Christopher Shaw, San Diego California

Artisan Jeweler 

Christopher L. Shaw is one of the few artists who has found a successful balance in his day-to-day life and his personal passion. His work in jewelry design and fabrication is rooted in the wonder of his childhood—growing up in a mining family in the desert southwest—and has branched into wonderfully creative pieces incorporating earthly elements and colors interwoven with early American influence. Combining color material, form and feeling in a stylistic and sensible way, his jewelry stands alone.

While many artists and metalsmiths are comfortable working in turquoise, coral, and colored stones, Christopher’s unique ability to explore the interplay between these various elements has created its own space in the fashion world. His work is communicative and evocative—like an emotional story told around a campfire on a moonlit night by some soft-spoken wise man. As his mentor Jay Whaley affectionately boasts, “Christopher’s commitment to authenticity in his work is revealed through his attention to detail and the craftsmanship of his finished pieces.” 

While Christopher’s artistic talent enters full flight in three dimensional pieces such as jewelry, pottery, metal and mosaic, his two-dimensional work is clean, clever and uplifting. Comfortable working with oil, acrylic and watercolor on canvas, wood and paper, Christopher identifies and adapts his concepts to the mediums which most effectively deliver the message. 

Today, based in Southern California, Christopher has become a prolific creative power in the industry. One glance into his gallery and you will understand the compelling nature of his work. His studio is open by appointment only, his work can be viewed in several galleries and online.