UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Jim Kelso – Brief Life Sketch



Jim Kelso began his craft/art career in 1970, studying woodworking at Seattle Community College in boatbuilding. After grasping the rudiments of woodworking he began making stringed musical instruments, mostly banjos. His interest quickly moved toward the ornamentation of these instruments and his skills developed in carving and inlay. About 1975 he decided to learn metal engraving in order to engrave the metal parts of banjos. This interest in ornamental decoration flowered into a more artistic expression with Jim’s discovery of Japanese art in 1982. His ten year experience at that time working in metal and wood allowed Jim to make significant progress in the complex and enigmatic field of Japanese metalwork, while simultaneously maturing as an artist.
Jim was fortunate to receive two fellowships to study metalwork in Japan, in 1988 and 1997. At the time of the first visit, he was immersed in the world of Japanese sword fittings and was able to meet many of the top contemporary makers of these objects. He also met a collector who commissioned a collaborative sword from Jim and Yoshindo Yoshihara, a foremost maker of Japanese swords. At the time, Jim was also active making netsuke, or Japanese toggles.
Around 1992 Jim’s interests broadened to include the design and fabrication of jewellery in precious metals, Japanese alloys and enamel, merging Japanese and European techniques and aesthetics. 1993 began a rewarding time of exhibiting in nationally recognized fine craft shows including the Smithsonian Craft Show and the Philadelphia Museum Craft Show where Jim won first prize in 1995.
Jim has exhibited widely in the US, Europe and Japan and has lectured at the Freer/Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and the Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston. His work has been seen in many publications and is currently on the cover of the book Art Jewellery Today. His work is in the collection of HRH Prince Takamado as well as Robert Kinsey. Other collectors include Sylvester Stallone, David Mamet, Tom and Kay Edson and the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museums.
Jim’s continued pursuit and study of new technique and form have led him to the current focus of making boxes, vessels and small display screens in wood and metal.