Stray eyelashes, carried upon a hopeful breath, often hold the wishes of those that have shed them. Jeweler Mary Hellam Pearse and Drag Performer Semaj Onyx Coxring have worked together in the creation of a pair of false eyelashes meticulously crafted out of white-tufted dandelion seeds. When worn, each movement and self-assured look leaves behind a small, delicate reminder.

Pearse writes:

I rushed outside the moment I saw the dandelions show their bright yellow crowns. I thought of casting one in metal, creating an identical self to honor their fascinating dance of reproduction. As I studied the golden heads, my mind wandered below, to the roots—their hidden life, the medicinal, a healer of the liver. With curiosity and joy, I dug into the earth and uncovered fleshy, leg-like tubers, so expressive and playful, oozing their milky essence. One after another, I searched for the perfect root, imagining the cast characters they could become. I gathered them, some still crowned with their bright yellow blooms, and placed them in water in my studio.
The next morning, to my astonishment, the crowns had burst into clouds of white, delicate puffballs, drifting in the air—tiny parachutes of wishes. A colleague walked in, eyes wide at my dramatic bouquet of floating seeds, and asked what I was doing with them. Out of nowhere I replied I’m making eyelashes to wish upon.
Here’s to those who are tough and resilient and never give up. Speak from your crown you dandy lions.

Mary Hallam Pearse

Mary Hallam Pearse received her M.F.A. in Metal from SUNY New Paltz and a B.F.A. in Crafts with an emphasis in Jewelry and Metals from Kent State University. Her research centers around the symbolic and emotive resonance of jewelry and potent materials, and their intricate interplay with the fabric of culture. Her work has been selected for competitive exhibitions in museums and galleries both nationally and internationally and included in publications such as Metalsmith, Ornament and American Craft. Curatorial projects include; Crafting History: Textiles, Metals and Ceramics at the University of Georgia, Parallels: Jonathan Wahl and Sondra Sherman, The Ring Shows: Then & Now and Putting the Band Back Together and Coming into View. She has been invited to give lectures and workshops at Penland School of Craft, Anderson Ranch, Kent State University, East Carolina University and Humboldt State to name a few. Currently she is Associate Professor of the Jewelry and Metalwork area and Associate Director of Space and Technology at The Lamar Dodd School of Art in Athens Georgia.


Semaj Onyx Coxring

Born in Mississippi and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Semaj Onyx Coxring, known also as Aunti Maji, has been a part-time drag performer in Athens, Georgia, for 12 years. Drawing deep inspiration from the strong women who raised her and the incredible Black women who have supported her throughout life, her drag persona is a heartfelt tribute to Black womanhood. Known for her captivating lip-sync performances, Semaj takes pride in crafting many of her own costumes, including the clothing, wigs, and even the jewelry she wears.

Drag has been transformative for Semaj, allowing her to grow both as an artist and as a person. It has provided her with a fulfilling and meaningful life, serving as a form of therapy and a medium for expressing complex emotions. Beyond personal growth, drag has empowered her to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, offering her a platform to speak out.

“I love the art of drag; it has changed me for the better”