BARBARA M. BERK

Foster City, CA – “Ruffle”, a brooch by Barbara Berk, will be shown in The Art of Gold, an exhibit of contemporary American studio goldsmithing. Curated by Michael Monroe, the exhibition is co-sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths and Exhibits USA.

The Art of Gold features the work of 78 American goldsmiths, and is the first major survey exhibit of its kind in over 25 years. It presents an opportunity to examine both the material – gold – and the objects that contemporary craftspeople make with it. Currently an independent curator, Michael Monroe has been intimately involved with American craft for over thirty years. His many prominent positions include curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and curator of the White House Collection of American Craft.

The show opened at the Crocker Museum of Art in Sacramento, CA (January 24 - April 27, 2003) and will travel to a number of sites over the next three years, including: 

     University of Richmond Museums, Richmond, VA   Sept. 1 - Oct. 20, 2003
     Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, AR   Jan. 28, 2003 - March 15, 2004
     Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, NC   April 3 - August 8, 2004
     Anchorage Museum, Anchorage, AK   Nov. 10, 2004 – Jan. 7, 2005

The “Ruffle”, Berk’s signature piece, is created from 18kt gold sheet and wire woven together by hand. The gold is woven flat, off loom and then shaped. A separate stickpin, topped with a Lapis Lazuli drop, is the attachment mechanism for the brooch.

Barbara Berk creates jewelry using textile techniques with precious metals. Handwoven high karat gold or platinum “fabric” is shaped into ribbons and ruffles, spirals and loops – which become earrings, brooches, necklaces and pendants. Inter- changeable stickpins and centerpieces are both ornamental and functional.  Hers is a contemporary approach to classical forms and ancient techniques.

Barbara Berk received the 2002 Award for Excellence in Design from the Women’s Jewelry Association. She won First Place in the 2001 Saul Bell Design Award competition for jewelry design for her “Paisley” Pendant/Brooch, recently exhibited in Best of the Best at the Museum of the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA. She is the author of “A Platinum Tapestry: Weaving all the Elements Together” published in Platinum Manufacturing Process Volume VIII, Platinum Guild International USA. Her jewelry is featured in the 3rd edition of Textile Techniques in Metal by Arline M. Fisch (2001) and in the upcoming Art Jewelry Today by Dona Meilach (May, 2003).

Barbara Berk’s handwoven high karat gold and platinum jewelry is available at select retailers and shows across the country, as well as from her website.

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View:   "Ruffle" Brooch