Ben Cohen Jewelry
Kitbash Senior Thesis
Winner, First Prize in Recognition of Exceptional Work
Pratt Institute Schafler Gallery 2019
Early Inspiration
Growing up I always marveled at the silver objects made by my grandfather. Although silversmithing was not his profession, the passion he had for making these objects inspired me from a young age to make things as well. I spent many hours building models from kits and re-designing them with clay, wax, wood, anything I could use to mold them so that I could shape them into my own creation. My passion specifically for metal work ignited when I was in high school, and it was then that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in art and design. As I attended high school in New York City, I had the opportunity to spend my free time in the Diamond District, meeting jewelers and eventually working for a small custom jewelry company. These experiences fueled my passion for jewelry. My New York explorations of jewelry exhibits in galleries and museums inspired me to refine my technique and encouraged me to attend Pratt Institute to study Jewelry.
Senior Thesis
My childhood model plane and car building interests were the genesis for my current collection, entitled Kitbash. Kitbashing is a term used by model makers; it is the practice of taking parts from commercially available model kits and using them to create something entirely different, similar to sampling in the music industry. The title Kitbash seems appropriate, as I am combining jewelry with model kits. Each piece has been designed to be worn in its original form in the sprue framework, or if the wearer prefers, the piece can be transformed into a more conventional form of jewelry. By breaking out the components, the wearer becomes the maker and partners with the designer. The wearer now plays a significant role in determining how the work is presented and takes ownership of the fabrication process, creating a collaborative and symbiotic relationship between artist and consumer.
Online Resume
Employment
The True Gem, Dallas, TX July 2021 - Present
Casting Department
Responsibilities include processing waxes, production management to insure timely customer delivery, investing, precious metal casting including platinum, creating specialty alloys, advising CAD designers on sprue placement and design, stone setting, repairs, polishing and finishing, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
Ben Cohen Jewelry, New York, NY and Dallas, TX January 2015 – July 2021 Owner, Designer, Fabricator www.BenCohenJewelry.com
Founded jewelry and furniture business. Responsible for client development, meeting with clients, designing, fabricating, marketing and selling jewelry and furniture. Work completed is both custom as per the clients’ needs and inspiration. Notable work: Designed pin for Pratt Institute to be awarded to Administrators and Alumni through Present.
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York June 2016 – July 2016
Major Mentor for Jewelry Pre-College Program
Responsibilities included assisting students with design and fabrication; supervising students in studio environment, and providing refreshers to students regarding jewelry techniques.
Vale Jewelry, New York, New York June 2014 – August 2014
Intern
Responsibilities included purchasing raw materials, delivery and pick up of materials at fabricators, shipping products to customers, assist at pop-up sales shops, assist with design process, manage main office, answered telephone and responded to customers’ inquiries, and assisted in the day-to-day management of a busy jewelry business located in the Diamond District of New York City.
Honors and Awards
Peters Valley Craft Fair - Juried acceptance into 49th Annual Peters Valley Craft Fair September 2019
Mamaroneck Village Arts Competition - Second Place for Tree Branch Necklace August 2014
Education
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York May 2019
B.F.A. Fine Arts with a concentration in Jewelry Design
Relevant Courses: Rhino 3D, Stone setting, Casting, Welding & Forging, Hollowware, Rendering, Jewelry I – VI. Original work shown at 2018 Junior Jewelry Show, 2019 Senior Thesis Jewelry Show and 2019 Design Show. Academic Honors and Awards:
2019 BFA Jewelry Award, First Prize for Senior Thesis, Kitbash, Sponsored by Mark Davis, Inc. President’s List May 2019
Accademia Riaci, Florence, Italy July – August 2017
Summer Intensive Course in Jewelry Making and Design Studied jewelry technique of open work widely used in Florence, Italy since the Renaissance.
Birch Wathen Lenox School, New York, New York May 2015
Honors and Awards:
Ziva Spiegler Award. Awarded to a student who showed a passion for an extracurricular activity. Received for passion and commitment to design and creation of jewelry.
Technical Skills
- Rhino 3D – proficient in creating 3D models and renderings using Rhino CAD program.
- Proficient in 3D Printing.
- Adobe Illustrator
- Proficient in hand rendering and hand fabrication of jewelry, furniture and other metal pieces.
- Current New York City Fire Department – Certified Fire Safety