CARO’s The Lover (Reversed) (2025) is a contemplative exploration of connection, symbolism, and material transformation. Created over 26 hours of labor, the piece integrates photo-etched copper, sterling silver, and a patina process that imbues the surface with verdant green tones, showcasing the artist’s mastery of metalsmithing. The textured composition juxtaposes shimmering metallics with oxidized copper, creating a work that feels simultaneously ancient and contemporary.

The work originates from a photograph taken on CARO’s back patio, a moment of personal reflection subtly woven into the narrative. At its center, the piece features the reversed cover of Marguerite Duras’ The Lover, a novel steeped in themes of forbidden love, memory, and identity. The reversed image introduces a sense of distance and ambiguity, reflecting the tension between intimacy and detachment. The title references not only Duras’ work but also The Lovers Tarot card, which symbolizes union, choice, and balance. These layered meanings invite viewers to reflect on relationships—whether with others, the self, or the material world.

CARO’s process, which includes photo-etching, patination, and melding metals, highlights the intricate care and attention given to every element of the work. By transforming raw materials into an object of contemplation, The Lover (Reversed) exemplifies CARO’s dedication to blending traditional craft techniques with conceptual depth. The result is a piece that invites slow, thoughtful engagement, celebrating the enduring power of craft to evoke both personal and universal connections.