Steven Webster with CCAD jewelry making class

By Aadam Soorma

CCAD was pleased to welcome world-renowned jewelry artist Stephen Webster to campus on Monday for a special lecture and luncheon.

Arriving from London, in collaboration with The Diamond Cellar of Columbus, Webster had lunch and met with students to discuss his own personal journey from art school, to apprenticeship, and on to starting his own business as a recognized, influential jewelry artist. Today he operates a global chain of boutiques that craft a large selections of items for a wide range of clients.

In 2008, Webster partnered with Christina Aguilera to endorse a collection called “Shattered,” for which she serves as lead spokesperson in his advertising campaign. Today his accessories complement outfits worn by several, well-known celebrities, including Madonna, Katy Perry, Ashley Olson, and Rihanna. His current collection—the seven deadly sins—was put on display for students to experience first-hand.

Dion Utt, a junior majoring in fine arts with an emphasis on jewelry making, has been working with different metals and noted Webster’s use of gemstones and vibrant colors.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to travel as much as him,” Utt said. “But you can look at his work and draw the influence straight to other parts of the world. He is a perfectionist and seeing the jewelry in person is magical—so much better than on a computer screen. It’s something I hope to incorporate into my own art.”

Webster spoke one-on-one with students in the jewelry lab and gave pointers to the aspiring jewelers.

“These days, the students learn so much faster and I’m really impressed by what they are working on,” Webster said. “There is so much jewelry out there and as long as you can make a statement—give people a reason to want yours—then you don’t have to fully conform and create an identity.”

Stephen Webster’s collections can be found online at: www.stephenwebster.com

In a symbolic gesture to mothering, Malec-Kosak, chair of Dimensional Studies, uses traditional fabrication and carving techniques to create a collection of pacifiers that are jewel-like in scale and form.

The exhibition opens with a reception on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.  at the arts council, 7125 Riverside Dr., Dublin, OH.  Admission to both the exhibition and reception is free and open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday. For more information call DAC at 614.889.7444.

David Yurman

Internationally renown artist and jeweler David Yurman visited CCAD, Monday, Oct. 26, to share his expertise in both the classroom and lecture hall.

The founder of the jewelry company that bears his name, Yurman is a phenomenon in the world of fine jewelry and timepieces. Best known for his iconic cable design, Yurman’s work fuses art, fashion, and fine jewelry into a signature design concept that was nothing short of revolutionary within the jewelry industry when it was introduced in the early 1980s.

During his visiting artist presentation, which was open to all CCAD students and the public, Yurman discussed his eclectic five-decade journey as an artist, designer, and entrepreneur. He discussed everything from influences (including his wife and muse Sybil) to his dedication to “following his bliss.” He showed early sculpture works and the progression of his jewelry designs. Yurman noted that when he began making and selling jewelry he would ask himself “Would Sybil want to wear this?”

Following the presentation and a lunch on campus with CCAD students, Yurman conducted a workshop with advanced jewelry design students.

The Visiting Artist Series is open to the public and offered free of charge.