the challenges she enjoys when trying to create objects that are both beautiful and highly functional.

''Sometimes I'm inspired by the changing weather, or the mood. Or light playing on a landscape. My inspiration in and of itself is never the same.''