At what point do you discover what you want to do for the rest of your life? For Steven Cooper it was an industrial arts metal class in Junior High School. Who knew that rigid cold metal could be so yielding and beautiful. This discovery continued throughout High School with all of the art classes he could take, which made him realize that what he wanted to be was a metal craftsman.
His search for the right college to pursue his passions led him to Rochester Institue of Technology (RIT) and its School for American Craftsman. Here he had the priviledge of studying under Hans Christiansen, one of the finest silversmiths of all time. Encouraging clean design and a reason for everything remains Steven Cooper's modus operani. "Never add anything that doesn't belong" Hans would say. 30 years later those words echo for Steven whenever he designs.
After receiving his degree from RIT, he continued his education at Fashion Institute of Technology. Learning from some of the industries greatest designers from Tiffany's, Harry Winston as well as free lance designers who created for all levels in the jewelry industry. Some of the top craftsmen such as Anthony Lent, who today is dean of the jewelry design program, rounded out his education. he was also exposed to the business side of the industry; how to cost a piece of jewelry, time management, account principles; all of the day to day business activities.
Today he is producing timeless jewelry, judaica and sculpture from his 200 year old renovated barn in New York's Hudson Valley.
His inspirations are from the natural world that surround his home, where you'll find him working, not adding anything that doesn't belong.
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
School For American Craftsmen - Metal 1976
Rochester, New York
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Jewelry Design 1978
New York, New York
STUDIO: Limited production and one-of-a-kind custom jewelry, Judaica and metal sculpture from the artist's studio in Westtown New York.
PROCESS: Classically designed jewelry, Judaica and sculptures hand fabricated in copper, brass, bronze, steel, sterling silver, 14K, 18K and 23K Gold. Each piece is handmade in the artist's studio, using a combination of sculptural hollow-ware, repousse’ and hand chasing techniques. Enamel and roller printed textured metals are also used in the construction of Steven Cooper's work.