Circle and the Line: The Jewelry of Betty Cooke

Betty Cooke is a renowned modernist jewelry artist who has achieved international recognition for her simple and pure geometric and minimalist designs. Her work is included in numerous museum collections, and she has designed jewelry for notable designers. Cooke's jewelry is characterized by its enduring timelessness and clean, spare architectural line.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 07 September 2020
\n Publisher: D Giles Ltd
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Betty Cooke is a renowned figure in the world of modernist jewelry, often referred to as an icon within this tradition. She has also been recognized as a seminal figure in American Modernist studio jewelry. Her exceptional creations have garnered national and international recognition, and they are cherished in numerous museum collections, including the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and Museum of Arts & Design (MAD) in New York. Cooke's jewelry style is a blend of Bauhaus and modernism, characterized by its simplicity, purity, and geometric and minimalist elements. Despite her early aspirations to become a sculptor, it is not surprising that she views her jewelry as sculpture in motion. Her pieces have been showcased in prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Hirshhorn Museum, as well as by contemporary designers like Keegs in Seattle. Cooke has also collaborated with renowned fashion designers, creating jewelry for Kirk Stieff and for Geoffrey Beene's shows in New York and Milan.

Fred Lazarus, a former director of Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where Cooke trained and taught for many years, has praised her work, stating that it possesses an enduring timelessness. Today, as she did 50 years ago, Cooke continues to create exceptional work that is distinguished by its clean, spare architectural line and stunning simplicity.

This comprehensive volume showcases 160 pieces of Betty Cooke's remarkable jewelry collection. It includes a fully-illustrated checklist, an illustrated essay, reflections by prominent patrons and collectors of Cooke's work, an illustrated timeline, a selected bibliography, and an extensive exhibition history and list of collections that feature pieces by Betty Cooke. The book is adorned with 190 color illustrations, providing a visual feast for enthusiasts of fine jewelry.

Betty Cooke's contributions to the world of jewelry have left an indelible mark, and her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and craftspeople alike. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of design have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a true visionary in the field. This volume serves as a testament to her remarkable talent and the enduring impact of her work.

\n Weight: 492g\n
Dimension: 213 x 185 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781911282778\n \n