Barbara Berk: Interview posted!
April 27, 2009
We finally posted Barbara Berk's fabulous interview.
Barbara Berk is an internationally known goldsmith. She is currently featured in Lark Books Master's series, and has numerous prestigious awards for her work in developing different precious metal alloys. (suggestion by Perri, thx). Barbara creates impeccable woven pieces, as you can see at her home page:http://www.barbaraberkdesigns.com .
Read the full interview here: Barbara Berk Interview.










So many honors! Can you tell us a bit about how some of them came about? Did you find them or did they find you? Is there one in particular that is most meaningful to you (so far!) and why?
Barbara, you are my all time greatest inspiration in this type of metal work! I know you developed a platinum blend specifically for your work - was this done as a personal challenge to change the perception of 'fine' jewelry? Do you feel that you encountered resistance in accepting this work as fine art jewelry because its roots are based in what some people traditionally think of as 'craft'?
You include some beautiful pearls and carved gems in some of your work, and the balance between them and the metal work is exquisite. Is it a challenge showcasing the metal work with the gems?
Although all of your work is finely detailed, do you enjoy the woven wire ribbon work or the work created with woven strips, more?
Thanks so much for graciously accepting these questions!
Perri Jackson
I read that you usually make a silver sample piece before moving on to gold and platium.What happens to the silver pieces?Also I would like to know what you use for the stringing material when you have several strands attached to your beautiful pendants?One more qustion comes to mind.are the swirls and loops done before wire weaving or after?
Thanks Pat-Cabella
Do you make also rings? You don't have rings in your gallery.
Firstly I have to thank Eni Oken for providing such a pool of sharing and knowledge here. This is how I first heard about Barbara Berk. I visited her site; I am smashed! Can't imagine how these design could be growing further; end of the road:) And, my question would be; what kind of educations would you recommend for enthusiastic wire wrapper beginners? Which is the best route to follow?
Thank you in advance:)
Özlem Arslan
I for one would like to know how did she start, what were her beginnings?
Where can I read this interview?Stef
Here you go Stef
http://www.jewelrylessons.com/article/barbara-berk-interview
Fee
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