Meet Gordon Uyehara

Gordon Uyehara has to be one of the most caring, gentle spirits on the planet. Several years ago, I joined several forums and social media groups on jewelry-making. From that experience, I discovered this man's work. His patience with newbies and willingness to share his knowledge impressed me. Today, I still remember Gordon's example and try to model my journey after his…

A Brief Biography of Gordon Uyehara

Gordon K. Uyehara was born and raised in Hawaii. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After thirteen years in the information technology field, he decided to take some time off for artistic exploration. Then, he made the thrilling discovery of silver clay in a local workshop. Currently, Gordon still resides in Honolulu, where he is a freelance artist/designer and an Art Clay Silver Senior Instructor.

Working with silver clay led him to reconnect with an attraction to small scale design and wearable art. His motivation is to create pieces that are familiar and yet interestingly seductive and to explore the outer design limits of this relatively new art form. He is gradually incorporating traditional jewelry making techniques into his work as he learns them. Inspiration for his creations arrives from nature and from the visual and performance artists he admires.

Gordon actively participates in local, national, and international juried exhibitions.  Currently, you can follow him on Instagram here, where you'll see some of his amazing works!

As an artist, the best thing you can do is wake up dreaming.- GKU

From Traditional…

Sun Garden Sanctuary 2

Why "2"? Well, this second piece came to be while writing a step-by-step article for Art Jewelry Magazine (Sept. 2005) based upon the original Sun Garden Sanctuary medallion. Initially, my intention was to make the vines more robust.  However, I became more adept at making coils, so I inadvertantly made them more delicate.  At least they are no doubt more refined.

…to Child-like..

Castles in the Sand

The Castles in the Sand pendant is pure silver (kiln-fired silver clay). The main shape is a textured sea shell that encompasses a beach scene. The central sun with polished center rises above sand castles, shovel, waves, and a shiny starfish. Guarding over everything is an audacious little crab. The pendant is treated with a patina to bring out the detail. Castles in the Sand was awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2003 Silver Accessories Contest (Japan) and is featured on the January 2004 cover of Lapidary Journal magazine. 

…to Fantasy…

Ancient Life

Ancient Life is a silver clay creation with eight arms (or legs) and a 6mm amber eye. Undeniably, it is a stylized version of something that might have existed, not necessarily anatomically correct. Along for the ride is a stylized sea scorpion and some stylized trilobites. A spiral pendulum hangs beneath. Ancient Life was awarded second place in the 2005 Saul Bell Design Award Competition (PMC Category).

….to Political and Environmental Statements….

The Last Forest Spirit

This prototype will develop into a step-by-step project. The body, pure silver, displays kiln-fired silver clay. Sterling brooch findings are soldered onto the back. As the forest loses its many spirits to human arrogance and ignorance, it begins to die.

"A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence."- Bruce Lee

For More From Gordon Uyehara

https://www.hawaiicraftsmen.org/uyehara 

This article originally appeared on Ganoksin User Blogs in 2008. It has been lightly edited to reflect updates.