This is the first time we get to welcome Patrik to our studio and we can't wait!

 

It’s been a long time since Patrik taught in the UK - we are very excited to introduce him to a new generation of metal clayers. Born and raised in California Patrik brings that laid back attitude to the studio and his teaching - let's hope he brings some of that sunshine as well! His classes are fun, entertaining, and jam packed with tip and tricks garnered from decades of using metal clay.

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Patrik’s work is exquisite and expressive, with many pieces almost poetic with a story behind. One of Rio Grande's top senior instructors, he has led PMC certification workshops worldwide. He was in the artist testing group for PMC Sterling, CopprClay, and BronzClay and has served as juror for numerous metal clay competitions.

 

Patrik's extensive background in design and fashion brings a unique creative perspective to his work. He holds degrees from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and The Academy of Art University.​ Beginning his career as a Fashion Stylist at Macy’s San Francisco, he later founded Wallop Design Group, where he served as the Creative Director, specialising in graphic design and branding.

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Patrik actively pursues his passion as a jewellery artist and educator, running metal clay workshops both locally in the San Francisco Bay Area and at prestigious art schools like Arrowmont, Haystack, and Mendocino Art Centre. Recently he applied his graphic skills to his new venture, TextureSmith.com - a treasure trove of gorgeous textures for jewellery making.​

 

His work has got attention around the world, including features on HGTV,  and publications like Lapidary Journal,  Ornament magazine, Art Jewelry Magazine, 500 Pendants Nook, and many more. He also authored the book Woodland Chic : Metal Clay as Nature intended.

 

Being the recipient of prestigious accolades like the 2007 Saul Bell Award (1st place) and 2016 (2nd place), Patrik continues to make waves in the jewellery industry, most recently winning Best in Show in the Superbly Sintered 2024: Masterful Designs in Metal Clay exhibition.

 

"By nature I am a collector. Not only curating objects, but concepts, attitudes, and memories.  I’m drawn to unique things with age and character. It is why I appreciate antiques, and why I find the fine cracks on the surface of a beautiful Baroque painting so appealing.

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My work explores the concept of curating, expressed usually, but not exclusively, through nature-based themes. The individual traits that make an item unique act as a catalyst for my work.  Gathering spectacular traits from multiple sources, I create a composition that celebrates the original.  Some sources are obvious and some are not, but all are edited by my curator’s eye.

Although some of my work may have different thematic content, it is all linked by these unique qualities. Whether it is the symmetry in the gills of a mushroom, or the natural process of age and decay, my work tries to capture and emphasize those special properties." - Patrik Kusek