Wed, March 27: The Gallery, Store, and Offices are closed today due to flooding around the Torpedo Factory.

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Nancy Thompson-Yonehiro

I am a study in contrasts, forged from a combination of Angst and Attitude. I have the mind of an engineer and the heart of an artist. I started my studies as a mechanical engineer but was so drawn to my studio art classes that they distracted me from the complex calculus proofs that I excelled in, but didn’t love. Angst. Fate intervened and I married my husband (and his career) and for the next 25 years we traveled the world. During that time I immersed myself in local cultures. I experienced firsthand the integral part art played in each new destination. Along the way, I wrote for local newspapers, taught English and Art, ran a pottery studio, developed traveling pattern making seminars, designed unique interiors and even learned to hustle pool. Attitude.

At last, the time came for me to devote myself full time to my own art making. I literally sat down and taught myself metalsmithing. I developed my own line of jewelry, one day I woke up and decided that metal needs color. I immersed myself in enameling (glass fused to metal), which involves elements of careful precision, remarkable serendipity and an element of danger. A study in contrasts. My work style is intuitive and intense, most often dimensional and occasionally articulated. I’ve learned to trust my creative brain to take the lead. Even if I don’t know the final destination, I always enjoy the journey.

The physical destination for much of my art is the Enamelists Gallery, Studio 28 at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA., where I am the Gallery Coordinator. I enjoy the creative atmosphere, and visitors from all over the world keep me inspired to create.

My creations in metal range from tiny, to wall swallowing. I have no preferred metal, only the one to get the job done. You will find my small pieces in precious metal and my large with gemstones. My own expectation is to make interesting work.

Classes taught by
Nancy Thompson-Yonehiro
Nancy Thompson-Yonehiro
Nancy Thompson-Yonehiro
on the Creativity in Action blog