Ben Cooke-Akaiwa, US

Ben is a jeweler and metalsmith. He graduated from Indiana University in 2019 with a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design. He has participated in residencies at the Baltimore Jewelry Center and Arrowmont. He has exhibited his work internationally. Currently, he is pursuing his MFA.

This work is one of the first steps I took in my grieving process. I lost the most important piece of my support network and in learning to cope with that loss I turned to my art practice. My aunt left me her extensive jewelry collection with the intention that I repurpose it. In the process of doing so I have been able to truly recognize how significant she was to me and begin to heal. This work honors her memory, has allowed me to be vulnerable, and to grow.