joanne@joannehernandezmetals.com
Joanne's Classes

An Atlanta native, Joanne received a B.F.A in Jewelry Design and Metalsmithing with honors from Georgia State University in 1997. She learned traditional metalsmithing techniques under strict instruction of Richard Mafong, and after demonstrating a natural and quick ability she became his studio assistant and fill-in teacher for both lower and upper level classes. During this time, she received various awards for her artwork; her jewelry, vessels, and teapots have been in many shows, exhibits, and auctions around the Atlanta area.

Joanne was employed by Ricky Frank, well-known and celebrated cloisonne enamelist, as his primary jeweler and goldsmith from 1997 to 2013. Obviously an art jewelry dream job, it allowed her to learn about all facets of art jewelry production and business, work with high karat golds and beautiful gemstones, teach/train all new employees, and hone her skills in fabrication and finishing. Until the mid 2000's, she mostly expressed her artistic voice through drawing, painting, sculpture, and textiles.

In 2006, she began focusing on and developing her metalwork, and has been selling her jewelry and custom commissions ever since. Her style and design vary as much as her influences, and she sells her creations through her appropriately named "RecklessEyeStudio" Etsy store. Her metalwork is marked by a love of color and contrast, strong and unusual design, and reflects an arsenal of techniques, love of problem-solving, and belief in beautiful craftsmanship. Her organic designs fluctuate between the literal and surreal, where things are shifting and constantly reminiscent, where all her work has a life of it's own.

When she is not teaching, working on jewelry and commissions, she love sewing, knitting, embroidering, dyeing wool yarn, and keeping her cat, Yuki Yum-Yum, away from all the tempting threads these activities create. Also, her new fascination and delight is with hand-built ceramics. Also, Joanne skated with the Atlanta Rollergirls for 2 1/5 years, shortly with her team, Saki Tuyas, and mostly as a bout referee.

She feels honored and thrilled to teach at the Spruill Center of the Arts, and is currently the Jewelry Department Coordinator. She loves sharing her knowledge, skills and love of the craft with her students. And, honored to create objects with which people connect, and that become a part of their daily life and history.

joannehernandezmetals.com

RecklessEyeStudio Etsy store

www.flickr.com/photos/joannehernandez/