Emma Macchiarini
Emma Macchiarini Mankin-Morris is the third generation of metal smiths in the Macchiarini family. She draws her inspiration from the work of her Father and Grandfather, as well as her love of the natural world. Themes in her work vary from animal forms, floral blooms, and the human body, to outer space and mathematic, or geometric pattern. Emma enjoys creating Jewelry which comes of a process rather than a pattern. She looks at Jewelry making as an adventure with challenges, and points of interest, rather than the mere creation of an object. At best, her work is the making of wearable sculpture, as learned by studying with her Grandfather Peter Macchiarini.
Emma believes in a strong relationship, and balance between Art and Craft, as well as an ethical and ecological approach to Jewelry making.
Emma formed her own Jewelry School in 2015, MetalworksSF, which is located at the store shared by her family’s half century old business in the heart of North Beach. This one of a kind Studio/Gallery/School is currently bringing instruction to over 30 people each week.
Emma instructs Jewelry making with a somatic approach, and from the perspective of an artist as well as craftsperson. She has been known to suggest breathing exercises during soldering instruction, filing meditations, and dance breaks during class. Emma keeps a keen eye on posture and form during jewelry making, and all of her students keep journals of work that inspires them, or that they want to create. Emma is also a painter, and she encourages cross-pollination of creativity, and innovation in the field of Jewelry making which is informed by her interdisciplinary art practice. She loves teaching, and making things, and enjoying the studio with students and family members.
Emma also instructs Jewelry making to adults and children at other places around the Bay Area, including Scintillant Studio, Richmond Art Center, Walnut Creek Civic Arts, and Celsius and Beyond Summer Camp. Emma earned a Masters Degree in Fine Art in 2011, and is the proud Mother of Hanna Morris.
Selected Works:
