Biography

Carlson’s jewelry and sculpture career began in his father’s stained glass studio, where he fashioned jewelry and art pieces from scraps of discarded glass. It was also during this period of time that he began to experiment with metalsmithing. After attending the Savannah College of Art and Design’s BFA program in metals and jewelry, Carlson was employed as a silversmithing instructor, a bench jeweler, and studio goldsmith, while building his band - Seth Michael Studio. Subsequently, Carlson earned a graduate degree in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he researched and wrote about the therapeutic benefits of metalsmithing. Carlson believes that being a craftsperson and being altruistic are synonymous, and giving back to the community is an essential part of mastering a craft. He lives with his wife, Rosa, and their four cats outside of Philadelphia, PA. He continues to be inspired by the wildlife, people, and experiences of his surroundings, and from his travels.

Artist Statement

Through traditional goldsmithing and silversmithing techniques, I strive to capture the beauty and character of the fauna and flora that I encounter in the natural world. It is important to me that each piece is hand crafted using ethically sourced gold, silver, and gemstones. I see every piece of jewelry as a celebration of the natural world, and I believe that the materials I choose should reflect the value of life that I seek to convey. When I am creating my work I am visualizing each piece being passed from one generation to the next. I believe in capturing the character of each life form through subtle expressive gestures. With a focus on environmental preservation, each piece is a snapshot in time to bring awareness and appreciation to the lesser known species that surround our world.