G. Phil Poirier is a master gem cutter and goldsmith residing near Taos, NM. Having discovered the art of metalsmithing in a high school art class, Poirier is primarily self-taught and has taken many opportunities over the years to study with other masters in the fields of goldsmithing and lapidary. His jewelry is classic and unique, functional and durable, intricate and stunning. Phil has acquired a unique combination of techniques, designs, and skills, which include engraving, repousse, raising and sinking, stone-cutting, granulation, and toolmaking.
Ancient methods and designs such as those used by the Etruscans, the Egyptians, and the Greeks are a frequent source of inspiration for his work, as are the natural forms of feathers, leaves and waves. He makes many of his own tools thereby enlarging his palette and allowing him to create his vision. He is the inventor of the small scale deep-draw technique for studio metalsmiths using precious metals.
Phil has taught at several venues around the world, including advanced metalsmithing technique courses at the Taos Institute of Arts - Taos, New Mexico, the Society of North American Goldsmiths conference workshop series, and at the University of New Mexico. Phil has also taught specialized techniques at the Revere Academy Masters Symposium, Spring 2001, and in the United Kingdom at the University of Central England Jewelry Design Institute.
In May of 1987, he was commissioned to cut the largest cabochon of gem lapis-lazuli known today, and in 1992 was commissioned to create a memorial goblet for the Spertus Museum of Chicago, in honor of the 11 athletes that died at the Munich Olympic games in 1972. Phil has had many commissions over the years, including a line of custom jewelry pieces for the Millicent Rogers Museum of Taos inspired by the Millicent Rogers southwest collection. Recently he was one of five artists invited to The University of New Mexico Harwood Museum exhibit titled "Objects, Five Master Craftsmen.”
Phil believes time to be his most valuable element in creating his hollowware and jewelry, and simply lets the work speak for itself.
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