Maryland’s Alice Kresse brings her foundation in printmaking and enthusiasm for non-traditional materials to her modern, fun-to-wear jewelry designs.
Artist: Born in Cleveland, OH, Kresse grew up in Ann Arbor, MI.
She graduated from Ohio University with a BFA in printmaking and painting.
For many years, Kresse worked as an art director, graphic designer and illustrator in the news and publishing industry in Washington, DC.
While working, Kresse also studied jewelry design at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (now part of George Washington University).
Company: Kresse Jewelry Design, established in 2008, is based in Bethesda, MD. The artist has a studio in her home.
In the beginning: Saw an exhibition of Robert Ebendorf’s jewelry at the Renwick Gallery (part of the Smithsonian) in Washington.
At the time, Kresse had no particular interest in making jewelry but was so amazed by his use of found objects and alternative materials that she signed right up with Corcoran’s newly launched jewelry program.
Kresse’s employer’s tuition assistance program helped pay for her jewelry classes. A few years later, Kresse took a buyout and jumped into art full time.
Art & materials:
- Jewelry (brooches, earrings, necklaces) using non-traditional papers, silicone rubber, polypropylene, polyester and resin ($85 to $400).
- Fine artmonoprints using typical printmaking papers: mulberry paper and cotton rag paper ($200 to $1,000).
“I’m materials driven” said Kresse. “I’m always looking for something new to turn into jewelry.”
Materials & process.
- Epoxy resin, which she mixes with powdered pigments and often embeds small gems and pearls. Kresse makes her own molds out of silicone rubber.
- Two kinds used for jewelry:
One is “washable” paper, a cellulose and synthetic latex product. It’s very sturdy and doesn’t easily rip. “I use an etching press to print color and texture onto both sides,” Kresse said.
The other paper is actually non-woven polyester (think interfacing in clothing). She chose it because it’s relatively indestructible and looks a bit like rice paper, which she then paints with acrylic paint.
Must-have tools: A m etching press and cutting machine (a Cricut). She also uses Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator etc.)
What’s popular:
- Poly-petal earrings, particularly the red ones (then green, blue and grey).
- Book pendants. “I spent many years designing newspapers, books and magazines that were read the old-fashioned way – on paper,” said Kresse, who now does her reading on a screen. “Now they seem like artifacts. I’ve made this tiny book pendant, strung on a chain – artifact as jewelry.”
Must-have tools: An etching press and cutting machine (a Cricut).
Recent honor: Juror’s Special Recognition award by the Washington Guild of Goldsmiths. 2024.
Recent projects: The super-light printmaker’s choker, made of tiny collagraphs, a textured relief printing process, and printed on “washable” paper. The sturdy necklace is assembled with vinyl coated stainless steel cable and Delica glass beads.
“My focus is paper right now. Both the jewelry and printmaking,” said Kresse.”
What’s next: James Renwick Alliance Day Show and Sale, Chevy Chase, MD. Dec. 6.
Where to buy: akresse.com
Connect:
- Instagram: @alicekresse
- Website: alicekresse.com (for printmaking and digital illustration. No shopping.)
