CONTEMPORARY ART JEWELRY

Taboo Studio

1615½ W. Lewis Street

San Diego, CA 92103

619.692.0099

Thea Izzi

Thea Izzi

Artist Statement

The ideas embodied in my work represent geometric shapes translated to ornament in metal with an emphasis on form, space and movement. I explore the contrast of negative and positive space and create symmetry through the repetition of patterns. My latest work incorporates the use of 22k gold and sterling silver bi-metal. When formed to reflect off of itself a luminous glow of gold emanates from the interior of the form; a warm radiance that eludes to the possibility of a light source being contained in that space though none exists. The main source of my inspiration is the creative process itself. Through exploring variations on a theme each new idea evolves from the last and provides the motivation to create the next. Some of the work has evolved from inspirations that are subconscious; a childhood memory of a familiar object, an appealing architectural form or a simple element in nature, for example. My intent is primarily to create something beautiful that allows the wearer or observer to interpret the mystery of it's meaning for themselves.

Résumé

Education

1991 Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
BFA, Jewelry and Light Metals
1990 - 1991 Rhode Island School of Design, Rome, Italy
European Honors Program, Independent Studies in Jewelry, Drawing and Art History

Grants/Awards

1998 -1999
 
J. William Fulbright Grant, academic year
Creative arts grant for study of traditional jewelry making techniques in Florence, Italy

Exhibitions

2000 Full Circle/Metal Arts Guild - Collectors Gallery at the Oakland Museum of Art
  2000 Craft Gallery Exhibition - Long Beach Island Foundation of The Arts and Sciences
  Montlo Tiara - Sculpture To Wear, Santa Monica, CA
1999, 2000 Art For AIDS Auction II and III - SOMAR Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1998, 1997, 1995 Celebration of American Crafts - Creative Arts Workshop, New Haven, CT
1997 Portfolio Show - Aaron Faber Gallery, New York. NY
1994 RISD Alumni 12 X 12 Exhibition - Woods Gerry Gallery, Providence, RI; and Roger Smith Gallery, New York, NY
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Selected Juried Shows

2001, 2000, 1999, 1997 ACC Baltimore - Baltimore, MD
2000 Ann Arbor Street Arts Fair - Ann Arbor, MI
  Cherry Creek Arts Festival - Denver, CO
2000, 1999, 1997 Crafts At The Castle - Boston, MA
1999, 1997 Sausalito Arts Festival - Sausalito, CA
1997 Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show - Philadelphia, PA

Professional Affiliations

SNAG  Society of North American Goldsmiths
ACC American Craft Council
MAG Metal Arts Guild of Northern California
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Show#

Title

Dates

2006-2

Collars & Bracelets

5/12/2006 – 6/23/2006

2001-3

September Show

9/7/2001 – 10/19/2001

Click an image for larger version

Thea Izzi, <I>Ariel</I> bracelet, Thea Izzi, <I>Angeline</I> bracelet,

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