Arline Fisch in the early 1960s. Photograph by Lynn Fayman.
Consummate technician, playful innovator, and beloved citizen of the craft world, Arline Fisch has been making jewelry for more than sixty years. She has always had an international orientation, having spent considerable time in Denmark, and took a key part in the formation of the World Crafts Council (founded in 1964). One of her signature contributions to body ornamentation has been the introduction of techniques associated with textiles, such as knitting, braiding, and crochet.
Fisch is also known for the impressive figure scale of her work—around the time of Objects: USA she was making pieces that plunged all the way from neck to knees. These were partly inspired by ceremonial jewelry from ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica, which she had studied in museum collections, and is reflected in the body ornament included the Objects: USA 2020 catalogue.
Peacock & Dragonfly necklace in silver and antique bone. Designed and made by Arline Fisch, USA, 1969.
45” L x 11” W
114.3cm L x 27.9cm W
SM8083
Courtesy of the artist
Inca pectoral in silver. Designed and made by Arline Fisch, USA, 1964.
9” L x 12” W
22.9cm L x 30.5cm W
SM8084
Courtesy of the artist
Moroccan Memory necklace in silver and amber. Designed and made by Arline Fisch, USA, 1971.
8” D
20.3cm D
SM8085
Courtesy of the artist