Modern Alchemy
The Fusion of Art and Nature in the Jewelry Designs of Adam Neeley
Presented at the Laguna Art Museum, this solo exhibition features more than 100 works by the internationally recognized and award-winning jeweler. Modern Alchemy explores Neeley’s creative working processes, history, and innovative gold alloys through a 25-year retrospective.
Neeley combines traditional goldsmithing techniques with modern technologies to transform precious metals and gemstones into wearable fine art. Collaborating with world-class lapidaries, such as Stephen Avery, Neeley creates truly imaginative pieces that go beyond contemporary design into the realm of dreams and fantasy. Modern Alchemy celebrates the convergence of art and alchemy, where precious materials are elevated to new, innovative heights and used to create extraordinary masterpieces.
Exhibition Details:
- Location: Laguna Art Museum
- Dates: February 17, 2024 – July 29, 2024
Modern Alchemy
The Fusion of Art and Nature in the Jewelry Designs of Adam Neeley
Presented at the Laguna Art Museum, this solo exhibition features more than 100 works by the internationally recognized and award-winning jeweler. Modern Alchemy explores Neeley’s creative working processes, history, and innovative gold alloys through a 25-year retrospective.
Neeley combines traditional goldsmithing techniques with modern technologies to transform precious metals and gemstones into wearable fine art. Collaborating with world-class lapidaries, such as Stephen Avery, Neeley creates truly imaginative pieces that go beyond contemporary design into the realm of dreams and fantasy. Modern Alchemy celebrates the convergence of art and alchemy, where precious materials are elevated to new, innovative heights and used to create extraordinary masterpieces.
Exhibition Details:
- Location: Laguna Art Museum
- Dates: February 17, 2024 – July 29, 2024
Master Goldsmith
An alchemist takes a well-known material and transforms it into something extraordinary. His desire to be an artist-jeweler led Neeley to become a graduate gemologist and to train with master goldsmiths in Italy. Forging his own identity as an artist-jeweler set him on a path to winning prestigious awards for his designs and his creation of a new technique of blending white gold into yellow gold seamlessly, which he calls SpectraGold™. The Smithsonian Institute acquired South Sea Glow (pictured above right), a pendant made with SpectraGold™ and pearls, for the permanent collection.This honor is yet another testament to the influence Neeley has had on the world of fine art.
Master Goldsmith
An alchemist takes a well-known material and transforms it into something extraordinary. His desire to be an artist-jeweler led Neeley to become a graduate gemologist and to train with master goldsmiths in Italy. Forging his own identity as an artist-jeweler set him on a path to winning prestigious awards for his designs and his creation of a new technique of blending white gold into yellow gold seamlessly, which he calls SpectraGold™. The Smithsonian Institute acquired South Sea Glow (pictured above right), a pendant made with SpectraGold™ and pearls, for the permanent collection.This honor is yet another testament to the influence Neeley has had on the world of fine art.
“Adam Neeley, artist, jeweler, and alchemist, creates jewelry that is forged from an imagination stimulated by the sensuous beauty found in nature. His designs transcend the boundaries of conventional jewelry to create wearable art that is unique and intriguing. His alchemical processes combine traditional jewelry techniques with modern technology to change metals into brilliant colors, complemented by rare gemstones in a myriad of hues.”
– Timothy Adams, Curator & Jewelry Historian
“Adam Neeley, artist, jeweler, and alchemist, creates jewelry that is forged from an imagination stimulated by the sensuous beauty found in nature. His designs transcend the boundaries of conventional jewelry to create wearable art that is unique and intriguing. His alchemical processes combine traditional jewelry techniques with modern technology to change metals into brilliant colors, complemented by rare gemstones in a myriad of hues.”
-Timothy Adams, Curator & Jewelry Historian
Nature’s Muse
Nature’s Muse
Mother Nature has been the muse of jewelers for thousands of years. For Neeley, she is the most powerful influence on his artistic vision. Early exposure to the natural world was a strong influence on his work as a mature artist-jeweler. From his alchemist’s studio, he takes raw materials from the earth and transforms them into jewels with organic lines and vibrant hues of color. Flora, Fauna and Water (pictured above), are three of several nature inspired themes explored in the exhibition.
Mother Nature has been the muse of jewelers for thousands of years. For Neeley, she is the most powerful influence on his artistic vision. Early exposure to the natural world was a strong influence on his work as a mature artist-jeweler. From his alchemist’s studio, he takes raw materials from the earth and transforms them into jewels with organic lines and vibrant hues of color. Flora, Fauna and Water (pictured above), are three of several nature inspired themes explored in the exhibition.
Exhibition Themes
For centuries gemstones have been sought after for their rarity, exquisite color, and even mystical powers. Continuing his love of gems, Neeley seeks out rare and exquisite stones to be the centerpieces of his artwork. Modern Alchemy explores gemstone themes such as: Lapidary Arts, American Gems, Inside the Jewelry Making Process, Quartz Inclusions, Tourmaline, Garnet, Collector Gems, and Award-Winning Masterpieces (pictured above).
Exhibition Themes
For centuries gemstones have been sought after for their rarity, exquisite color, and even mystical powers. Continuing his love of gems, Neeley seeks out rare and exquisite stones to be the centerpieces of his artwork. Modern Alchemy explores gemstone themes such as: Lapidary Arts, American Gems, Inside the Jewelry Making Process, Quartz Inclusions, Tourmaline, Garnet, Collector Gems, and Award-Winning Masterpieces (pictured above).
“Through this exhibition, we aim to draw attention to the art form of jewelry, which is a culmination of sculptural, kinetic and performative qualities. This is wearable art, alive with movement, that transcends any utilitarian purpose and invites viewers to be captivated by its glittering materials.”
– Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director, Laguna Art Museum
“Through this exhibition, we aim to draw attention to the art form of jewelry, which is a culmination of sculptural, kinetic and performative qualities. This is wearable art, alive with movement, that transcends any utilitarian purpose and invites viewers to be captivated by its glittering materials.”
-Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director, Laguna Art Museum
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee, Deputy Director Victoria Gerard, and the Board of Trustees of the Laguna Art Museum for hosting the Modern Alchemy jewelry exhibition. Special appreciation goes to guest curator and author Timothy Adams, whose vision and expertise has significantly enriched the show.
A sincere thank you to the esteemed individual jewelry collectors, who generously loaned their pieces to enhance the beauty of this exhibition. Your support is truly invaluable.