Elichai Fowler
1st Place – “Palace of the Western Sky”
Montana native Elichai Fowler’s breathtaking “Palace” is a testament to his love of his home state as depicted in the box's painted leather inserts and the magnificent Palace inside, which serves as the focal point of the piece. His passion for nature, the western states, God, philosophy and his art are all captured in this multi-faceted piece.
Artist Interview:
Q. How did you come up with the title?
This piece was designed to celebrate the mysticism and beauty of the western United States and the clarity of the night skies as we see them in Montana and Wyoming. It also is the “house” of a very special ring named “The Hidden Empress” and is therefore a “Palace.”
Q. What/who was your inspiration?
The beauty of nature in Montana and Wyoming specifically, but also other western states such as Colorado and Idaho. I was also inspired by several ancient architectural motifs and designs.
Q. How long did it take to make the piece?
Approximately 780 hours.
Q. What challenges did you overcome while you were making it?
We had many issues including getting the jade cut and figuring out the mechanics. This piece is of a scale we are not normally used to working in.
Q. What do you plan to do with the piece?
The piece was commissioned by a wonderful individual for his wife and will be enjoyed by their family.
Q. Will this piece inspire other work?
I believe so. I designed many other versions during this process, and it expanded my knowledge and experience. I loved the freedom to design in materials I don’t usually use and look forward to continuing to do so.
Q. What did you feel when you learned you’d won?
Satisfaction.
Q. Whom did you tell first about winning?
My wife.
Q. Of all the arts and crafts why did you choose jewelry?
It is a commonly enjoyed art form that is marketable, and I really enjoy gems and metals.
Q. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
I made a silver purity ring for myself in high school.
Q. What was your training/academic background in jewelry-making?
After high school classes with Ken Bova, I took metalsmithing at Montana State University in Bozeman and apprenticed at The Gem Gallery. I continued training with Blaine Lewis at New Approach School for Jewelers and Sam Alfano and Rick Eaton at GRS Tools. I've also trained with Rémy Rotenier for design, Kate Wolf for wax carving and Fabrizio Acquafresca for repoussé.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
Time management.
Q. What is the best advice you received?
Don’t ever give up on a bad day. Learn from your mistakes and get back up when things don’t go the way you wanted them to.
Q. What other awards, honors have you received in your career?
I have won a few bench competitions at the Instore show in Chicago, and some design awards through Jewelers of America locally and nationally.
Q. What is your definition of “success”?
Being able to love what I do, provide for my family, learn new things and have time to spend with those I love.
Q. What or who do you think has been the strongest influence or inspiration on your work?
I would say that The Creator has had the strongest influence on my inspiration and work. I am constantly in awe of the beauty that we are given to enjoy on a daily basis here on this planet.
Q. What artist, dead or alive, do you most admire? Why?
I admire Fabergé the most because of his breaking of so many molds, and his use of many unconventional materials and techniques to create what he envisioned.
Q. Do you follow long-term trends? If so, why or why not?
I don’t follow many long-term trends and actually try to avoid them, because I want my work to be free from their influence.
Q. Is the product or the process more important to you? Why?
Rare and natural gems are more important to me because they are there in the earth for us to find and enjoy. I love hand engraving and repoussé the most of all the techniques I’ve experienced because of their power to express details and turn metal into canvas.
Q. What is your favorite tool?
That is a hard one. I probably love my GRS® GraverMax the most.
Q. What metals, gemstones, processes do you enjoy the most?
I love sapphires, spinel, colored diamonds and tourmaline. I love hand engraving, repoussé, wax carving, fabrication and alloying.
Q. Describe your studio.
I am currently building a new studio because I sold the building that had my old studio in it. I have a fairly large collection of tools and try to be able to do most processes in-house.
Interview by Marlene Richey