What to say about Macchiarini?
The jewelry and sculpture studio that has consistently created masterful
work over the course of 70 years and three generations! What else to
say
but to let the work speak for itself, and the artists too.
Enjoy!
Patrick Kapty
Please find below, a eulogy written by Jill
Crawford for Peter's memorial, August 5, 2001
Peter Macchiarinni was a man of indomitable spirit and vision. He was deeply committed to the principles which he held sacred and dear. Despite considerable adversity and hardship, both his ideals and ideology remained incorruptible and intact throughout his life.
Beneath the surface of a man whose needs appeared deceptively simple, if not modest, was a brilliant mind with a complex and vivid imagination that was rich with imagery and curiosity. Peter took the most simple of forms and subjects, and through his incredible imagination translated matter into magic, a magic that is universally recognizable and which touches all of us. He also affected us deeply with his unassuming charm, humor and his passion for his family, community, and art.
Peter's talents expressed themselves in many diverse modalities such as sculpture, drawing and painting, as well as in his unique and exciting jewelry. I have often wondered why he chose jewelry as his primary medium of expression, and now it is too late to know for sure. However, I have come to believe that what Peter valued most was that special relationship he established with his patrons, who interacted with him and adored his exquisitely complex jewelry. He found an art in which he could communicate on a very personal level.
Peter sought to explore the inner essence of forms and shapes, striving to unlock the secrets and mysteries previously hidden from our view. In his many mask pins we see that Peter is probing the boundaries and layers of human consciousness, a consciousness that is at the same time primitive, forbidding, savage, kind, cosmic and comical. AND ALL THIS IN A SINGLE PIECE OF JEWELRY!
As we adorn his jewelry, we ponder its possibilities and nuances, and in a way, have a kind of personal conversation with Peter that transcends time and space. I think it was this conversation that offered him the greatest satisfaction throughout his life; one that had absolutely nothing to do with fame, fortune and critical recognition.
We know that both his genetic and artistic legacies are carried forth into this century in the abundant talents of his son Danny and granddaughter Emma, who are both gifted artists in their own right deserving not only our support, but also our appreciation for the extraordinary love and inspiration they provided to Peter in his later years. Peter was enormously proud of their accomplishments and reveled in their achievements perhaps even more than his own.
Peter, if any part of you can sense us now, we want to say thank you for your great and loving gifts to us. Although we shall all miss you enormously, you shall remain one of the greatest masters of twentieth century art, and we know that history will continue to recognize your extraordinary contributions and vision.
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