Anne Wolf
I have been teaching jewelry/metalwork classes and creating custom mokume-gane wedding rings, jewelry and one-of-a-kind metal art objects since 1991. I earned my Masters of Fine Art in Jewelry/Metals in 1999, training primarily under Helen Shirk and Arline Fisch at San Diego State University. From 2003-2014 I taught a four-level jewelry/metals course at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. In 2007 I met a group of mokume artists working in Northern California - Toshiyuki Kawai, Earl Bushey, Jerry Blanchard and Gene Novagratsky. With them I learned to fuse, forge and pattern mokume gane using traditional Japanese methods. My work has been shown across the U.S. and in international venues such as the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus in Hanau, Germany and the Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum in Tsubame, Japan. Creativity, quality craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail are among my goals for every piece I create. I am committed to the format of functional craft as a vehicle for artistic expression. For me, a successful piece communicates with viewers on a level more meaningful than words, and reflects the traditions of metalsmiths throughout history. Learn more about Anne on her website, AnnevilleStudio.com.
I have been teaching jewelry/metalwork classes and creating custom mokume-gane wedding rings, jewelry and one-of-a-kind metal art objects since 1991. I earned my Masters of Fine Art in Jewelry/Metals in 1999, training primarily under Helen Shirk and Arline Fisch at San Diego State University. From 2003-2014 I taught a four-level jewelry/metals course at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. In 2007 I met a group of mokume artists working in Northern California - Toshiyuki Kawai, Earl Bushey, Jerry Blanchard and Gene Novagratsky. With them I learned to fuse, forge and pattern mokume gane using traditional Japanese methods. My work has been shown across the U.S. and in international venues such as the Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus in Hanau, Germany and the Tsubame Industrial Materials Museum in Tsubame, Japan. Creativity, quality craftsmanship and obsessive attention to detail are among my goals for every piece I create. I am committed to the format of functional craft as a vehicle for artistic expression. For me, a successful piece communicates with viewers on a level more meaningful than words, and reflects the traditions of metalsmiths throughout history. Learn more about Anne on her website, AnnevilleStudio.com.
Bette Barnett
"Since 2013 I have devoted my work to exploring and experimenting with steel jewelry. Beginning my jewelry career in 2010, I learned basic skills through private and group lessons with seasoned jewelers and teachers. In 2013 I began studying the steel/gold processes and continued with advanced workshops with the late Chris Nelson, whose explorations of ancient Japanese techniques were instrumental in launching wide-spread interest in applying fine gold and silver to steel. I have built on those studies by perfecting additional techniques and processes, including Keum Boo and galvanic etching of steel. Currently I am developing techniques to fuse various metals and alloys to steel. I am actively pursuing research into working with steel and have published articles on the topic n Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. In addition, I have been selected to develop and present a research paper on steel jewelry at the 2020 Santa Fe Symposium. Before beginning my career as a jeweler/instructor, I gained teaching credentials through my background as a corporate communication consultant. In my former career, I provided extensive training services to the employees of client companies thus fine tuning my instructional capabilities. I participate in a number of art shows annually and my work is shown at Sparks Gallery, a prestigious venue in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. I teach private lessons in my San Diego studio and offer group workshops throughout the U.S." Learn more about Bette on her website, StudioMigoto.com. |
"This is my second class with Bette. They have both been an amazing exploration into learning new techniques for me. Bette is one of the best jewelry teachers I have had. She is so willing to share her expertise and time." ~ Carmen Kaczor, Artisan Jewelry & Gifts |
Past Instructors
Jessica Andersen
Jessica Andersen currently lives in San Diego, CA. She completed her M.F.A. in Jewelry and Metalwork at San Diego State University in 2014. Jessica was raised in a small farming community in Iowa. She received a B.F.A. in Jewelry & Metal Arts from the University of Iowa in 2009. Her interests address “Thing Theory”, a study of the world of material things, their functions, semiotics, and their symbolic and commercial value in regards to their current cultural understanding. The artist is concerned with the affect of objects, and defined notions of waste in relation to ideas of collection. In her work, she attempts to showcase the form and appeal of everyday detritus in the construction and presentation of jewelry. She hopes to generate new interactions between the wearer and object; and between viewer and cultural predispositions. Her work has been featured nationally and internationally in the Russian State Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg, Russia; and at American Craft Today at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts, Highlands, North Carolina. Learn more and see her work at jessicanandersen.com.
Jessica Andersen currently lives in San Diego, CA. She completed her M.F.A. in Jewelry and Metalwork at San Diego State University in 2014. Jessica was raised in a small farming community in Iowa. She received a B.F.A. in Jewelry & Metal Arts from the University of Iowa in 2009. Her interests address “Thing Theory”, a study of the world of material things, their functions, semiotics, and their symbolic and commercial value in regards to their current cultural understanding. The artist is concerned with the affect of objects, and defined notions of waste in relation to ideas of collection. In her work, she attempts to showcase the form and appeal of everyday detritus in the construction and presentation of jewelry. She hopes to generate new interactions between the wearer and object; and between viewer and cultural predispositions. Her work has been featured nationally and internationally in the Russian State Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg, Russia; and at American Craft Today at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts, Highlands, North Carolina. Learn more and see her work at jessicanandersen.com.
Ford Hallam
Ford Hallam holds a unique position in the world of fine art metalwork. He is the only non-native artist to have been adopted into Japan’s ancient decorative metalworking tradition. Having dedicated himself to the mastery of its techniques and materials, he is widely acknowledged as the leading Western authority on the technical aspects of this work. From his earliest encounters with Japanese art he felt a strong resonance with his own aesthetic sensibilities. This has provided him with a framework within which to develop his personal language of “metal as art”. He now divides his creative efforts between contemporary expressions in classical Japanese formats and a freer exploration of the more abstract possibilities inherent in this medium. See his work at FordHallam.com or become a patron for early access to classes and exclusive content at patreon.com/FordHallam.
Ford Hallam holds a unique position in the world of fine art metalwork. He is the only non-native artist to have been adopted into Japan’s ancient decorative metalworking tradition. Having dedicated himself to the mastery of its techniques and materials, he is widely acknowledged as the leading Western authority on the technical aspects of this work. From his earliest encounters with Japanese art he felt a strong resonance with his own aesthetic sensibilities. This has provided him with a framework within which to develop his personal language of “metal as art”. He now divides his creative efforts between contemporary expressions in classical Japanese formats and a freer exploration of the more abstract possibilities inherent in this medium. See his work at FordHallam.com or become a patron for early access to classes and exclusive content at patreon.com/FordHallam.
Alexandra Hart
Using and promoting responsibly sourced and recycled precious materials, fine art jewelry designer-goldsmith and sculptor Alexandra Hart creates one of a kind and limited edition couture art-jewelry. With both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Art and Metalsmithing, with fashion and production experience designing for Karl Lagerfeld and Givenchy fashion jewelry, and fine jewelry design and manufacturing for Barbara Heinrich Studio, she has expertise in the avant-garde, fashion design and high-end goldsmithing. See her work at AlexandraHart.com.
Using and promoting responsibly sourced and recycled precious materials, fine art jewelry designer-goldsmith and sculptor Alexandra Hart creates one of a kind and limited edition couture art-jewelry. With both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Art and Metalsmithing, with fashion and production experience designing for Karl Lagerfeld and Givenchy fashion jewelry, and fine jewelry design and manufacturing for Barbara Heinrich Studio, she has expertise in the avant-garde, fashion design and high-end goldsmithing. See her work at AlexandraHart.com.
Julie Monroe
Julie is a silversmith, lapidary, jewelry designer, and instructor from Rancho Santa Fe, California. She has taught several fun classes including Fire & Ice Pendants, Torch-fired Enamels, Organic Casting, Independent study and more. Follow Julie on Instagram @studiojulessilversmith or Facebook facebook.com/StudioJulesSilversmith/.
Julie is a silversmith, lapidary, jewelry designer, and instructor from Rancho Santa Fe, California. She has taught several fun classes including Fire & Ice Pendants, Torch-fired Enamels, Organic Casting, Independent study and more. Follow Julie on Instagram @studiojulessilversmith or Facebook facebook.com/StudioJulesSilversmith/.
"Loved the class and loved Julie! Great instructor! The studio was very well stocked with great equipment and very organized." ~ Kathy O'Brien
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