Joy Raskin

Mixed Metals

Joy Raskin has been a silversmith since 1984, and has exhibited throughout the United States, Ireland and New Zealand, showcasing both her jewelry and flatware designs. Joy is a native of New Hampshire, having attended public schools in Manchester and Concord. She was accepted as a member of the League of NH Craftsmen while still in high school. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and her MFA from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. Joy is an instructor at Metalwerx in Waltham, MA, at Snow Farm in Williamsburg, MA, and at Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield, CT. Joy also teaches workshops on jewelry making, metalsmithing, wire wireweaving, and various metal techniques at craft programs throughout New England.

"I strive to make designs that are unusual, timeless, and substantial in feeling or weight. I often use precious or semi-precious stones and gold to add color and variety to sterling silver, which is my metal of choice. I use wire weaving to give a unique texture and pattern that allows the metal to show its essence. I am a purist when it comes to metal, and like to allow the natural color of metal to show."

"I endeavor to reinvent new flatware forms and design utensils for specific uses that are not addressed by conventional utensils. Flatware should not only be useful, but should also be a pleasure to use, and even play with. Humor is the predominant element that defines my flatware. I want each piece to make its own statement." Joy has received many awards for her work. She was commissioned by the NH State Council on the Arts to create the Cultural Access Award for the Governor’s Awards in the Arts in 2001. Her work is included in many collections, including the White House and Smithsonian Institution.