Artist Biography
A committed grounding in tacit knowledge and process has defined my art practice for the duration of my life. I began exploring material and its interactions with the body at an early age. My jewelry career began in my father’s stained glass studio where I fashioned jewelry from scraps of discarded glass wrapping them in wire. I decided at an early age that I wanted to be a jeweler, the thought of making objects of adornment for the human body was alluring.
I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and earned a BFA in metals and jewelry in 2007. While at SCAD I acquired a love of forming and silversmithing. The meditative process of vessel making has been the cornerstone of my current philosophy of jewelry and object making. Having spent a lifetime devoted to learning the craft of metalsmithing, I believe there is always something to learn and contribute to the craft, as is the voice through which I speak. The performance of making gives way to the metal itself performing your inner expression.
Being an artist in residence at the Rochester Institute of Technology while working as a goldsmith allowed me to think critically about my own art practice. After working as a goldsmith for other jewelers, I decided to pursue a graduate program in art therapy. I have always found the experiences of creating to be beneficial and empowering. I wanted to help others have those experiences as well. While a graduate student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I started a metalsmithing group on Chicago’s south side for teenagers. I have always believed that being a craftsperson and being altruistic are synonymous. Giving back to a community is an essential part of mastering a craft, a process that will take me a lifetime and beyond.
About the work
Fabrication - All of Seth’s work is hand made. Seth uses traditional goldsmithing and silversmithing fabrication techniques. Each piece is lovingly hand crafted through a layered process of sawing, filing, forming, scoring, bending, soldering, polishing, chasing, raising, linking… Please keep in mind that each piece is an individual work of art, and there may be small variations in measurements.
Metals - Seth uses only ethically sourced metals from a reputable refiner in the United States (see the link on Harmony metals at the bottom of page.) The metal is recycled and/ or ethically sourced and fair trade certified. Seth uses an alloy of silver called Trusilver from Hoover and Strong Refiners that resists tarnish/ oxidation. Additionally Seth uses fine silver for making chain, and a special 18k ‘Royal’ gold alloy also from Hoover and Strong.
Patina - Seth receives many inquiries regarding the patina on silver. The array of colors is achieved through a chemical process using potassium sulphate (a compound often found in foods such as eggs), a special surface texture and controlled heat. While many colors are achieved in the process there are no standardized outcomes and color composition will vary.
Gemstones - Seth sources his gemstones from reputable vendors that are knowledgeable about the origins of their stones. He takes every measure to ensure that rigorous environmental and human rights standards are enforced in every step of harvesting.
No animal products are used or tolerated at Seth Michael Studio! - Seth will NOT under ANY circumstances use any materials that are derived from wildlife in his work, display, or packaging including: leather, bones, teeth, claws, fur/pelts, hair, glues, hides, preserved insects or other invertebrates, fossils, coral, shells, ivory, mammoth tusk, etc. Nor will he accept commissioned projects that utilize wildlife remains.
For Wholesale inquiries please contact Seth at seth@sethmichaelstudio.com
Returns: Items purchased from Seth Michael Studio may be returned for physical credit only.
Alterations and Sizings: Seth Michael Studio will size each ring the first time for free, following the first sizing a charge of $30.00 will be issued. Bracelets, Necklaces, and cuffs can be lengthened or shortened. Alterations to the design of a style will not be done, however, custom designs can be made, contact Seth Michael Studio for a price quote.
Seth has committed to donating 10% of online orders to wildlife conservation efforts including the following organizations-
-Owl Moon Sanctuary
-PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving)
If you are interested in a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry and have a preferred conservation charity please contact Seth via email at sethcarlson44@gmail.com