AMSA’S WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE MEDAL COMPETITION

Eva-Maria Wohn Wins AMSA’s Women’s Suffrage Medal Competition

A relatively new medalist, Eva-Maria Wohn, of Chicago has created the best art medal on the theme of the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Sponsored by the American Medallic Sculpture Association (AMSA), the winner also will receive a $300 prize. Wohn’s medal was chosen by a committee chaired by Mel Wacks, member of AMSA’s Board of Directors, consisting of seven distinguished jurors: Philip Attwood, President of Fédération Internationale de la Médaille d'Art; Ellen Feingold, Curator of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution; Cory Gillilland, formerly Deputy Director of the National Numismatic Collection; Caleb Noel, editor of The Numismatist; Steve Roach, editor-at-large of Coin World; Dr. Alan Stahl, Curator of Numismatics, Princeton University; and Dr. Benjamin Weiss, member of the Board of Directors of Medal Collectors of America.

Eva-Maria Wohn wrote to the committee, saying: I had great fun coming up with a concept and a theme. The research alone was worth it. It’s such a beautiful art form I am always surprised that so few people have fallen under its spell. For the obverse side, I chose the Statue of Liberty to be part of a Suffrage medal, to point out the irony that she stood in the harbor for 34 years before she would have been able to vote in the very democracy she was symbolizing to the world. Liberty is not centered within the 100 because there is still some progress to be made. The reverse features a quote where we were but a handful from Elizabeth Cady Stanton reminiscing about the few but radical supporters of the amendment, but also recognizing that so many lives would be changed because of it. The woman in jail is from an archive photo of a suffragette in prison.

Eva-Maria Wohn was introduced to the art of medals a few years ago by one of the modern masters of the medium, Eugene Daub.  Since that time, she has created numerous medals in order to refine and explore various styles and to learn the technical aspects of sculpting medals.  Wohn says that My attempts are not all aesthetic or technical successes, but each one has a lesson that informs the next piece and also my other sculptural work.  She believes that sculpting medals has given her tools that have made her bas relief, and sculpture in the round, infinitely better. Wohn goes on:  Because the geography of a medal is small, there is no room to hide bad composition, awkward perspective or poorly defined light and shadow. Being a good editor is just as vital as being a good sculptor. 

Eva-Maria also loves the idea of a story compressed into such a small space.  Her favorite medals are those that despite the limitation of space, invite the viewer to explore the message, saying: Overt messages are often less interesting than those that take the viewer on a journey to that end.  She tries hard to create a narrative that is interesting and engaging - one that leaves a viewer room to insert their own views and interpretations; one that invites wonder and curiosity, and ultimately, a kinship with the maker.  Eva-Maria Wohn will be the first to admit that her medallic sculptures have not always met that goal, but says that her love of this lovely art form makes the work of getting there a joy. 

Wohn’s original submission was actually made with the cold-cast process. Since winning, she has decided to produce a limited edition of no more than 19 cast bronze 4-inch medals. For price and availability, contact Eva-Maria Wohn at ewohn@hotmail.com or (202) 341-3301.

All of the entries will be illustrated in AMSA’s full-color magazine Members Exchange. The American Medallic Sculpture Association invites American and world medalists to join, as well as art medal collectors. Members Exchange publishes news of workshops and exhibits, and illustrates noteworthy art medals produced by members and others both in the United States and overseas. Dues of $45, U.S. and Canada, or $55 elsewhere can be sent to AMSA, P.O. Box 1201, Edmonds, WA 98020. The AMSA website is www.amsamedals.org.

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