Remembering those we recently lost
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Key moments and achievements from Thomas Gentille's life.
Thomas was born
· Manhattan, New York, United States
Education
Gentille studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art focusing on painting and sculpture, receiving training in color theory before choosing to conclude his studies with a year of jewelry study under master jeweler John Paul Miller in 1958.
Education
Gentille studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art focusing on painting and sculpture, receiving training in color theory before choosing to conclude his studies with a year of jewelry study under master jeweler John Paul Miller in 1958.
Achievement
Gentille became regarded as the first American art jeweler to work with alternative substances, creating pieces from aircraft plywood, acrylic, and synthetic resins in his quest to unearth the 'soul' of materials.
Achievement
Gentille became regarded as the first American art jeweler to work with alternative substances, creating pieces from aircraft plywood, acrylic, and synthetic resins in his quest to unearth the 'soul' of materials.
Achievement
In 1968, Thomas Gentille authored "Step-by-Step Jewelry," a seminal instructional manual published by Golden Press that became a cornerstone for the burgeoning studio jewelry movement. The book provided clear, technical guidance on traditional methods like soldering and lost-wax casting while simultaneously encouraging readers to experiment with the unconventional materials Gentille championed. By demystifying complex processes for a general audience, the publication helped democratize the craft and established Gentille as a leading educator in the field. This work remains a sought-after resource for its clarity and its focus on the artistic integrity of handmade objects.
Achievement
In 1968, Thomas Gentille authored "Step-by-Step Jewelry," a seminal instructional manual published by Golden Press that became a cornerstone for the burgeoning studio jewelry movement. The book provided clear, technical guidance on traditional methods like soldering and lost-wax casting while simultaneously encouraging readers to experiment with the unconventional materials Gentille championed. By demystifying complex processes for a general audience, the publication helped democratize the craft and established Gentille as a leading educator in the field. This work remains a sought-after resource for its clarity and its focus on the artistic integrity of handmade objects.
Achievement
Gentille won the prestigious Herbert Hofmann Prize in 2001, one of the most important international awards in contemporary jewelry, recognizing his decades of innovative work with alternative materials.
Achievement
Gentille won the prestigious Herbert Hofmann Prize in 2001, one of the most important international awards in contemporary jewelry, recognizing his decades of innovative work with alternative materials.
Achievement
Gentille is represented by nine pieces in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, more than any other contemporary jeweler, a testament to the artistic significance of his work.
Achievement
Gentille is represented by nine pieces in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, more than any other contemporary jeweler, a testament to the artistic significance of his work.
Achievement
Thomas Gentille received one of the highest honors in the American craft world in 2018 when he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Craft Council. This prestigious distinction recognized his more than fifty years of radical innovation and his role in redefining jewelry as a medium for serious sculptural expression. The induction ceremony celebrated Gentille's mastery of materials like eggshell inlay and resin, as well as his profound influence on generations of artists through his teaching and writing. This accolade solidified his legacy as a pioneer who bridged the gap between traditional craft and contemporary fine art.
Achievement
Thomas Gentille received one of the highest honors in the American craft world in 2018 when he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Craft Council. This prestigious distinction recognized his more than fifty years of radical innovation and his role in redefining jewelry as a medium for serious sculptural expression. The induction ceremony celebrated Gentille's mastery of materials like eggshell inlay and resin, as well as his profound influence on generations of artists through his teaching and writing. This accolade solidified his legacy as a pioneer who bridged the gap between traditional craft and contemporary fine art.
Thomas Gentille passed away
