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I was born in 1940
and came to jewelry making rather late
in life,
some 30 years later. There was an incident in my
pre-school days, which I now recall, as a key to
my decision to become an artist…I was painting
a picture on a big easel with a group of other
five-year-olds, and I remember looking at my
drawing (I wish I had it now) of a mountain,
trees, animals, sky and being very impressed
with it. It seemed
so magical: even more real
than life itself…the teacher was
(as I recall)
also quite taken with it and I suppose that’s
where it all began. |
 Anyway,
after diligently studying classical languages
and history at Haverford College, I decided not
to go to law school (as encouraged to do) but
went instead to the wonderful Rhode Island
School of Design to study sculpture and drawing.
There, it was as if the sun came out in my
life…simultaneously, Anne and I were married in
1962. After some twists and turns (a Fulbright
Scholarship to study art at Athens Polytechneion
and some college teaching) I came to jewelry as
the way to fulfill my artistic desire and make a
living. It has been a wonderful journey; I
suppose that making things directly for specific
people, using absolutely beautiful materials,
and developing my skill in a demanding craft
have all been important elements in my
enjoyment. |
For almost 30 years,
I had a retail shop in Williamsport, PA,
specializing in my own jewelry and selling other
American Craft items…a truly amazing period in
American history
in which crafts were revived and were supported
by a wonderfully enthusiastic public. In my
shop, we (a staff of about seven people) made
production jewelry based on my own designs for
sale to other stores as well as our own;
we also made countless one-of-a-kind pieces for
the shop. |
| Around the turn of the century, I had a
feeling of wanting to simplify my days and have
fewer responsibilities, so I had a big sale (“to
the bare walls”) and closed the shop. Since 1999
I have worked on my own in my studio in Bastress
Township, about 10 miles from Williamsport,
doing one-of-a-kind and custom order pieces
only. Clients who want to see the shop and
consult about custom order pieces are welcome to
visit, call or e-mail. |
Meanwhile, the old
location of the James Meyer Company
at 441 Market Street, Williamsport, has been
bought by Ann McKay (who worked for me for many
years). Ann makes her own jewelry, beautifully
reproduces many of my old designs, and shows a
large selection of my one-of-a-kind pieces at
all times.
Ann McKay Studio. Also, my son Caleb Meyer,
who worked for me as a jewelry craftsman, now
has his own shop in Philadelphia and displays
many of my pieces.
Caleb Meyer web site
Travel has played an important part in my
continuing education… I attempt to convey a
sense of history and architecture in my pieces.
After living in Greece with my
wife Anne in 1964-65, I was enthralled with the
sense of culture and history I found there, and
it became an important element in my life and
art. Since the 1980’s I have traveled to India,
Japan, and especially Italy for more than 20
journeys to observe, draw, and actually make wax
models to be cast in gold on my return. |
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At this point, I have no desire
to “retire” from the active practice of what
goes
on in my jewelry workshop. As long as
I can
perform at a high level and enjoy
the work and
customers, I see every reason to continue my
journey…and I
feel very grateful for the
opportunity to
do so. Like many other
craftspeople who have participated in the
American crafts “revival” over the last 30
years, I feel very fortunate to live in a
country so full of freedom and opportunity. |
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Observing the
Italian cultural legacy, which extends over
three millennia, has helped me put our own
culture output in some perspective. The unique
American “spin” on life is that we can improve
and transform the world…the Italians have seen
this urge come and go a few times, and now are
more willing to enjoy the day, have a wonderful
meal, and return to work tomorrow. |
| At the same
time, the Italians seem to take the time to
enjoy and protect their own rich heritage of
artifacts, art, and architecture. I suppose that
is one of the features that draw me to return,
to observe, and enjoy their place in the world
along with them. |
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