Captivating Brilliance by Peter Schmid

The exhibition will open on August 10th at Patina Gallery at 131 West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe. Captivating Brilliance will showcase pieces greatly influenced from the movements of Orientalism and Exoticism that were popular at the time of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly debut.

An amazing crossover of inspirations and ideas, on one hand coming from the most current interpretations of Puccini's opera, on the other hand from ancient rituals, esthetics and myths.

For the realization of the drama, Puccini himself documented relentlessly and thoughtfully about the various oriental elements which had deemed it necessary to put in it. A famous Japanese actress Sada Yacco helped him, as also the Japanese Ambassador's wife and with whom he spoke in Italy making describe customs and traditions. 

For Peter, a major source of inspiration is found in natural structures and growth patterns while his broader intention is to be receptive to the world’s many artistic and visual influences and the infinite variety of stimuli they provide. For example, he became interested in the Japanese lacquering technique urushi and was awarded a scholarship to study this in topic depth at the Escuela Masana in Barcelona. 

In his work he also sees it as central to his craft to know gemstones intimately, as individual personalities. He begins by selecting stones that are very distinct, both in character and in the extraordinary way they are cut. Then he takes time to carefully set the stones in ways that intensify their sparkle, brilliance and luminous colors, or highlight their specific structure.

Large Square Ring: ox silver, 22K, 24K, rutilated quartz, diamonds. Large Round Ring: ox silver, 24K, set with a garnet brooch from the Victorian era, center stone Oregon sunstone. Earrings: 22K, 18K, carved black jade, rose-cut emeralds, sapphires, diamonds. 

For Peter, every piece is about the interaction of visual elements with earnest curiosity and inspiration.

His work is revered worldwide for its attention to detail, its fusion of gold and silver, his gemstone settings, and the fluid movement all his pieces seem to share.

The featured collection in Captivating Brilliance authenticates Peter Schmid’s attention to the intricacy of pattern. His extensive sensibility to his materials and gems are unparalleled, often using intriguing and exotic materials such as meteorite, petrified coral or ancient ceramic shard. In turn, he creates pieces that exude a brilliance and luminosity of nonequivalent proportions.

Peter’s work is centered on the importance of Orientalism and Exoticism, made popular at the time of Madame Butterfly’s debut. The collection encapsulates the true essence of these periods, recognizing these influences alongside Puccini’s compelling story.

Model: Jocelyn Montoya, Hair & Make-up: David Zimmerman The Santa Fe Opera, Jewelry: Peter Schmid Atelier Zobel, Photo: Peter Ogilvie.  

Madame Butterfly elicits a deep, emotional transformation. A young girl brought to reality of the ways of her world. Butterfly exemplifies the awakening of pure bliss and captivating feeling. What is more, the classic tale displays some of Puccini’s most expansive and heartbreakingly tender music.

Bracelet: Japanese seed pearls, antique amethyst, diamonds, silver, gold. Large Square Ring: ox silver, 22K, 24K, rutilated quartz, diamonds. 

Captivating Brilliance
Auguat 10 – September 12 2018

Patina Gallery
131 West Palace Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501 U.S.A
Ph. (505) 986-3432.
www.patina-gallery.com

About the Contributing Writer

Ilaria Ruggiero is a cultural manager and curator working in the field of contemporary art. She is the founder of Adornment - Curating Contemporary Art Jewelry, a curatorial integrated project dedicated to contemporary art jewelry. It aims to develop the knowledge and consciousness of contemporary jewelry as artistic discipline and as ground search for technique, aesthetics, and philosophy.
www.adornment-jewelry.com