Kristin Mitsu Shiga is a master metalsmith and enamelist with deep roots in the world of American Craft. Her work is informed by a reverence for process and the quiet power of well-made things. Mostly producing oneof-a-kind wearable art and hollowware, her work reflects a marriage of her Japanese heritage with influences from architecture and the Modernist design movement. She credits her participation in international artist collaboration events for keeping her creativity alive throughout her three-decade career.

Kristin has shown her work internationally, and is included in several notable collections, including the Kamm Artful Teapot Collection and the Permanent Collection of the White House. You’ll find her work published in numerous books and magazines, including Art Jewelry Today, The Art of Enameling, Metalsmith’s 2017 Exhibition in Print, and several of Lark’s 500 Series books.

Throughout her career, Kristin has taught metalsmithing, enameling and book arts publicly and privately around the world—an evolving dialogue that continually shapes
and inspires her own studio practice. Her proudest professional achievement has been the establishment of thriving community metals studios and programs in New York, Hawai’i and in Oregon (right here at Multnomah Arts Center) that reflect the values of craftsmanship, curiosity, and community.

Kristin now offers the unique service of metalsmithing house calls to help with a challenging project, set up your studio or help you hone specific skills one-on-one. Learn more about her and schedule an appointment at kristinmitsushiga.com, or follow her on Instagram @metal_babe

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Some of Kristin’s works: