Seth Michael Studio

Meet the Artist

• About This Artist

  My jewelry career began in my father’s stained glass studio where I fashioned jewelry from scraps of discarded glass. After attending the SCAD BFA program in metals and jewelry I was employed as a silversmithing instructor, a bench jeweler, and studio goldsmith, while building my brand Seth Michael Studio. Additionally I earned a graduate degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I researched and wrote about the therapeutic benefits of metalsmithing.

• Q&A With This Artist

  Q:  Can you tell us about how your work is made?

  A: All pieces of jewelry are hand made by the artist using an array of goldsmithing, silversmithing, and chasing techniques. Additionally I will carve and polish my own stones or ceramic and/or carbon fiber components.

  Q:  What makes you passionate about the medium and materials you work with?

  A: I love the idea that I am creating something that is meant to last several lifetimes. This is something I will consider before starting any piece. The silver, gold, and gemstones I use are infinitely recyclable. Gold is my favorite material of all. I can understand why it has captured the imagination of people for thousands of years.

  Q:  What is something unique or unexpected about you or your work?

  A: In addition to functioning as wearable jewelry many of my pieces can also be freestanding sculptures. I always consider all angles of each piece regardless of how it is meant to be worn. Many people comment on how lightweight each piece is. I am able to achieve this by hand fabricating every piece which allows me to maximize the surface area while simultaneously creating stable structure.

  Q:  The 80th anniversary issue of American Craft focuses on kinship—from an artist’s deep connection to materials to the networks of people within the larger craft ecosystem. Please share any stories on collaboration, how craft expands community, or how craft creates stronger bonds between people across cultures.

  A: I have had the privilege of creating jewelry and collaborating with artists of different media in Hong Kong as a studio resident with Loupe - an incubation space sponsored by Chow Tai Fook jewelry company. It was an amazing experience to be able to represent the US craft community while exchanging skills with an amazing group of artists.