“One of a Kind” - Gurhan and his pure, enduring, seductively designed and handcrafted jewelry
This exclusive event features new works from internationally recognized jewelry designer and goldsmith Gurhan on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Sorrel Sky Gallery’s downtown location at 828 Main Avenue, from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm. Presenting unique, one of a kind pieces, by this unique, one of kind artist, and new collections not available throughout the year. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts in the Four Corners region.
Gurhan began designing and creating jewelry as, what some might say, a bit of a ‘latecomer’. His personal discovery of pure gold happened when he was 40, at a time when he had already established a nightclub, a rock bar, a couple of restaurants and had begun studying watchmaking in Switzerland. The day he encountered a sheet of pure gold changed everything for him. The warmth and physicality of the metal immediately attracted him, and he saw challenges of working with it as intriguing. Many thought it absurd to work with a metal that was viewed as too soft, too heavy, or too expensive. Not Gurhan. By studying the work of the earliest goldsmiths, from some 7000 years ago, he educated himself in their techniques and secrets. It became his passion to perpetuate and perfect their legacy, preserving their ancient craft through his own unique style, design and vision for women’s jewelry today. In his own words, “Every handmade piece has small imperfections from the hand hammering and handcrafted work that are my ‘fingerprints’.”
Gurhan’s reincarnation of these techniques have won him recognition in the late 1990s by Barneys New York; Grand Prize in the prestigious World Gold Council’s Millennium Design Competition in 2000; top placement annually in World Gold Council competitions; amongst others. Now sold and collected world wide, his pieces have been worn by celebrities Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Sandra Bullock, Oprah and Jennifer Lopez. His collectors include First Ladies Hillary Rodham Clinton and Laura Bush.
Owner Shanan Campbell Wells’ excitement about this event is contagious. “Pieces by Gurhan are sought after by collectors around the world. Representing him here in Durango at Sorrel Sky is something I am very proud of. Having this exclusive Trunk Show, with works never seen before … it’s an opportunity not to be missed!”
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 90 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York and jewelry artist Ben Nighthorse, among others.