Nina Mann

"I strive to create a work of quiet uniqueness and derive great satisfaction and joy in creating objects of beauty. I am impressed by the quiet beauty that fills our lives—it is often precious, unpredictable, and fragile. I believe it is important to find pleasure in the simple beauties that surround us. It is my goal as an artist to share this beauty with the unique individual who will collect and wear my jewelry."

Nina Mann began her journey as an artist as a young child when her parents took her to a museum to see the Egyptian exhibit of Tuthankamen. She was fascinated by the intricate carvings and metal work and decided that someday she would create something just as beautiful. Mann went on to study drawing and painting, then delved into metalsmithing as her preferred form of creative expression. A deep love of history and archaeology provide the inspiration for her work. She is thrilled when a client remarks that her work resonates with forms and textures found in ancient cultures. Presently Mann is enmeshed in learning about Southwest American ancient civilizations.

Mann works with precious metals in age-old techniques that are inspired by an Eastern aesthetic. She is devoted to the ancient Korean process of Keum-bo, a process that is intricate and labor intensive. Silver is rendered nearly pure then thin gold sheet is slowly fused with a torch to the silver. No solder is used during this delicate process. In another equally intricate and ancient Japanese technique, Shibuichi, a molten amalgamation of copper and pure silver is poured and rolled into sheet form then is textured with a torch until a thin skin begins to show.

Her work is very much about the metal itself, particularly its malleability and form. The raw metal is transformed through heating, reticulation, rolling, fusing, and manipulation until it is changed into an object of refined beauty with its own magical presence. Her jewelry is unique, extremely wearable, balanced and beautifully presented.

Nina Mann’s work in precious metals has benefitted over many years from her experiences of studying with masters in their fields. When she began working in gold, she enrolled at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. Working alongside Thomas Madden, she perfected her fabrication and casting skills. She has participated in workshops with Betty Helen Longhi, Tom Muir, So Young Park, Julia Woodman, and many others. In addition, she has also taught workshops in the ancient form of Keum-Bo. Ms. Mann has dedicated herself to the art of jewelry making, painstakingly perfecting all aspects of her craft.