Shaw Contemporary Jewelry

Jewelry, Mixed Media

Down East/Acadia

Professional Membership

Sam Shaw’s jewelry and sculpture reflect his inspirations and life experiences, from his degree in geology to a year-long trip around the globe, from nomadic winter residencies in America’s largest cities to time spent at Burning Man. Always impeccably designed and executed, he was one of the early adapters of beach stone jewelry, beginning a career-long interest in precious versus non-precious materials and focusing on the contrast and juxtaposition of seemingly opposite elements. Shaw’s beautiful and coveted twig jewelry line continues this exploration. His figurative sculpture and jewelry collection uses vintage porcelain doll parts, re-arranging them into figures of perversity. As does his recent body of sculpture incorporating vintage medical artifacts that question assumptions of science.

Shaw’s career of service to the craft community is a reflection of his leadership and rebellious qualities. His interest in progress has inspired him to serve as president of the Maine Crafts Association in the 1980’s and the Society of North American Goldsmiths in the 1990’s. When he found himself dissatisfied with the craft show circuit, he established a successful gallery in Northeast Harbor, Maine. His most recent project aims to help revitalize Northeast Harbor: He has purchased an empty lot on Main Street and plans to construct a building and offer low rent to new businesses catering to the high quality interests of residents and summer tourists.