Fred Tate & Janis Tate

This body of work represents almost thirty years of producing fine craft at fine arts and craft shows.

My origins of influence are the Renaissance, Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods of art, as well as the King Tutankhamun traveling exhibition in 1976 and the Rene Lalique exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum in 1981. These are the core influences in my designs, along with antique machinery and contemporary architecture, sculpture, furniture and finally my studies with master goldsmith Harold O’Connor in 1985.

My basic materials are sterling silver, 14kt gold, 18kt gold and sapphires. Each new collection features a special item. Right now, I am using a Black Bamboo as the focus of my jewelry designs. I grow many varieties of bamboo, however the Black naturally maintains its color and strength. I cut small erratic stems at the base of the plant and use their uniquely chaotic growth as the first indicator of how my design will evolve.

My studio is part of our home and this environment is important to my being able to work long and late hours! My designs are original, 3-dimensional and fabricated. My wife and I work together to make the jewelry our business opportunity and creative statement.