WEBSITE

www.jennaca.com

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

In September 2007, I launched my own design company, Jennaca Davies Studio. I received my master’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2007 and since graduation have continued my exploration with new technologies such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and cad cam. I also employ traditional metalsmithing techniques such as enameling and fabrication. My work has been exhibited at the Talente 2007 exhibition as part of the International Handwerksmesse in Munich, Germany. I also have received numerous awards including the Hayward Prize for Fine Arts from the American Austrian Foundation , the MJSA Scholarship 2005 and 2006 through the Rhode Island Foundation, and recently spent a semester as an artist in residence at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. I received my
Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Building Science degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and continue to practice architecture part time.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I work with elements to create structure, shape, pattern, and form. I am fascinated with nature’s mysterious geometries, so often intrinsically mathematical and logical in construction. Inspirations for my designs come from many sources, often based on a shape of an object or an architectural detail. I work compulsively; beginning by modeling and trying to combine elements in innovative ways. The forms are created through these model investigations and fabricated into their final organized arrangements. 

The work I make is meant to be worn, but I also intend for it to be an interesting object when off the body. I think of my jewelry as small sculptures or miniature architecture, and the body, as my canvas. The pieces are thoroughly considered in terms of their weight and location when worn. I believe jewelry should be precise in its craftsmanship and an object of desire. Color, texture, and combinations of materials appear throughout my work. A simple clear idea or moment of inspiration guides me. My attention for detail allows me to articulate my design ideas clearly.

The materials I choose include, but are not limited to precious metals, paper, and plastics. I select a material for its tactile quality and ability to suit the purpose of what I am making. Inexpensive materials are made precious through their care and consideration, and no material is thought to be more valuable than another. I have been exploring new technologies such as laser cutting and cad cam, coupled with ancient metalsmithing techniques including enameling and metal fabrication. I strive to create objects which entice the viewer to explore them further. It is my desire to create jewelry that is both formally elegant and playful at the same time. I hope to encourage investigation, requiring the viewer to study the geometries and components that make up each piece.

ABBREVIATED CURRICULUM VITAE

education

2007     M.F.A. Jewelry and Metalsmithing, magna cum laude, 3.75 gpa
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island

2000     Bachelor of Architecture
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York

1999     Bachelor of Building Sciences
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York

1999     Roman Studies Program
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Semester abroad in Rome, Italy

teaching experience

Winter 2009
Instructor - Rhode Island School of Design, Continuing Education
Experimental Enameling

Winter 2009
Instructor - Rhode Island School of Design, Continuing Education
Beadwork Techniques

Fall 2009
Instructor - Rhode Island School of Design, Continuing Education
Intermediate Jewelry and Metalsmithing

Summer 2009

Instructor - Rhode Island School of Design, Continuing Education     The Nature of Form - Design Course

August 2009
Workshop Instructor (2 week session)
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, Maine
Experimental Enameling: Going Beyond the Limits of the Familiar and Expected

Fall 2007
Instructor - Massachusetts College of Art
Color on Metal Class, Enamel Workshop

Fall 2007
Instructor - Providence College
Alternative Materials Workshop

Fall 2005, Fall and Winter and Spring 2006, Spring 2007
Instructor - Rhode Island School of Design
Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing

awards and residencies

2009     Searchlight Artist Award, American Craft Council Show, Baltimore, Maryland

2008     Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, five month artist in residence, Portland, Oregon

2007     Hayward Prize for Fine Arts from the American Austrian Foundation, Salzburg Summer Academy. Salzburg, Austria.

2006     Edith and Joseph Alpers Scholarship, Rhode Island School of Design

2005 and 2006     John A. Chironna Memorial Scholarship, Rhode Island School of Design

2005 - 2007     Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Student Assistantship (Jewelry Department Graphic Design and Office Assistant

selected exhibitions and shows

2009
From Minimal to Bling: Contemporary Studio Jewelry
Society of Arts and Crafts.  Boston, Massachusetts

2009
Re/Action(s) Exhibition - curated by Gail M. Brown
Craft Alliance.  St. Louis, Missouri

2009
One and Only Exhibition
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

2008
Paper – Jewelry – Art Exhibition
Galerie V&V.  Vienna, Austria

2008
Paper Jewelry Exhibition
Paper Museum of Austria
Steyermühl, Austria

2008 Arte Fresca Exhibition     Facere Gallery. Seattle, Washington.

2007
Talente 2007, Internationale Handwerksmesse Munchen
Munich, Germany

2007 Graduate Student Show, Rhode Island School of Design

2007 Graduate Invitational Show, Rhode Island School of Design

2006
Inhorgenta 2006, Forum Innovation
Munich, Germany

2006
Galeria Sztuki w Legnicy
Legnica, Poland
International Competition and Gallery Show “Skandal”

publications and acknowledgements

2009     500 Enameled Objects. Lark Books.

2008     Adorn by Amanda Mansell. Laurence King Publishing. London, England.

2008     Niche Magazine - Spring Issue. "The Next Generation of Jewelers." (eight up-and-coming jewelry artists

2008     500 Pendants and Lockets. Lark Books.

2007     Talente 2007 Catalog

2006     The Art of Jewelry: Paper Jewelry - 40 Creative Projects. Lark Books.

2006     500 Necklaces. Lark Books.

architecture, landscape architecture, urban design experience

2006 - present
     GLEN S. FONTECCHIO ARCHITECTS
     Providence, Rhode Island

     RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECT EXPERIENCE

     Rose Cottage - Block Island, Rhode Island. 
     Fallot / Pace Residence - Westerly, Rhode Island.
     Gennardo Residence - Tiverton, Rhode Island.
     Hockmuth Residence - Truro, Massachusetts.
     Lund / Karczmar Residence - Tiverton, Rhode Island.
     Sisto Residence - Goat Island. Newport, Rhode Island.
     Zangari Residence - Tiverton, Rhode Island.                    

1999-2005
     William D. Warner Architects and Planners, Ltd.
     Exeter, Rhode Island

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, LANDSCAPE, and URBAN DESIGN PROJECT EXPERIENCE

     Relocation of Interstate 195 (highway relocation project - urban design and landscape architecture)
           Providence, Rhode Island
                    Old Harbor Plan
                    Providence River Bridge
                    Bike path and India Point Park Improvements
                    Point Street Bridge Overpasss

     Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge
     Visitors’ Center for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
          Charlestown, Rhode Island

     Heritage Harbor Museum Master Plan
          Providence, Rhode Island

     Rhode Island College Performing Arts Center
          Providence, Rhode Island