G. Phil Poirier is a master gem cutter and goldsmith residing
near Taos, NM. Having discovered the art of metalsmithing in
a high school art class, Poirier is primarily self taught and
has taken many opportunities to study with other masters in the
fields of goldsmithing and lapidary. His jewelry is classic and
unique, functional and durable, intricate and stunning. Phil
has acquired a unique combination of techniques, designs, and
skills which include
Engraving
Repousse
Raising and sinking
Lapidary
Granulation
Toolmaking
Poirier prefers to alloy and mill his own metal, allowing
him more freedom of color and guage. He cuts his own gemstones
enabling creative design and form. Ancient methods and designs
such as those used by the Etruscans, the Egyptians and the Greeks
are a frequent source of inspirationn for his work, as are the
natural forms of feathers, leaves and waves. He makes a great
deal of his own tools which enlarges his pallette and allows
him to create his vision. Poirier is known for combining Old
World excellence with new and innovative design.
In May of 1987 he was commissioned to cut the largest cabochon
of gem lapis-lazuli known today, and in 1992 was
commissioned to create a memorial goblet for the Spertus Museum
of Chicago, in honor of the 11 athletes that died at
the Munich Olympic games in 1972. Phil has created custom jewelry
pieces for the Millicent Rogers Museum of Taos
inspired by the Millicent Rogers southwest collection. In 1998
he participated in the Yaw Galleries' Functional
Vase Project with SOFA (Sculptural Objects Functional Art) NY.
Most recently he was one of five artists invited to The University
of New Mexico Harwood Museum exhibit "Objects, Five Master
Craftsmen".
Each summer Phil teaches advanced metalsmithing techniques
courses at the Taos Institute of Arts - Taos, New Mexico.
He has also taught jewelry classes for the Taos Pueblo, the Santa
Fe School of Metalsmithing, and with the SNAG (Society of North
American Goldsmiths) conference workshop series.
Phil believes time to be his most valuable element in creating
his jewelry. Nothing about a Poirier piece is rushed or massed
produced as he is committed to quality and strives to push the
limits.
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