PAT FLYNN
THE ART OF THE GOLDSMITH
Pat Flynn is a “goldsmith" who lives and works in High Falls, New York. He’s most known for his highly unique nail bracelets, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. His larger cuff bracelets incorporate hinges and box clasps that not only suit functionality for the wearer, but display meticulous craftsmanship. Each unique piece of jewelry is hand forged by Pat, an expert of applying subtle textures that embolden the wearer with the personalized touch they demand. This attention to detail, technical Years ago you’ve attributed yourself with the term “goldsmith” as a way to describe your take on metal smithing worn as decoration. In the age where the term "hand-crafted" has become something sought after, do you feel the term has more meaning and value now than perhaps it once had in the past? I have never found a good term for what I do. Jewelry can be anything from “a little bit of beading,” to a Lalique “master work.” I’m not always working in gold, but the word “gold” alludes to a more formal 28
INTERNATIONAL
by Michael Foster
control, and combination of juxtaposed materials he utilizes in his jewelry make him stand out from the crowd. Pat’s work can be found in the collections of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, the Museum of Art & Design in New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago. His work has most recently been acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. We spoke with Pat about his work and what motivates him as an artist.
and personal form of decorative arts. Likewise, I can imagine selling jewelry that appears far more rugged and handcrafted has become much more in-demand in recent years. It seems like the world finally caught up with your visionary artistic sensibilities. As everything becomes digitally designed and fabricated using a 3D printer, I feel humans respond to the touch of the maker. I like the raw and refined contradictions in my work. The objects are not over worked but raw and honest, which emotionally connects with the wearer.
What’s the first thing someone asks when they inquire about your nail bracelets? People usually think they must be heavy, I think because they are black and made of steel. They also don’t understand how to put it on, missing the fact there is a hinge and catch integrated into the bracelet. It’s a simple but elegant solution. My bracelets combine blackened iron with 22 karat and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat palladium white gold, diamonds and pearls, depending on what materials I feel