James Binnion, Metalsmith
I have been making jewelry for over 30 years. I first learned the basics of fabrication and lost wax casting in high school, but my love of crafts started much earlier. My grandmother was a weaver and furniture maker and had craft projects in her home to join in. I spent many hours reading the magazine “Craft Horizons” in her home. She inspired me to use my creative talents. Much of my adult life has been spent studying and experimenting in the metal arts.
I have always been drawn to the beauty and superb workmanship of Japanese craft. This interest has led to the study and exploration of various metals techniques from Japan. From the first time I saw work done in mokume gane in the 1980s with its wonderful patterns and colors I knew I wanted to learn how to make mokume and developed a technique for making electric kiln fired mokume gane. I established James Binnion Metal Arts in 1991 working exclusively in mokume gane. Most of my studio time since then as been devoted to refining my laminating process as well as my jewelry designs. I have consulted with other mokume artists as well as metallurgists to develop both a theoretical and practical knowledge of precious metals metallurgy. I manufacture the mokume gane billet as well as make mokume jewelry of my own designs.
My designs reflect the two major, often conflicting aspects of my personality: the engineer and the artist. These are reflected in the rigorous requirements to successfully laminate the mokume gane and the fluid patterns carved in its surface. The finished designs combine hard geometric framework with soft and fluid internal forms and patterns.
I have taught numerous classes in metalsmith and goldsmith techniques throughout the US. I teach workshops on making mokume gane as well as giving professional presentations to other metalsmiths and jewelry professionals. I have written and presented a number of papers on mokume at The Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology in New Mexico. A chapter I wrote describing the use of the electric kiln in making mokume gane appears in Steve Midgett’s book, “Mokume Gane A Comprehensive Study”. An article that I wrote on making patterns in mokume, “Pattern Recognition”, appears in the April 2003 issue of AJM magazine. I have been interviewed and featured in a number of articles.
The National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis presented an exhibit, “Knock on Wood: An American Mokume Invitational” in April 1998. I was one of twenty invited artists exhibiting work in mokume gane at this exhibit. One of my pieces, a teapot in copper, brass and sterling silver, was included in the book, “Teapots Transformed – Exploration of an Object” by Leslie Ferrin.
My studio is in Western Washington. I have a very skilled assistant Chipp who works with me in the studio. My wife Terry is general manager for the business and works with our wholesale clients. My daughter Joya handles all retail inquiries and works closely with our retail clients. In addition we have 3 office cats: Sprocket, Ed and D2 who keep Terry and Joya amused while working in the office. Taiko, our Shiloh Shepherd, keeps us in shape walking her.
Organizations
Member of Society of North American Goldsmiths
Member American Crafts Council (ACC)
Member of the Seattle Metals Guild
Member of Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, Inc. (MJSA)
Member ABANA: Artists Blacksmiths Association of North America
Member ASM International the materials information society
Member Better Business Bureau
Past member of Board of Directors of Metal Arts Guild in San Francisco Bay Area
Invitational Shows and Juried Exhibitions
1992
14th Annual Vahki Exhibition: Galeria Mesa, Mesa, AZ
1992 Spring Invitational Show: Joan Michlin Gallery, NY, NY
1993
National Valentine Invitational Jewelry Show: Sheila Nussbaum Gallery, Milburn, NJ
1998
Invitational Show: “Knock on Wood: An American Mokume Invitational”: National Ornamental Metals Museum Memphis TN
1999
Invitational Show: “Bands That Bind”: Thomas Mann Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2001
Invitational One Man Show: R. Grey Gallery, Boise, ID
2002
Invitational Show: “The Art of the Martini”: Zaruba & Co., Inc., Frederick, MD
2003
Invitational Show: “the Knock – Off Show”: Thomas Mann Gallery, New Orleans, LA
Professional and Juried Craft Shows
ACC
Baltimore, Columbus and West Springfield
Buyers Market of American Craft
Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco
Contemporary Crafts Market
Santa Monica and San Francisco
All works Copyright 1996-2007 James E. Binnion
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