In this 92NY Art Center artist talk, join goldsmith and restorer Mahmoud Marwish to discuss his journey as a jeweler and how he finds inspiration in the ancient and modern world.
Mahmoud’s journey to goldsmithing was inspired by the ancient art of the Islamic world. He became interested in jewelry while working for Sheikh Nasser Sabah al ahmed al Sabah, a member of Kuwait's ruling family being exposed to his vast collection of Islamic art as well as traveling to the ancient city of Jerash, Jordan He was inspired by the classical motifs of geometric patterns and nature and began replicating the ancient designs he saw in the art objects he was exposed to. He was fascinated by the work and began studying classical and modern jewelry, moving to New York and becoming a restorer of ancient jewelry and antiquities, as well as a world-class jeweler of his own original work. Mahmoud’s unique designs are influenced by his rich cultural traditions and endowed with natural and organic elements. He utilizes techniques from the ancient and contemporary world and adapts them to his unique vision. He is devoted to sharing his knowledge and encouraging creativity in historical and modern techniques.
Join Mahmoud in a discussion of his journey and works that will inspire artists of all kinds to learn from the past and present to express themselves.
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In the early 1980s Mahmoud Muhawish while working for Sheikh Nasser al Sabah, a member of Kuwait’s ruling family, Mahmoud was introduced to master goldsmith Claire Bersani who was working on a collection of exceptional jewels. Under her tutelage, Mahmoud began his exposure to and formal training in classical jewelry techniques in Art Museum School at Dar al Athar al Islamiyyah, Kuwait.
In 1985, Mahmoud moved to New York City to further his education in ancient jewelry techniques by studying with Bob Kulicke, the founder of Jewelry Arts Institute and by taking modern techniqu ...
In 1985, Mahmoud moved to New York City to further his education in ancient jewelry techniques by studying with Bob Kulicke, the founder of Jewelry Arts Institute and by taking modern technique classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After this period of intensive study Mahmoud was hired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to work in their Objects Reproduction department. Many of the pieces he reproduced remain on sale in the museum gift shop to this day.
Mahmoud has become a world class restorer of ancient jewelry and antiquities in various metals. Objects that he has restored are on view at various galleries and museums around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Mahmoud is a respected jeweler whose original designs are influenced by his rich cultural traditions and endowed with natural and organic elements. He is a modern artist goldsmith, absorbing, assimilating, and interpreting from the ancient world to the new in his personal vision. He is devoted to sharing his knowledge and encouraging creativity in historical and modern techniques.
Viking Twisted Bracelet (Intermediate)
Metal Forming for Fine Jewelry
Advanced Classical Chain Making
Jewelry Independent Study (Intermediate/Advanced)
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