14ky Kelvin Thompson Cuff Bracelet
Kelvin Thompson carves jewellery, his pieces highly sought after. In 1979, he studied under and worked with Haisla artists Barry and Derek Wilson at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and in 1980, he carved a totem pole with Haisla carver Henry Robertson for the Aboriginal Friendship Centre in Vancouver, BC. Kelvin has been adopted into Henry's Haisla family. He has taught many artists how to carve in silver and gold, and he is passionate about passing skills and information on to younger carvers. He has taught at Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts Program at Vancouver’s Native Education College and in 2009, Kelvin was commissioned to engrave five cuff bracelets for James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Elton John, and Vicki Gabereau. In 2019, he was featured in the landmark publication Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry by author Alex Dawkins.
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Contemporary Era
(1970 - Now)Plastic became a new medium to fabricate jewellery. Other pieces were often made of other unconventional materials such as plastic or wood. Prioritizing self-expression over traditional styles and materials became the new style. Jewellery of this Era was considered “wearable art”.
As we headed into the 1980s, jewellery styles became even more extravagant and large, such as oversized hoop earrings and necklaces which were worn by women in the office with their “power suits”. With women commonly in the workplace now, purchasing jewellery for oneself became increasingly common.
Costume jewellery truly began to take centre stage during the 80s. Neon plastic jewellery was not unusual to see on the younger members of this era- especially in a large statement earring. Another staple of the 80s was cross jewellery, necklaces being the favourite.
Contemporary jewellery is something that will always be in trend, because its something that is “made in current time”.
