Metalsmith Jewellery Exhibition by Jeff Wise and Susan Wise

Artist list

Jeff Wise, Susan Wise

Jeff and Susan Wise will be presenting their latest and most refined jewelry works to date during this exhibition, their first gallery exhibition in two years. Jeff Wise is a master stone-cutter and metalsmith with whom Susan has worked with for over 25 years, having learned most of her skills from him. As a married couple, Jeff and Susan work intimately and extensively with one another and their conceptions are collaborations in all respects.

In the Wises’ jewelry we discover a deep exploration of geometric shapes and kinetic motion in 18 karat gold and decadent self-cut stones. Many of their rings possess layered elements that move with a fluid independence, conjuring wonderment and mystery for the hands which they accentuate. The animated composition of a necklace clasp performs simply and beautifully. Every detail of a Wise piece is an opportunity for harmonizing the craftsmanship of goldsmithing with a passion for technical aesthetics. Their one-of-a-kind mechanical designs are declarations of their devotion to pushing the limits of jewelry design with form and volume.

The Wises’ success expands far beyond the gallery world, with pieces in the Museum of Art and Design in New York City, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and Smithsonian Institute National Museum of American Art, Renwick Gallery. When asked what inspires their work, Jeff replied, “We have our eyes open to the same aesthetic information that is available to everyone. Inspiration can come anywhere anytime, from prosaic to awe-inspiring.”