merry renk, born Mary Gibbs (1921-2012) in Trenton, New Jersey. a modernist American jeweler
Career
editChildhood
editmerry renk, born Mary Gibbs in Trenton, New Jersey
Early career
editStudied painting at the School of Industrial Arts in Trenton, New Jersey from 1937 - 1942.
Mid-career
editWhen the school moved to the Rochester Institute of Technology two years later, Jack and his family, which now included daughter Janet, moved along with it. It was during this time in the early '50s that Prip and the crafts movement were eagerly searching for their own style. Along with Frans Wildenhain, Tage Frid, Ronald Pearson, and others, Prip established a gallery in Rochester called Shop One. This gallery was a unique institution in its time, providing not only a business venture originated and managed by craftsmen, but also a forum for the presentation of top quality avant-garde craftwork. Its mission was to educate the public to the special beauty of handmade objects.
In 1957, after three years with Shop One, Prip again felt the need to move on. Through some fortunate connections he was hired by Reed and Barton Company, a holloware and flatware manufacturer in Massachusetts. The title invented for the role he conceived was Artist-Craftsman-Residence. He was given a workspace, materials, and access to the 900-worker factory. It was understood that Prip had a responsibility to address himself to work that might eventually profit the company, but beyond that guidance no restrictions were imposed. Prip was to stay at Reed and Barton for three years. One indication of his success there is the fact that 20 years later several of his designs are still in production.
Late career
editPrip returned to teaching at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and after three years went to the [Rhode Island School of Design], where he would teach until 1981.
Timeline
editEducation
edit1937-1942: Apprenticeship with Master Silversmith Evald Nielsen. Completed required journeyman's piece, awarded silver medal/Hertz Award Copenhagen Technical School, Diploma
Teaching/lectures
editProfessional
edit1984: Re-established studio in Rehoboth, MA
Selected exhibitions
editAwards/honors
editMemberships
editSources
edit- John Prip: Master Metalsmith (Rhode Island School of Design, 1987).
- Society of American Silversmiths
Category:1922 births Category:2009 deaths Category:American goldsmiths Category:American silversmiths Category:American people of Danish descent
practice
editI have a book