Robb Gray

Let me Introduce Myself and My Art

In 1978 I was struggling in the architecture program at the University of Idaho, so, as a break, I took a silver jewelry fabrication class. I have always loved Indian style turquoise and coral jewelry and I found the experience inspiring! However, being a college student, I had to forego the idea of setting up a jewelry studio in favor of a “day job”, saving my extra money to do that someday. My “Someday” occurred in 2005 when, at a party, a rather inebriated woman staggered up to me with the inspiring declaration that, “You look like an artist who needs to get back to work!” and then staggered off. Thirty days later, I was in my unfinished basement storage area, up to my elbows in jewelry making equipment.

Today, each of my jewelry designs is handmade and very simplistic in nature. I generally follow the "Navajo" style utilizing turquoise, coral, or fossilized Mammoth ivory set in sterling silver, or the "Hopi" style of silver overlay. In overlay, a design is drawn on the top layer of silver, cut out by hand with a fine jewelers’ saw, and then soldered onto a plain sheet of silver. The bottom piece is oxidized to produce the designs’ shading and depth. I recently began engraving jewelry as well.

     My interest in leatherwork stems from my childhood experience being on my grandfathers’ farm. He had a team of Belgian horses and he hand-made all their harness tack. I use the best quality leather available, so my pieces will be around for a long time. I favor the Sheridan style but also do basket weave and other geometric patterns.

My knives are designed with utility and beauty in mind. They are cut from either 440c or 19C27 stainless steel. Finishes range from stonewashed, to a mirrored polish upon which I engrave in single-point method. I select the finest materials for the handles: rare stabilized hardwoods, antlers or horns from a variety of animals found all over the world, and (40 thousand year-old) Fossilized Mammoth Ivory.

Thank you for taking an interest in my art. I truly hope you appreciate owning a piece of it as much as I did creating it. Please contact me if you would like a something custom designed for you…..                   (*Undergoing Confirmation Process)

 

Contact me today to get started with a unique for yourself.