Jewelry has been one of the most precious possessions throughout time. Whether made of gems, or beads, or bohemian wood styles it has been sought after to promote beauty and style. To make something stand out above the rest and be truly beautiful takes skill, creativity and hard work. A modern day Rumplestiltskin, Mary Lee Hu has been spinning gold for over 60 years into elegant and almost impossible works of art. Her talent and hard work has landed her on display at the Bellevue Arts Museum.

Spinning gold seems like something from a fairytale but it’s not as unrealistic as you would think.  Using 18 and 22 karat gold wires Mary Lee Hu wraps twists, weaves and knots the precious metal into extravagant pieces that appear to be fabric.  Intricate designs are her virtuosity.  Something that can also be viewed at the display are her miniature designs of animals like lizards, turtles, seahorses and even squid. Inspired by her various travels through cultures of Oriental, tribal and urban cultures have provided her information and life skill to produce an endless supply of one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Her work went on display at the Bellevue Arts Museum on February 7, 2011 and will continue to be on display until June. Pieces featured are Choker #87, which is a fabric like necklace made in 18 and 22 karat gold.  To match the necklace there is Bracelet #62.  Brooches such as Form #3 made of sterling silver and lacquered copper are also part of the display.  These pieces and more can be seen at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Bellevue, Washington and online at bellevuearts.org.