shibumi+shibusa

CHAIN REACTION

Opening Reception Saturday, April 20th 5-8pm

Studio Jewelers Erica Schlueter and Elliot Gaskin Explore the Tradition of Chain Making

Shibumi Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition by contemporary art jewelers Elliot Gaskin and Erica Schlueter entitled Chain Reaction. This exhibition highlights the artists’ approach to the chain, featuring jewelry made using traditional chain making and knitting techniques. The opening will be held Saturday April 20th with a reception from 5-8pm and artist talk beginning at 5:30pm. Chain Reaction runs through May 26, 2013 at Shibumi Gallery.

Elliot Gaskin combines darkened steel with yellow brass to forge large somewhat exaggerated chains that are both industrial and ornate. The necklaces fabricated for this show where inspired by the gates of the Chateau de Versailles and embrace an aesthetic of extravagance paired with a tradition of craftsmanship. Gaskin earned his Bachelors in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA in 2009. He currently lives and works as a studio jeweler in Seattle, Washington. His work has been featured in recent notable group shows including FERROUS at Velvet da Vinci in San Francisco, CA.

With an extensive background in textiles, Erica Schlueter has combined her skill sets to create jewelry by knitting delicate silver and gold chain. By using fiber processes to make fine jewelry, Schlueter elevates the humble act of knitting and highlights the simple beauty of repetition. Schlueter’s background is in fiber and textiles. She brings this training into her jewelry, which she has been making for over 10 years. Her work can be found in galleries across the United States.