Out of the Shell is an exhibition of compelling, innovative, and unique works from seventeen acclaimed international artists within the field of contemporary art jewelry. It represents seventeen distinct voices, from ten countries, that playfully manipulate and intellectually re-interpret the concept of the pearl. Each artist was challenged to create jewelry that addresses the pearl from a historical, cultural, or material perspective. The pearl could be expressed as decoration, subject matter to be deconstructed, subverted, or celebrated.

Each artist is showcased because we value his or her work and approach to jewelry creation. We were also curious as to how these artists would incorporate such a traditionally nostalgic gem into their non-traditional practices.

The result is an exhibition that transcends concepts and expectations of the pearl as it has been historically incorporated in the jewelry making process. Common in contemporary practices today, participating artists utilized a wide variety of materials for creative expression. Whether inspired by nature, landscape, or the process of pearl production, the traditional pearl, as we had hoped, was purged from its shell.

While some artists worked with real pearls in a traditional metalsmithing manner, others rendered the pearl from unusual jewelry materials, such as felt, plastic, rubber, adhesive tape, or silk threading. By juxtaposing traditional and unconventional methods and materials, the artists re-define the precious pearl and some question the value, cultural status, and social function of jewelry in society. Fresh and original in beauty, each piece of jewelry, like the pearl, emerges from the artist’s own cultural background, discipline and technical training.

As artists and educators, undertaking a project of this nature has greatly inspired us and continues to inform our own practice. Pure, simple and beautiful, the pearl has a long history in jewelry, and today we invite you to experience a collection of work that offers new and provocative possibilities.