Makers ~ Arn Krebs ~ Warren
Artist’s name: Arn Krebs
Shop name: www.etsy.com/shop/ArnKrebsArts
Website: arnkrebsmokume.com
Blog: susanfredastudios.com/blogs/news
Facebook: Arn Krebs Mokume
Pinterest: Arn Krebs
Instagram: Arn Krebs
1.Tell us about your work
My work mainly uses a technique called Mokume Gane which was developed by the Japanese sword smiths to decorate the sword guards for their immaculately crafted blades. Mokume Gane translates loosely as "wood grain metal" which reflects the layered organic patterns which can be created.
The technique is labor and skill intensive and consists of different contrasting metals such as gold, silver, palladium, platinum and copper which are permanently fused together, without the use of solder, under heat and pressure into a solid block. This laminated block is then reduced down to working stock which can be carved, twisted and forged to produce an unending number of patterns.
The most technically demanding way to pattern is forging, but it also offers patterns which cannot be replicated in any other way and highlights the plastic nature of the metal. I am one of the few Mokume artists who use forged patterns and consider it my specialty.
After the metal is patterned any traditional metal techniques can be used to create jewelry of all sorts including the addition of set stones.
I strive to use techniques that integrate as well as highlight the elements of a piece of jewelry, from the pattern and stones to any mechanics or joints to create work that looks beautiful and works perfectly.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
My business name, Arn Krebs Arts, stems from my interest in and exploration of many art mediums including ceramics, glass, metal, wood, stone and many others especially those with plasticity. Although I am now mostly making mokume jewelry I still love the fact that the acronym is AKA.
3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?
I Have had ambitions to be an artist since high school, I studied art at University and in Graduate school but didn’t become a professional artist until I met my wife, Susan Freda, and was able to work with her at her gallery, Gallery 4 in Tiverton Rhode Island.
4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from two different sources, first is the wonder and mystery of nature in all it’s forms, but particularly from landscapes and the geology and morphology that created it. I am interested in the process and record of change whether it’s plastic deformation of layers or the erosion of a sandstone canyon.
The second is the discovery while working with a medium. Unexpected surprises and “mistakes” often yield new lines of exploration as well as constantly assessing what a material wants, and doesn’t want to do.
5. What’s your favorite item to create?
I love rings!
6. What’s your best seller?
Mokume wedding bands and engagement rings.
7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
9 years.
8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
My wife and family and the offbeat art culture of the post industrial nature of the area. Also from its inception it has been a bastion for free thinkers, rebels and those seeking their own political and religious paths.
9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?
The Newport Cliff Walk is a beautiful view and one of our favorites for showing off the beautiful coast line and getting some height so you can see the lay of the land. We also usually go to Federal Hill and eat some good Italian food. Other big draws are the RISD Museum, the East Bay Bike Trail which runs right by our house, and a drive down Benefit St to see the gorgeous architecture.
10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?
Explore anything and everything you can while you have a chance, and don’t be disheartened by “failures” as some of the best ideas can be unexpected results from attempts to make something completely different.
If you want to be a professional, understand that it is a small business and you must persevere and most importantly stay in business. Follow your own inspirations but don’t hesitate to learn from others as well.
Shop name: www.etsy.com/shop/ArnKrebsArts
Website: arnkrebsmokume.com
Blog: susanfredastudios.com/blogs/news
Facebook: Arn Krebs Mokume
Pinterest: Arn Krebs
Instagram: Arn Krebs
1.Tell us about your work
My work mainly uses a technique called Mokume Gane which was developed by the Japanese sword smiths to decorate the sword guards for their immaculately crafted blades. Mokume Gane translates loosely as "wood grain metal" which reflects the layered organic patterns which can be created.
The technique is labor and skill intensive and consists of different contrasting metals such as gold, silver, palladium, platinum and copper which are permanently fused together, without the use of solder, under heat and pressure into a solid block. This laminated block is then reduced down to working stock which can be carved, twisted and forged to produce an unending number of patterns.
The most technically demanding way to pattern is forging, but it also offers patterns which cannot be replicated in any other way and highlights the plastic nature of the metal. I am one of the few Mokume artists who use forged patterns and consider it my specialty.
After the metal is patterned any traditional metal techniques can be used to create jewelry of all sorts including the addition of set stones.
I strive to use techniques that integrate as well as highlight the elements of a piece of jewelry, from the pattern and stones to any mechanics or joints to create work that looks beautiful and works perfectly.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
My business name, Arn Krebs Arts, stems from my interest in and exploration of many art mediums including ceramics, glass, metal, wood, stone and many others especially those with plasticity. Although I am now mostly making mokume jewelry I still love the fact that the acronym is AKA.
3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?
I Have had ambitions to be an artist since high school, I studied art at University and in Graduate school but didn’t become a professional artist until I met my wife, Susan Freda, and was able to work with her at her gallery, Gallery 4 in Tiverton Rhode Island.
4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from two different sources, first is the wonder and mystery of nature in all it’s forms, but particularly from landscapes and the geology and morphology that created it. I am interested in the process and record of change whether it’s plastic deformation of layers or the erosion of a sandstone canyon.
The second is the discovery while working with a medium. Unexpected surprises and “mistakes” often yield new lines of exploration as well as constantly assessing what a material wants, and doesn’t want to do.
5. What’s your favorite item to create?
I love rings!
6. What’s your best seller?
Mokume wedding bands and engagement rings.
7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
9 years.
8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
My wife and family and the offbeat art culture of the post industrial nature of the area. Also from its inception it has been a bastion for free thinkers, rebels and those seeking their own political and religious paths.
9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?
The Newport Cliff Walk is a beautiful view and one of our favorites for showing off the beautiful coast line and getting some height so you can see the lay of the land. We also usually go to Federal Hill and eat some good Italian food. Other big draws are the RISD Museum, the East Bay Bike Trail which runs right by our house, and a drive down Benefit St to see the gorgeous architecture.
10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?
Explore anything and everything you can while you have a chance, and don’t be disheartened by “failures” as some of the best ideas can be unexpected results from attempts to make something completely different.
If you want to be a professional, understand that it is a small business and you must persevere and most importantly stay in business. Follow your own inspirations but don’t hesitate to learn from others as well.
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