Claire Falkenstein
Born in 1908 in Coos Bay, Oregon (USA), deceased in 1997 in Venice Beach, California (USA).
Recognized as a sculptor and painter, Falkenstein started making jewelry in California in the mid- to late-1940s for numerous reasons, among them economy of scale and as a way to learn how to work with different metals. She practiced bending, welding, soldering, and casting metals – techniques she continued to use in her later sculpture and jewelry. In California, she was friendly with fellow artists Richard Diebenkorn and Clyfford Still, whereas in Paris she associated with Arp, Giacometti and Sam Francis.
The rings, brooches, bracelets, and extraordinary necklaces – always unique works – that Falkenstein fashioned were not maquettes for her sculpture. Instead, they were always intended to be small wearable works of art.
This silver-plated necklace was made circa 1955 when she was working in Paris.
Caption:
Untitled, circa 1955
Necklace – Silver plated metal
30 x 27.5 cm
Unique
Coll. Diane Venet
