Seth Michael Carlson
Pennsylvania
About the Artist:
Seth’s jewelry and sculpture career began in his Father’s stained glass studio where he fashioned jewelry and art pieces from scraps of discarded glass. It was also during this period of time that he began to experiment with metalsmithing.
After attending the Savannah College of Art and Design’s BFA program in metals and jewelry I was employed as a silversmithing instructor, a bench jeweler, and studio goldsmith, while continuing to create my own work. Additionally I earned a graduate degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I researched and wrote about the therapeutic benefits of metalsmithing. I believe that being a craftsperson and being altruistic are synonymous, and giving back to community is an essential part of mastering a craft.
Seth, his wife Rosa, son Tzali, and four cats live outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2019 Seth lived in Hong Kong for four months as an artist in residence with Loupe - a design incubation space sponsored by Chow Tai Fook Jewelry. Seth continues to be inspired by the wildlife, people and experiences of his surroundings.
About the Work:
Through traditional goldsmithing, and silversmithing techniques I strive to capture the beauty and character of the fauna and flora that I encounter in the natural world. It is important to me that each piece is hand crafted using ethically sourced gold, silver, enamel, gemstones, and alternative materials. I see every piece of jewelry as a celebration of the natural world, and believe that the materials I choose should reflect the value of life that I seek to convey.
When I am creating my work I am visualizing each piece being passed from one generation to the next. I love to capture the character of each life form through subtle expressive gestures. With a focus on environmental stewardship, each piece is a snapshot in time to bring awareness and appreciation to large and small creatures that inhabit the Earth.
Seth Michael Carlson is featured in our Summer 2023 exhibition, Between Realms, alongside Jessica Calderwood and Melinda Risk. Click here to see the entire exhibition.
