Marjorie Schick, the woman who turned jewelry into a controversial art form, was a creative powerhouse from the conservative buckle of the Bible Belt, Kansas. Born in 1941, Schick dared to redefine what wearable art means, long before the term became the darling of art critics. Her groundbreaking work in the field of jewelry art challenges the notion that size matters when it comes to decoration and self-expression. She dramatically enlarged the scope of what constituted body adornment, making it infamous rather than merely beautiful. By the time she was designing in her studio in Pittsburg, Kansas, during the 1970s, Schick was ripping through the fabric of conventional art and rebuilding it with her bold new vision.
Mold-breaking Jewelry Designer: In an age before Instagram influencers and art installations that resemble an unmade bed were the norm, Marjorie Schick carved her place in the art world with originality that some might describe as rebellious. Hers was not the jewelry that you pass along through generations as family heirlooms. No, Schick's designs would probably be best categorized under “wearable sculpture”. It’s the kind of jewelry that makes you stop and gawk but for entirely different reasons than a diamond tiara might.
Art Fixation: Schick’s fixation was to challenge perceptions; her medium was the human body itself. Her approach was not just to decorate the neckline or wrist but to alter physical space and social norms. To some, her creations might seem ostentatious. They were frequently oversized, bizarre, and flirted with absurdity. And that’s precisely what made them genius.
Repurposing Materials: Unlike traditional jewelers, Schick prioritized alternative materials over precious metals and stones. Her work predominantly featured wood, papier-mâché, and found objects. Forget platinum, gold, or silver—Schick opened her inventory to some daring choices, like a riotous technicolor plastic. Her choice sent the unspoken message that the value of art wasn’t in the materials but in creativity itself.
Academic Influence: Schick wasn’t just about producing art; she was about educating future generations. With a robust academic career at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, she influenced many young minds. There, she was Associate Professor of Art—a career that she pursued passionately until her passing in 2017. She instilled a sense of audacious creativity in her students, urging them to push the boundaries of their art.
Unapologetic Approach: Psychological exploration? Political statement? Social Commentary? Schick didn’t care. Her work evoked what it evoked—without apology. She defied simple interpretations or pigeonholes. That's the beauty of her narrative; she never sought approval and in that, found it unintentionally.
Against the Grain: At a time when we talk about “going against the grain,” most would think this applies only to those who embrace antagonistic modern provocations in the rally for change. Strangely, Marjorie Schick did so with calculated purpose, making her stand out, proving that not all change-makers fit the typical mold.
Conservative Art in a Left-Leaning World: Amidst a cultural pull towards liberalism in the art world, Schick’s pieces hold a certain fortitude that seems to be fighting against the grain. She had no need to kowtow to mainstream archetypes, nor did she need to chase calls for inclusivity or diversity in a clumsy manner. Her art transcended these trivialities, drawing from the same conviction that conservatism uses to endure the wear and tear of time.
Legacy and Holy Grail Years: Leaving behind a legacy that’s perhaps more celebrated internationally, her work is housed in institutions like the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. Her designs spanned over four decades, challenging the sensibilities of art connoisseurs globally. Yet, her roots and influence remain firmly entrenched in Kansas soil.
Prophetic Pioneer: Some artists talk about looking to the future; Marjorie Schick made the future happen. Her kind of innovation isn’t simply antiquated post-modernism. It’s a style that benchmarks a prophecy of art where human expression is unchained from wealth and opulence.
A Modern Conservative Muse: While she may perplex those only focusing on traditional beauty and form, Schick stands as an emblem of embracing complexity, offering a reflection to conservative ideals, and why seeking personal integrity is a value that outweighs the insubstantiality of the transient. With each piece, she makes a statement—visually and philosophically—that ignites curiosity.
Marjorie Schick wasn't just crafting bold accessories; she was investing in a narrative that adapted to its time and place with intelligent rebelliousness. Marjorie's work is a testament to intelligent innovation and serves as a beacon for those willing to challenge norms, one masterpiece at a time.