Each jewelry piece plants a tree.
We are committed to caring for the well-being of our natural world. Not only does Wolfgang’s jewelry inspire stewardship and engages us to personally connect with nature; upon each purchase we donate to the National Forest Foundation (NFF). Thus; one sold jewelry item equals one or more trees planted. (A tree for a tree)
Biography
Wolfgang’s career as an artist started in 1986. Throughout his exploration of different media over the years; starting with painting, followed by sculpting, finally designing and fabricating jewelry, and most recently adventuring with enamel; the expression of his art remains the same – translating his experiences of natural landscapes. Through his artworks, he shares his profound connection with nature as well as encourages the viewer/wearer to feel and connect to their own valuable memories and experiences with nature.
By 2012 Wolfgang was working as a serious studio jeweler; after the move to southern Arizona had rekindled his childhood fascination for gems and minerals. He draws from his previous sculpting and painting techniques to create unique, scaled-down wearable artworks. His jewelry is collected and featured in exhibitions and galleries nationwide and abroad.
In terms of formal training, he shortly attended Munich’s Kunstakademie after finishing high school in Germany; however, he soon left dissatisfied with what the art institute had to offer. Instead, he looked to the Namib desert – Namibia being his country of birth – in search of his voice as an artist. Thus, Wolfgang’s art career started; leading him back to Germany and then to the US. Since 1996, he has been a proud, yet lately, rather concerned US citizen. Over the few years, Wolfgang’s jewelry works have been prestigiously recognized. In three consecutive years, he’s been a Saul Bell Design Award Winner (2016 – 2nd place, 2017-finalist, 2018 – 1st place). He has been a Niche finalist (2016), was named Centurion’s Emerging Designer winner (2018), and was published in SNAG’s (Society of North American Goldsmiths) first JaMS publication (Jewelry and Metalsmithing Survey). In 2018 he was placed 1st and received Honorable Mention in the MJSA Vision Awards. Most recently, in 2024 and the year before in 2023, Wolfgang won 2nd Place in the Distinguished AGTA SPECTRUM Awards for Business Daywear.
About the Work
I seek to create sustainably, thus I use ethically sourced precious & semi-precious gemstones, 22-24k placer gold (unrefined natural gold flakes, obtained from CA prospectors) and recycled metals: 18k gold sheet on sterling silver, 14k gold of various colors and low tarnish silver. These creations are fabricated by soldering and welding. Scenes are carved, engraved, and deliberately textured with layered metals, finally oxidized and re-sanded as needed.
Artist Statement
I would consider myself a translator. An interpreter who allows for the spirit of nature to be conveyed through my works. Since high school, back when climate change was just a creeping shadow, I have felt and sought to express my concern for the earth on which we live. In recent years, my vision has largely turned towards the aspen tree. The aspen trees, beautiful and mystical, enchant us with filtered golden light and dancing leaves. However, there is more than just the gorgeous leaves of these quaking trees. An aspen stand is one living organism, connected by a single root system.
Supporting each individual tree, an Aspen grove is an epitome of connectivity – a family within this larger family we call earth.
Through the theme of nature I seek to expand the meaningfulness of designing jewelry beyond simply adornment. I wish to convey the complex interconnectivity of this world, with the hope people recognize it is imperative we collectively hold inclusive consideration for the earth and steer towards a sustainable future. Not only do I wish people cherish nature’s beauty, but may this art serve as a call to stewardship for nature.
Wolfgang Vaatz, interviewed by his daughter Katja Vaatz.
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