Working in her spacious and light filled studio in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Jewelry Designer Kathleen Barris designs and creates one-of-a-kind and limited edition collections of Artisan Jewelry. Her studio spills out into her courtyard garden where she often finds inspiration in these peaceful surroundings. This is where she can be found on the nicest of days, hand finishing some pieces for her latest collection or sketching her newest design!
Her materials of choice include argentium and sterling silver, occasionally accented with fine gold, as well as copper and nu gold. Drawn to organic shapes and unusual stones, her love of rich texture and contrast, as well as ancient methods and techniques, is evident in much of her work. Her preference is the look of a hand-finished piece with the feel of antiquity and the occasional surprise of a contemporary element.
Recently, Kathleen and her business partner, George Barris, have begun cutting and polishing their own stones in they’re newly established Lapidary Studio. These gorgeous, semi-precious stones cut from their collection of slabs and rough material will debut in Kathleen’s 2015 designs!
Kathleen creates her jewelry for people to wear – your “go to piece” or a favored “statement piece” – the one you reach for frequently!
Kathleen invites you to personally view her most current work at one of the several Fine Art & Fine Craft Shows she participates in each year, at select shops and galleries, and of course the collections featured at kathleenbarris.com!
Education & Experience
Kathleen’s background includes Retail Management and a Directorship at a non-profit organization, both of which provided many learning opportunities!
Her creative education has been richly diverse and she continues to take classes whenever possible to continually hone her skills and broaden her perspective.
She has been especially fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from some of the foremost leaders in their field as well as some of the great Masters of our time, including: Ann Cahoon, Cynthia Eid, Pauline Warg, Michael Good, Paulette Werger, Michael Boyd, Andrea Zatarain, Tricia Harding, Ashley Vick, Allison, Antelman, Kim Otterbein, Amy Plante, and Avery Lucas, to mention a few!
From these world-class instructors she learned traditional and modern Metalsmithing techniques including Forging, Forming, Fabrication, Enameling, Chasing and Repousse’, Stone Setting, Finishing, Etching, Lapidary, Principles of Jewelry Design, and so much more.
Kathleen has also had the opportunity to participate in many Fine Art and Fine Craft Festivals in past years, including a two-month trip south to participate in Art Festivals in Florida, North and South Carolina and in historic Roswell, Georgia where she was honored with a third place “Best in Show” award.