CHAR SCHUTTE
Gold Beaded Pendant
Bracelet
Carol Topaz paui Dave neck
Tree of Life earrings
Celebration 1
Fan Opal
Temple 2
Chrysoprase Black Pearl
Artist Statement:
I am an award-winning artist, jewelry maker, metal smith, lapidary and potter. I have been making heirloom-quality custom jewelry for over 13 years. My work has been featured in galleries and shops across Colorado. As a potter, I have donated my time and talent creating bowls for many ‘Empty Bowl’ charity fundraisers. My award-winning jewelry has earned Honorable Mention at Douglas County Christmas Art Show, First Place Fine Art Crafts at 2007 Art in the Park in Parker, and a scholarship award for my “Fisherman” bolo tie from the National Arts Program.
A Colorado native, I grew up surrounded by the beautiful and majestic Rocky Mountains. Captivated by the strong desire to recreate the beauty I saw in nature, I began to pursue my artistic gifts and became interested in expressing myself through mixed media, mixed metals and texturing.
In 1994 I began to pursue serious studies in jewelry making. Starting with metallurgy, I learned all the processes required for metal smithing and jewelry creation. Throughout my college experience, I had the opportunity to participate in master classes led by experts in the jewelry-making industry, including the following:
*Stone setting with Shep Walden, one of the master stone setters for John Atencio.
*Advanced wax carving with master wax carver Debbie Leo.
*Stone drilling, setting and layering with master Michael Boyd
*Tool making with Richard Sweetman
*Anti-clastic raising with Jerry Scavezze
The techniques I especially enjoy and frequently employ are reticulation, Keum Boo, cuttlebone casting, and forging.
In 2009 I was invited to join the faculty of Satiama, a web-based portal for conscious living, where my custom jewelry designs are enjoyed by people around the world.
In my home-based studio here in the Front Range, where I live with my amazing husband Chris, I apply my skills to bring forward handcrafted jewelry and art from designs often created in collaboration with my clients, and always developed from my heart. I am never content to pursue only one type of art or media; I also enjoy making pottery and exploring other art media, and have made many beautiful yet functional pieces. I’m also a grandmother and appreciate the balance that my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandson bring to my life and to my art.
Affiliations & Clients:
I am a member and a former board member of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association.
In 2008 I was commissioned by The Colorado Children’s Chorale to make multiple pieces for their donors of the organization.
In 2009 I was commissioned by the VRCC (Veterinarians Referral Center of Colorado) to make multiple pieces for resale for it is a non-profit. A continuing venture based upon sales.