Curtis Hidemasa Arima is a metalsmith who makes jewelry and sculpture in multiple mediums in his Berkeley studio. He earned a BFA from California College of Arts and Crafts and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. His publications include, Metalsmith Magazine, Sculpture Magazine, Lapidary Journal, the Lark 500 Series books, and New Brooches. He has lectured and taught workshops in the US, Japan, and China.
Curtis H. Arima is an associate professor and Co-chair for the Jewelry & Metal Art Program at CCA where he enjoys teaching students different approaches to making art, and help them find their artistic identities.
About Curtis’s Work
In a world of over consumption and disposability, we throw away the old or damaged rather than reconsider it for future utility. By transforming unwanted jewelry into new pieces, the work attempts to question ideas of value and materiality.
Some of the designs are inspired by symbols of hierarchy and power, others are created through the process of making and editing.
Curtis’s Process
The beginning. Sorting materials, testing designs, and processing the RJM silver and gold into sheet and wire.
Process for: Shifting Hierarchy, Royal Blue Brooch
Process for: Shifting Hierarchy, Necklace
Process for: Shifting Hierarchy, Deco Brooch
