
Meet the Artist
Trevor Mock is the artist behind Gilty Boy, a contemporary fine jewelry brand that was started in the spring of 2021. They aim to transform symbols of queer desire and sexuality into precious wearable art. Working from their studio in Tucson, Trevor combines traditional metalsmithing techniques with modern design sensibilities to create pieces that are both meaningful and beautifully crafted. Their work playfully draws its name from "gilty" (as in gilded, coated in gold) – a deliberate subversion of "guilty," reflecting the brand's mission to reframe narratives around queer sexuality and desire.
Trevor's background in illustration influences their unique aesthetic, resulting in jewelry that tells stories of liberation and pleasure. Through Gilty Boy they are building a brand to resonate with those who see jewelry as both personal adornment and political statement.
My Process: Lost Wax Casting
Lost wax casting is an ancient metalworking technique used to transform detailed wax models into metal jewelry and sculpture. The process begins with creating a design in wax through carving or building up forms. This wax model is then attached to a sprue, which creates a channel for molten metal to flow.
The wax piece is encased in a special plaster investment material that can withstand high temperatures. Once the investment hardens, it's placed in a kiln where the wax melts away (hence "lost"), leaving a hollow cavity in the exact shape of the original model. Molten metal is then poured or forced into this cavity using a centrifuge. After the metal cools and solidifies, the plaster is broken away to reveal the metal casting.
The final piece is then filed, sanded, polished, and finished to complete the transformation from wax to precious metal. This method allows for the creation of intricate details and complex forms that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional metalsmithing techniques alone.


My Process: Reverse Glass Painting
Reverse glass painting, or Verre églomisé, is when paint is applied to the reverse side of glass. I use glass or plexi glass as my canvas. I use permanent markers to create the designs in my work and then use acrylic paint in layers on top of the marker to add colors. I build my frames using cardboard and recycled paper to create sturdy paper clay frames.