Michael Schwade

Eureka Springs, AR

Jewelry

Artist Bio:

I was born in Boston, Mass. in 1942. My father was an actor, my mother a classical pianist. Many of our family friends were artists of various types. As a child I was always drawing and making things. I never really wanted to be anything other than an artist. After graduating high school I studied art at Boston University and the Vesper George School of Art in Boston. I got interested in jewelry as an art form and launched a career as a designer around 1960. I had the opportunity to study with the great bronze sculptor/jeweler Ernesto Gonzalez in 1965 in Key West, Fla. In 1976, I got to know, and learned a lot from sculptor Hank Kaminsky from New York. Since that time I have been showing and selling my work at art shows and fine galleries all over the country. I have won numerous awards including a number of "best of show".

Artist Statement:

I torch weld bronze alloys on to hand cut sheet copper shapes. Fused dichroic and art glass cabochons are set with copper bezels to provide focus and color accents. Patinas are employed to contrast raised areas and give an antique look. All pieces are original works of art and signed by the artist. The final finish is a clear lacquer coating which retards tarnish. My goal is to create jewelry that has the look and feel of ancient artifacts while being original and modern.

Images: