Maxine Rosenthal Crafts

Maxine Rosenthal
has participated in the art world for many years. Her background has
been quite diverse, not only as an artist, but also until 1996, as a
corporate manager. Maxine started her current contemporary jewelry business
in 1990. A friend introduced her to polymer clay when Maxine could not
find a pair of earrings to match a much-loved sweater. It was not long
before she went from that first pair of earrings to making necklaces,
pendants, pins, earrings and bracelets.

Maxine began to
sell both direct and through a local Wilmington gallery within a year
of her first creation. She continues to love polymer clay but began
in 1997 to incorporate and work in metals. Regardless of materials,
Maxine's approach is the same. Her inspiration frequently comes from
a variety of cultures, with cultures from North and Central America
and England being particularly dominant. Even more influential are other
art forms such as contemporary and traditional fiber artists, architects,
and nature. Maxine creatively translates ancient and contemporary influences
predominantly into metal. Maxine starts with sheet, wire and tube. She
largely uses etching, roller pressing and patinas to create texture
and depth. The end result can range from an ethnic to a contemporary
feel while the design can range from intricate to simple compositions
of line and texture. Many neck pieces can be worn in more than one way,
on either side if it's a pendant or as a pin or pendant.
Maxine works solo
in her studio. She does one-of-a-kind jewelry and, on some occasions,
limited production pieces. Her interest in on-going growth inspires
her to continue studying with others and to travel to see and experience
others' work. In 2002, Maxine received a Delaware State Arts Council
Individual Artist Fellowship Award. In 1999, Maxine was a finalist in
the NICHE Student Awards competition in two categories, fine jewelry
and fashion jewelry, became a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild
of Craftsmen, won 1st prize in Gallery Five's Annual Polymer Clay Show,
and got Honorable Mention as an Emerging Artist by the Delaware State
Arts Council. Her work has been exhibited at juried and invitational
shows and galleries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Florida,
Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Prior to creating
jewelry, Maxine participated in the art world as a potter. She also
has created a limited number of works in fiber.