C+D AiR Applications 2627

Application Language / Langue de la demandeEnglish
Applicant Information

Applicant Information

NameAshtyn Williams
Preferred Pronounsshe / her
Address761 Queen St E
Toronto, Ontario M4M 1H3
Canada
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Phone5192169076
Studio you are applying toMetal/Jewellery
Your Websitenythsa.com
Instagraminstagram.com
About Your Practice

About Your Practice

Tell us about your current artistic practice.

Working in sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones, I make jewelry that feels like an extension of the wearer, bringing sentimentality into the objects we own. Viewing jewelry as embodied self-authorship, I explore what we choose to carry on the body reveals about identity, desire, and care. In a world driven by fast-paced consumption, crafting pieces with care and the objective to be loved, lived in, and accumulate sentiment is my way to show reverence for time and transformation.

My process is intuitive and intentional, combining fabrication with lost-wax casting. I balance statement and subtlety so each piece carries meaning with effortless glamour. My intuitive process allows me to express my passion for my craft freely. Working based on what feels right and manifesting my creative thoughts into metal form has guided me to create a style that feels true to myself. Moreover, the intentional process is just as important, as it hones me to keep craftsmanship at the forefront. Intentional decisions reflect my aim of sustainability through longevity.

What would you like to develop during your residency?

Exploring within my craft and strengthening my skills is a constant aim for me. I love learning and pushing myself to see my capabilities. I would like to explore more material development in my practice. Over the years, I have accumulated a lot of metal scraps, and I am interested in melting them down to make wire and sheet to use as material for new pieces. From my time at Harbourfront so far, I have used the rolling mill to make wire from an ingot I had made previously; however, I would like to develop and gain confidence in this skill. I have seen that there are ingots in the studio and would love for this to be an option for me to incorporate into my practice.

Additionally, exploring more technical aspects of my practice, such as metal forming with mandrel work and learning to channel-set gemstones, is an area I’d focus on. Learning these techniques would allow me to push my creative development with more intricate and ambitious designs. I believe that adding these material and technical developments will push my work artistically further, adding to my creative world.

Why is the Harbourfront Centre Craft & Design Residency the right next step for your practice?

From Harbourfront’s residency, I hope to develop my craft in a way I couldn’t on my own, which includes studio access to tools and equipment, experienced mentorship, and a community of makers who will challenge me. My time at Harbourfront over the past few months has shown me how much I grow when I’m surrounded by skilled peers and a well-equipped space. During this time, I’ve been able to complete five pieces incorporating new techniques. Extended access to the Metal Studio would let me move from trying techniques to practicing them until they become second nature.

Moreover, just as valuable is the feedback and conversations with the fellow residents that sharpen my design decisions and provide new perspectives. I also hope to learn how to sustain a professional practice, from pricing and presenting work to finding an audience that aligns with my work.

Overall, this residency would provide me with a stronger technical foundation, a more ambitious body of work, and the professional footing to keep making it.

Technical Section

Technical Readiness

Describe your experience with the materials, processes and equipment relevant to the Studio to which you are applying..

My experience centres on fabrication and lost-wax casting in sterling silver. I work comfortably and independently with a flex shaft, and I’m confident using torches for soldering and annealing. In the studio, I can independently use the vice, tumblers, the polishing machine, and the belt sander. I’m comfortable with basic mandrel forming and have used the rolling mill and draw plate to turn an ingot I made previously into wire.

I’d like to develop further in several areas. I’m familiar with the soldering station for joining and fabricating, and I want to learn to use it to pour my own ingots from the scrap I’ve accumulated to reclaim material. I also want to take my mandrel work further into more complex forms. I’m interested in learning the wax injector with moulds I currently have, and the sandblaster to explore new surface textures and finishes. Growing in these areas would give me more control over my materials, though the major takeaway is the efficiency and playfulness I have with access to these resources.

Residency Readiness

Residency Readiness

Residents work within a shared studio environment. What would you contribute to this environment, and what do you hope to learn from being part of it?

In the residents’ shared studio, I would bring openness, reliability, and a genuine love of learning. Having spent some time at Harbourfront, I’ve seen how much a shared studio thrives on generosity, and I want to contribute to that culture. I’m happy to share what I know, and I’m equally comfortable asking questions and admitting when I’m still learning.

I would also take part in studio events and community programming. So far, I have enjoyed the public-facing aspect and talking with visitors about my jewelry processes and what goes on behind the craft. Respect for the space matters to me too, including keeping shared equipment clean and in good condition, cleaning up after myself, and being mindful of others’ working time.

In return, I hope to learn from the knowledge and experience of the other jewellers and metalsmiths. Seeing different approaches to design, problem-solving, and professional practice would broaden my perspective and challenge my habits. I value mentorship and peer critique, and believe strong work develops out of a community that shares skills, ideas, and encouragement.

Tell us about an experience that demonstrates your ability to independently manage and sustain the development of your artistic work.

When I initially received the opportunity to work at Harbourfront during the summer, I set myself the goal of making a three-piece collection, and I completed it in just over a month. I planned the designs, set a timeline, and worked through each piece independently. Each one pushed me to use techniques and methods I had never tried before, such as fabricating wire and dapping work, making them my most ambitious work to date. I managed this while continuing to develop pieces for other creative projects, which taught me to prioritize, pace myself, and keep momentum when a technique didn’t work the first time.

Last winter I also took part in the One of a Kind Show, which required months of preparation. Beyond making enough work to fill a booth, I handled the logistics, like designing the booth display, budgeting, and organizing the setup. Presenting my jewelry to the public showed me how to talk about my work.

Both experiences showed me that I can set goals, manage my own time, and see a body of work through from concept to finished object. They gave me the discipline and self-direction that I believe will guide me in a residency program.

Your Current CV

Your Current CV


Upload a current artistic CV outlining relevant education, exhibitions, residencies, professional experience, awards, commissions or other activities related to your practice.

Current C.V.ASHTYN_NYTHSA_CV.pdf
Your Portfolio

Your Portfolio


Submit 10 images of work that best represent your current artistic practice and technical abilities. Only 3 detail or installation shots should be included; all other images must be single‑work images.


Images must formatted to required specifications: 




  1. Pixel Dimensions: 3000 to 4000 pixels on the longest side

  2. Resolution/DPI: 300 DPI 

  3. File Format: JPEG 

  4. Color Profile: sRGB 

  5. Maximum File Size: 5MB to 10MB 



Provide a single text document that lists the following details for each image provided:




  • Title

  • Date

  • Materials

  • Dimensions

  • Processes / techniques

  • Brief description or context, where useful

Link to Your Portfoliogoogle.com
Use of Images I agree with this statement.
Review Your Submission

Review Your Submission

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