Reconstructing Our Second Skin: Gender in Contemporary Jewelry

In this crafthaus blog, I explore the intersection between gender and jewelry with a three-prong approach: interviewing artists who do not shy away from words like “gender issues,” “feminism,” and “sex”; analyzing the work of said artists and the reach of their work via questionnaires; and reinvigorating conversation about gender in jewelry by putting together an online exhibition.

  • Interpretations of Masculinity: an interview with American jewelry artist, Andrew Kuebeck.

    Olivia Shih: Hello Andrew! Could you share with us how you found your way to creating jewelry that deals with gender and interpretations of masculinity? Andrew Kuebeck: Ever since high school, when I started taking jewelry classes, I’ve been interested in working figuratively with my work. Early…

    By Olivia Shih

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  • Behind the Scenes with Vincent Pontillo-Verrastro

    During my interview with Vincent, we talked about his involved work process and how he utilizes technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D printing to augment his work on gender issues. In this blog post, Vincent generously shares behind-the-scene images for pouch (2016), a new piece of work that…

    By Olivia Shih

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  • On the Intimate and the Personal: an interview with American jewelry artist Vincent Pontillo-Verrastro

    Olivia Shih: Hello Vincent, and thank you for agreeing to this interview! Could you give us a little background on yourself and your work? Vincent Pontillo-Verrastro: Prior to jewelry, I was a classically trained trumpet player studying at Interlochen Arts Academy (a small, intense, and immersive…

    By Olivia Shih

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  • Taking a Crowbar to Jewelry: an interview with Swedish jewelry maker Tobias Alm

     Olivia Shih: Hello Tobias! In previous interviews, you mentioned that studying gender and queer theories, with a focus on masculinities, has really transformed your work as an artist. Why do you think contemporary art jewelry has potential for exploring gender issues?Tobias Alm: The world of…

    By Olivia Shih

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  • Upclose, naked, and there: an interview with Dutch artist Anke Huyben

    Olivia Shih: Hello Anke! Before we launch into talking about your work, could you tell me about your background? I know you trained as a goldsmith entrepreneur and attended art school, but what is a goldsmith entrepreneur?Anke Huyben: As a goldsmith entrepreneur, you learn to work with precious…

    By Olivia Shih

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  • Let's Talk Politics

    When I was immersed in art school and its countless critiques, I found that people tended to shy away from contemporary jewelry with a political bent, whether it be about gender conformity or democratizing jewelry through alternative materials. The word “politics” brings to mind corrupt…

    By Olivia Shih

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  • Hello there

    Let's Be Friends, 2013, talking stuffed toy, fabric, stuffing, velcro, recording deviceThe one thing you should know about me, is that I once made a talking “uterus,” complete…

    By Olivia Shih

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