In Asheville, dancer turned jewelry designer Laura Wood thoughtfully engineers her sculptural work to fit and flatter the body.
The artist: Born in Milledgeville, GA, Wood earned a BFA in jewelry at the University of Georgia and later an MFA in metal design from East Carolina University (ECU). She has lived and worked as a full-time studio artist in Asheville since 2013.
The studio: Laura Wood Studios is based in Asheville. The jewelry designer shares the industrial building in West Asheville near the River Arts District with two steel fabricators/sculpture artists, including her partner, Thomas Campbell.
The art & materials: Jewelry made from non-ferrous metals, primarily brass and silver. She uses powder coat and enamel to apply color and texture to the surfaces. Colors include classic white, black and chartreuse. Limited-edition colors change annually.
What’s popular: Signature earrings ($98 to $450) in the limited-edition LWS Collection. Also necklaces ($350 to $2,500) and rings ($120 to $250).
Fun or special requests/commissions: Made a necklace with five sections, which could be unhooked and worn in several arrangements, from short to long.
“It was a big undertaking but the final pieces turned out lovely.”
Claim to fame: The double lace earring is the signature piece in her LWS collection.
Awards:
- Resident Artist, Penland School of Craft (NC).
- Emerging Artist, SOFA Chicago, 2015.
Honor: Keynote speaker of her graduating class at ECU.
What’s next: American Craft Council’s Atlanta/Southeast Craft Week. Online, Sept. 20-26. In person, Sept. 23-25, at Atlanta’s Buckhead Village.
For details, visit: craftcouncil.org/show/season/atlantasoutheast-craft-week
Where to buy: laurawoodstudios.com
Get social at:
- Instagram: @laurawoodstudios
