TRANSFORMATIVE GROUND - Curtis Arima
September 14 - October 03
Meet the Artist: Saturday, September 17, 4 - 7pm
SHIBUMI GALLERY is pleased to present Transformative Ground featuring artist Curtis Arima. Curtis is not only a distinguished metal artist, but also Chair of the Jewelry & Metal Arts Program at California College of the Arts.
Curtis is known for his forged work, which focuses on botanical forms, nature’s beauty and fragility. With this show, Curtis explores the naissance of inspiration and creativity. Jewelry can identify cultures, represent spiritual beliefs, and celebrate personal bonds. Much of his practice delves into the nature of transformation, both literally and metaphorically. Curtis creates works of unusual beauty by deconstructing and reconstructing pieces of jewelry, creating compositions that resemble a snapshot in time - referencing both archaeology and geology.
His work is deeply inspired by the plant kingdom and the daily tending of his small, lush garden.
We welcome you to join us for the opening and meet the artist. He will be available to discuss commissions, as well as his process of transforming older or heirloom pieces into mementos that unlock memories and honor their history.
CURTIS HIDEMASA ARIMA (he,him) is a metalsmith who is drawn to the transformative nature of materials and how they hold memory, emotion, and history. He has exhibited, published, lectured, and taught nationally and internationally including US, Japan, and China. As Chair of the Jewelry & Metal Arts Program at California College of the Arts, he guides students to find their artistic identity and connection to more sustainable practices. He earned a BFA from CCAC in 1998 and a MFA in Metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy in 2002.
