COUP de COEUR : Reiko ISHIYAMA – évanescence, légéreté, délicatesse ……

Reiko ISHIYAMA will exhibit at the Smithsonian Craft show 2011 -

« I work in sterling silver and gold. Each idea for my pieces begins with the pure forms of a circle or a square reshaped and combined to form spirals, cylindrical curls and other three dimensional shapes. Through techniques of hammering and heating, oxidation and heating patina these simple forms are transformed into small works of sculpture designed to be worn. « 

« My work has an almost fragile quality, stressing lightness and mobility. By shaping paper thin sheets of silver, I can house space itself. When people hold my work in their hands, they are often surprised by its delicacy and lightness. There is an evanescent, momentary quality that I hope people can truly savor when they wear my pieces.« 

Reiko ISHIYAMA - « paper nest » brooch – silver

Reiko ISHIYAMA -« Butterflies » brooch – silver

Reiko ISHIYAMA -« Stream » brooch – silver

Reiko ISHIYAMA -« Paper box » brooch – silver , steel wire

Reiko ISHIYAMA - brooch

Reiko ISHIYAMA - pin

Reiko ISHIYAMA - Lotus pin - sterling silver vermeil

« Born and raised in Japan, Reiko Ishiyama is a self-taught studio jeweler. She began her professional career as a sculptor working in various metals, then began applying that art to jewelry making. Ishiyama has received several awards in the U.S. and Japan and has been exhibited at galleries throughout the world, including England, Australia, Japan and the U.S. Her work has appeared in Metalsmith Magazine, American Craft Magazine, The New York Times, ‘W’ Magazine, Interview Magazine and other international magazines. » (Gallery Loupe)