jess tolbert

Jess Tolbert is an artist, curator, and educator based in El Paso, Texas. They received both their MFA and BFA with a focus in jewelry and metalsmithing. Jess’ work is recognized and exhibited nationally and internationally, including numerous awards such as the Preziosa Young 2020 award in Florence, Italy, and as a Finalist for the Loewe Craft Prize 2020. They are a co-founder of the curatorial group Secret Identity Projects, and their work is represented by Gallery Loupe and Gallery 2052.

Utilizing found, or non-precious materials in jewelry is not a new strategy. In fact, it is the original approach. Jess’ creative practice builds upon this legacy and innovates by recontextualizing what material can do, and importantly, what it can say. Jess explores and reconsiders common, mass-produced products as material - evoking familiarity, creating a link to our relationship to labor, and subsequently challenging jewelry’s typical notions of value.