"I love silver down to the molecular level, believing it shares qualities with humans — it prefers change to be gradual, reflects light, and can be fragile and strong at once. I'm comfortable in the world of tiny. In my silver work, I prefer contrasting contemporary with a relic-like quality and merging seriousness with whimsy. I honor the beauty and diversity of the landscapes, wildlife, tracks, and textures that infuse me with love."
Kris Kramer is celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail, which she expertly weaves into her silver creations. Utilizing silver metal clay as her medium, she finds inspiration in nature, capturing the essence of landscapes, wildlife, tracks, and textures.
Dedicated to showcasing the natural world in profound ways, Kris crafts wearable sculptures that merge seriousness with a touch of whimsy. Her jewelry embodies a contemporary aesthetic with a relic-like quality, honoring the beauty and diversity of the flora and fauna that fills her with love.
Kris's sculpting is precise; she relies on tools rather than her fingers to manipulate the clay. Her passion for silver runs deep; she appreciates its unique properties, seeing parallels between silver and humanity: it embraces gradual change, reflects light, and possesses both fragility and strength. Each piece is polished to a pristine shine and/or an elegant satin finish, always featuring a dark patina inlay.
As a certified Precious Metal Clay (PMC - Mitsubishi) Senior Instructor through the former PMC Connection and Rio-Rewards Certified by Rio Grande, Kris's achievements include a grant from the Montana Art Council. In 2012, she was recognized for creating a sustainable art business when she "passed with distinction" the certification review by the Montana Arts Council, which acknowledged her profound understanding of her craft and the strength of her artistic brand.
Kris attained Level 1 in 2017, followed by Level 2 in 2018, and is listed as a Master in the Metal Clay Masters Registry, which concluded operations in June 2019.
In 2020, she stepped back from teaching and her involvement in the Alliance for Metal Clay Arts Worldwide (AMCAW). In 2022, she resumed voluntary teaching at the Green Valley Recreation Lapidary and Silversmithing Club, conducting one class and one workshop a month.
After moving from Whitefish, Montana, to Green Valley, Arizona, in 2021, Kris continues to find joy in nature, even though it presents a different experience. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she is a certified Life Coach, providing online support to individuals.
Are you interested in purchasing Kris Kramer's work? Please check out Kris Kramer's art page or contact Turquoise Tortoise Gallery for more information.