Sculptural Jewelry Artist Clarissa Knighten is best known for transforming mundane materials into one-of-a-kind adornment. Her handmade creations will inspire you to explore objects you see every day. Her work has also been featured at the Kansas City Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Clarissa's artwork will be on display at the Gardner branch until April 21,2024.
What themes do you pursue?
I have not pursued particular subjects. My motto: If it feels right to create it, create it and then expand the art further.
Do the materials inspire the piece or does the idea come first?
Ideas and materials compete for space in my mind. Sometimes I create pieces because the materials were next to each other or because I have new materials that I want to use.
Do you have a favorite piece?
As my artistic journey progresses, my work continues to change. One of my favorite materials to work with is tree branches. I am drawn to their natural beauty and versatility. I can use them to create a variety of pieces, from jewelry to sculptures. I am always experimenting with new ways to use tree branches, and I find the possibilities to be endless.
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
In the studio, artistic wire and jewelry cutters are essential tools. Artistic wire can be used for crocheting, coiling, stitching items together and creating hanging devices. In my world, artistic wire is like duct tape.
What books, movies and/or music have inspired you recently?
Just as I am: A Memoir by Cicely Tyson is a powerful and inspiring account of a life well-lived. Tyson, who passed away in January 2021 at the age of 96, was a trailblazing actress who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood. She was also a civil rights activist and humanitarian. I listened to the audiobook of “Just as I am” twice before purchasing the hardcover. I found Tyson's voice to be soothing and her storytelling to be captivating. I learned a lot about her life and her experiences, and I was inspired by her courage and determination. Redeemed: Lessons about Anger by Dr. Nicole Price. You never know what happens in a person's life to change the entire trajectory. One of the most striking things about Price's story is her willingness to be vulnerable and open about her struggles. This vulnerability makes her story all the more powerful, as it allows readers to see themselves in her.
