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Theresa KwongJewelry
Theresa Kwong uses shell-forming and anticlastic raising techniques. Thin, flat sheets of silver, gold, or mokume gane are slowly shaped into 3-D objects using hammers and stakes. The hammer marks left from forming provide beautiful textures that contrast with polished highlights. She makes every piece of her jewelry herself, in a small home studio in San Mateo.
Theresa’s design sensibility comes from years of training and practicing as an architect in the San Francisco Bay Area. Shell and tensile structures have always fascinated her with their clean lines and sculptural curves. Her works have tremendous visual movement, reminiscent of Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid structures. Originally, Theresa received her Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley. A career change has brought her to jewelry-making. As an architect, she creates 3-D objects on a macro scale; as a metalsmith, she creates 3-D objects on a micro scale. Theresa studied under numerous masters at Revere Academy that was located in San Francisco. Being a LEED accredited architect, she uses recycled metals whenever possible. |