Artist
Tai Vautier has been making jewelry for 20 years. She employs advanced techniques such as alloying her own metals, fusing, reticulation and micro-granulation to achieve her unique textures. Please see more of her work and news on INSTAGRAM and TaiVautierJewelry
Tai Vautier lives in Portland Oregon and is deeply inspired by the elements of the Pacific Northwest. She was born in Spain to eclectic hippie parents and grew up in a small buddhist community amongst the tall redwood trees of Northern California. As a youngster she mainly painted, illustrated and used photography to express her creative talents. As Tai got older she was very drawn to the world of adornments and jewelry.
INSPIRATION:
Tai is very intrigued and inspired by the textures and patterns seen in nature and the cosmos. Tai is equally inspired by the beautiful tribal adornments and tapestry's from around the world. For many years her parents lived and traveled in the East and collected beautiful artifacts from all over. Tai traveled through these areas in her 20’s and never forgot how the lively bright colors of these regions inspired her. She has found a way to merge her love of nature with her love of colorful tribal jewelry together in a singular artistic style.
TECHNIQUE:
Tai's jewelry doesn't just stop at artistic expression. Tai has more than 20 years of experience with metallurgy as she found her way to her hallmark designs and unique textures. These textures are the result of hours of experimentation, alloying, fusing, reticulation and using home made micro-granulation alloys and techniques. She then heavily oxidizes her work and uses high karat gold to create a beautiful contrast between the metals. Tai Vautier Jewelry showcases precious and semi precious gemstones. This jewelry is mainly fabricated, rarely cast and no Precious Metal Clay is used in these designs. Tai is mainly self taught, taking classes in high school and later some lost-wax casting classes in college. Tai’s textures and designs are protected by U.S. Copyright.
GIVING BACK:
Tai cares deeply for the planet and animals. roughly 10% of the proceeds of her work go to several different organizations that benefit nature.
GOTG & CMAG:
Tai serves as the Art Show Chair director for Portland Oregons', Creative Metal Arts Guild; CMAG. Tai is also the President of The Gathering of the Guilds LLC. Gathering of the Guilds puts on one of the ;largest Pacific Northwest art shows, yearly at the Oregon Convention Center. This art show is a compilation of 6 Northwest guilds, showcasing, pottery, glass, beads, woodworking, metal craft and weaving. www.gatheringoftheguilds.com.