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About the Artist... Ken Schmidt has worked in the jewelry field since 1993. He was the first student to be accepted in the Illinois Jewelers Association. He is also a member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths.Ken’s ongoing research includes combining non-traditional and traditional metalsmithing techniques through applying computer technology to the art of metalsmithing and jewelry design. Ken Schmidt graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing. He then attended the Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned his Master of Fine Arts in sculpture. Ken’s thesis work was displayed at the Rochester Museum and Science Center in Rochester New York. While living in San Francisco, Ken worked to establish a jewelry department and taught at the non-profit organization, The Crucible. He taught jewelry design and fabrication at District 211 in Palatine Illinois. He continues to promote his original jewelry, wearable art and sculpture throughout the United States. In The Press... Local Artist, Ken Schmidt, creates art with meaning Ken Schmidt is a true renaissance artist – an artist that does not limit himself to one media, but uses many different materials to create his art. In Ken’s case, the materials range from diamonds to scrap metal, and the sizes range from one millimeter to thirty feet. Ken uses metals, precious stones, gems, wood and electronics to create sculptures and one of a kind wearable art. “To me, art is taking a conceptual thought and creating something that conveys meaning,” says Schmidt, “Each person may interpret the meaning differently, but that is the beauty of art.” Growing up watching his father, a true artist of auto body and fender repair, Ken had many opportunities to see metalworking in action. He picked up his first torch at age six and has been exploring the uses and potential of metals ever since. As a teenager, Ken took a job at a local jewelry store, which expanded his education to setting stones and repairing watches. Ken took his knowledge of metal and jewelry to Southern Illinois University, earning his Bachelor’s of Arts in metalsmithing and jewelry design. He went on to further his education at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Ken graduated with his Masters of Fine Arts, majoring in sculpture with a minor in metalsmithing and jewelry design. His thesis, a grouping of interactive metal sculptures titled “Factors of Control”, was a special exhibit at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. The piece explored the relationship between man, nature and machines. Similarly, Ken’s current works of art and jewelry design bridge the subjects of art, science and industry. His current jewelry creations have a strong architectural influence. “I try to capture the feeling of older buildings, which have so much character and beauty, in my jewelry designs,” says Schmidt, “It can bring people closer to the beauty of architecture that may otherwise only be seen from afar.”
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Our Mission Schmidt Studio is committed to creating one of a kind jewelry, watches and sculptures that capture the beauty and wonder of life. We offer the opportunity to create a heirloom that can be passed down for generations. Through the use of only the highest quality materials and "old world craftsmanship" . Statement of Values and Principles
Schmidt Studio is an environmentally oriented custom design jewelry store striving to create pieces that are not only beautiful, but ethical as well. With the increased awareness of harmful mining and processing practices in the gold and diamond industry, Schmidt Studio strives to source materials from the most environmentally and socially responsible suppliers available. But more importantly, Schmidt Studio specializes in reusing precious metals and stones for the vast majority of designs. Melting down old gold jewelry, redesigning estate pieces into exciting new jewelry, and re-cutting or polishing damaged gems for reuse are just some of the practices used by Schmidt Studio. Precious materials can only be successfully reused by a skilled metalsmith. Ken Schmidt has perfected the techniques required to create high quality jewelry with reused materials so that Schmidt Studio customers are wearing beautiful designs that are not marred by the social and environmental stigma associated with typical commercial jewelry.
Ethical Metalsmith’s Directory was created to introduce consumers to the growing number of jewelers who are informed and committed to social and environmental
responsibility. Jewelers in the Directory support ethical mining, demand supply chain accountability
and operate their studios with “green” practices. They endeavor to source their materials in the most responsible
manner, are transparent in their practices and include a Values, Principles and Practices Statement on their websites. |
