Jamie Bennett
.\  Ten Thousand HoursAugust 19 - October 8, 2023  We are proud to present this major exhibition of new and archival works by artist Jamie Bennett. A virtuoso of the medium, Bennett has worked with enamel and metal since the late seventies. This exhibition includes recent works as well as archival jewelry and drawings from 1978 to 2018. In his 2008 book "Outliers," Malcolm Gladwell wrote that ten thousand hours is "the magic number of greatness." The meaning behind this, in theory, is simple. To be considered elite and truly experienced within a particular craft, you must practice it for ten thousand hours. Easy, right? Not so much. Of course, this isn't the only means to 'greatness,' but nevertheless, alongside innate talent, opportunity, and a little bit of luck, it is possible. Though Bennett began his artistic life as a painter, since his first experience with jewelry, he has worked exclusively with two materials: enamel (glass), and metal (copper, silver, gold, and now steel). Thousands of hours have given him command, and over time, a language has evolved. 
This language, crafted meticulously through countless hours of Bennett's practice and dedication, is a testament to the power of Gladwell's "ten thousand hours" principle. Like a musician who honed their skills through hours of practice and repetition, Bennett has sculpted his expertise with enamel and metal into a symphony of form and design. Just as Gladwell's concept of ten thousand hours suggests, Bennett has immersed himself in these materials, pushing boundaries and experimenting persistently to perfect his technique. Except - an artist's journey goes beyond the quantitative measure of time. It extends into the realm of intuition and creativity, where those ten thousand hours have fostered an intuitive connection to the making. At a certain point, skill is transcended, and it is the manifestation of ideas that becomes the yield. 
In a way, both Gladwell's concept of mastery and Bennett's creative journey share a common thread—the belief that greatness emerges not solely from talent but from a commitment to growth, an openness to learning, and an enduring passion that propels one beyond the limitations we set for ourselves. The pursuit of greatness is a mosaic of dedication, innovation, and a thirst for exploration. ----
Born in Philadelphia in 1948, Jamie Bennett stands out as both an esteemed artist and a dedicated educator, leaving an enduring impact on the fields of contemporary jewelry and metalwork fields. With a creative trajectory that has unfolded over more than four decades, Bennett has earned acclaim for his exceptional vision and groundbreaking approaches. His artistic mastery is evident in meticulous craftsmanship and inventive incorporation of color, form, and ornamentation. His development of original techniques and deep engagement of material and process make him one of the most influential artists working in the field today.continue reading...