About the Artist

Mark Alan Porter

Mark earned a BFA from Colorado State University with a studio concentration in metalsmithing.  His true passion is to create and he enjoys the entire creative process.  The first spark of a new design concept, the development of the idea through sketches on paper, the fabrication (including overcoming its challenges), and the satisfaction of a completed piece are all exciting to him.

Mark explains part of his fondness for creating jewelry: “I really enjoy the intimate relationship I have with each piece of jewelry I make through every step of the creative process.  I think that's one of the reasons I like making jewelry so much because the wearer has a much closer relationship to a piece of jewelry than they could have with any other piece of art I could make.  My favorite thing as an artist in any media I've worked in, is to see someone get up close to my work and examine it on display.  I love when someone peers through a display case trying to examine the detail of a piece I've created.  It makes that intimate relationship I've developed with a piece in its creation carry through to the viewer.”

Mark's work often incorporates an unexpected element such as nonconventional stone settings.  “I've always enjoyed an aspect of intrigue between my work and those who view it.  I love hearing someone say 'How'd he do that?'  or 'I never would have thought of that.'” he says.

Mark's distinctions include several pieces being accepted to the annual juried Undergraduate Symposiums at CSU and his piece “Common Spice”, a silver and brass salt & pepper shaker set, was accepted into the SNAG (Society of North American Goldsmiths) student show.