I live in the quiet comfort of my own mind. My objects are a reflection of that habitat that I grow with such care.
I am so deeply connected to my internal space that the external expression is just an extension of self. Curating my surroundings is a need, a must, an impulse to create an area to pause and rest or room to think, one that is warm for myself and those I love.
My jewelry, sketches, metalwork, and design revolve around this space: the extent and extensions of home, both within and without. I create this warmth, rest, and soft strength for the little girl in me who didn’t always have it for herself.
Bio
Emma J. Cooley was born in Western Colorado in the United States. She grew up feeling her habitat and reflecting on what her idea of place meant among the canyons and rivers of her desert home.
She holds a Bachelors of Biology ‘21 and later studied Jewelry Design at Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence, Italy ‘26 where she was mentored by Daria Borovkova and Marzia Rossi. This year she curated and exhibited in “Weighs and Means” at LdM Gallery in Florence, Italy and continues to work and teach in Boston, Massachusetts.
CV
STUDIES
2024-2026 Istituto Lorenzo de'Medici, Florence, Italy
Professional Certificate of Jewelry Design
2025 Istituto Gemmologico Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
Basic Gemology Certification
2018-2021 Fort Lewis College, Colorado, USA
Bachelor's of Science, Biology. Minor, Studio Arts
EXHIBITIONS
2026 Florence, Italy
"Weighs and Means" LdM Gallery, Curator and Exhibitor, Group Show
2025, 2026 Florence, Italy
"Nurturing the Future" Museo degli Innocenti, Group Show
2025 Florence, Italy
La Chicca Boutique Ristorante, La Casa Collectiva Group Exhibition
2023 Paonia, Colorado, USA
Elsewhere Studios Final Friday Residency Show
2021 Durango, Colorado, USA
Fort Lewis College 60th Annual Student Juried Art Show
AWARDS AND RESIDENCIES
2023 Elsewhere Studios, Paonia, Colorado, USA
2022 Botanical Society of America, Young Botanist Award 2022
2021 Fort Lewis College 60th Annual Student Juried Art Show Jurors Choice
Award for original linoleum print "Yucca baccata"
2021 Colorado Native Plant Society
Professional talk on thesis project floristic survey of "Vascular Plant Diversity in the HD Mountains
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2023-2025 June- July, Arts Program Silversmithing Instructor
High School High Scholar [HS]2, Carbondale, Colorado, USA
2024 February, Intensive Silversmithing Course Instructor
Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Carbondale, Colorado, USA
2023-2024 Silversmithing Studio and Teaching Assistant
Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Carbondale, Colorado, USA
2018-2021 Silversmithing and Lapidary Studio Assistant and Jewelry Instructor
Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club, Durango, Colorado, USA
PUBLICATIONS
2022 The Artful Collective: Reclaim Collection, Virtual Publication