|
----------------------
Michaela Wolfert’s jewellery career began in 1978 as a volunteer in the workshop of a master goldsmith in Heilbronn, Germany. After nearly one year of her volunteer work she enrolled in a three year goldsmith apprenticeship program. Completing her exam as a journeyman, Michaela worked an additional three years under the tutelage of master goldsmiths in several studios before enrolling in a two year full time program of practical and theoretical studies, the "Meisterschule fur Goldschmiede" in Munich, obtaining her Meistergoldschmied certificate. For her master piece Michaela forged and fabricated a neckpiece from sterling silver, white gold and aquamarine beads. The collar is fitted to Michaela's shoulders. The opening clasp is hidden at the junction of beads and silver. The design was inspired by the Egyptian neck and shoulder collars. It took 340 hours to make (270 hours was the minimum required). Together with a written and oral exam, five of her future peers judged that Michaela had mastered the level of craftsmanship to merit the title Meistergoldschmied.
In 1990, Michaela immigrated to Canada after accepting a position as a jewellery designer and goldsmith with an established company in Ottawa, Ontario. She worked in Ottawa for six years with two well-known companies, before opening her own studio, Kehla Design, in 1996. She spends her time between creating one-of-a-kind pieces and accepting commissions. She produces high quality, handmade pieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with timeless, simple, yet elegant designs.
Since coming to Canada Michaela won two prestigious awards. In 1994 she was a double winner at Beyond Tradition: A Union of Diamonds and Craft by the Canadian Craft Museum and the Diamond Information Service. Jewellery designers were asked to combine diamonds with unusual materials in wearable contemporary jewellery pieces. In 1998 Michaela won the Identity Award at Identity: an exhibition presented by the Metal Arts Guild of Ontario and the Conseil des Metiers d'Arts du Quebec. The award was given because the piece, called "Erscheinung" (meaning appearance and/or apparition), most clearly addressed the theme of the exhibition.
-----------------------
|
