Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion – An Evocative Exhibition at Wilensky Gallery
Celebrating Bespoke Art Jewelry and the Soul of Movement During New York Jewelry Week
New York, NY. October 10, 2019. In a highly anticipated event for New York Jewelry Week, the prestigious Wilensky gallery is set to host an extraordinary solo exhibition featuring the internationally acclaimed designer, Naomi Sarna. From November 20th to December 20th, 2019, Wilensky in Chelsea will become the stage for “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion,” a breathtaking display of original hand-carved art jewelry that pays a profound homage to the beauty and dynamism of movement. Sarna, an award-winning visionary, will debut a collection inspired by the elegant drapery of fabric and the fluid grace of flowing water, transforming precious gem materials into sculptural, wearable masterpieces that resonate with unparalleled aesthetic and exquisite craftsmanship.
This unique collaboration finds a perfect home at Wilensky, a gallery renowned for its unparalleled collection of exquisite minerals presented as works of art. The synergy between Sarna’s emotive jewelry and Wilensky’s dedication to showcasing nature’s artistry is undeniable. Her work, characterized by its sinuous lines and intricate details, perfectly complements the gallery’s ethos, where the raw beauty of the earth’s treasures meets the refined vision of artistic interpretation. Visitors will embark on a journey through a world where gemstones are not merely adorned but are imbued with life, rhythm, and storytelling.
Troy Wilensky, Managing Director of Wilensky, expresses his profound admiration for Sarna’s artistry: “Naomi Sarna is not just a stone carver; she is a poet, meticulously crafting profound narratives through stone. Each piece she creates possesses its own captivating personality and a truly spellbinding presence. I vividly recall trying on one of her jadeite bracelets; it felt as if this amulet had chosen me, rather than the other way around. There is, without a doubt, something truly magical, almost otherworldly, about the Naomi Sarna collection. Her ability to infuse such depth and character into precious materials is simply extraordinary, setting her work apart as genuinely transformative art.”
A Journey Through Emotional Resonance: Highlights from “Stone in Motion”
The “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion” exhibition unleashes the vibrant and emotive power of colored gemstones, inviting viewers to explore a world where meticulous curves and intricate carvings bring precious materials to life. Each piece is a testament to Sarna’s mastery, guiding the eye through complex forms that dance with light and color. One of the collection’s standout pieces is the “Solar Flare” ring, a magnificent creation of citrine and pink sapphire. This bespoke cocktail ring vibrantly evokes the intense energy of the sun, conjuring images of fiery flares erupting on its surface with remarkable intensity. Designed with Sarna’s signature comfort fit, it gracefully sits along the hand’s natural shape, offering both unparalleled beauty and wearability.
Another exquisite example of Sarna’s artistry is her amethyst and diamond cocktail ring. This piece beautifully captures the serene yet dynamic essence of rippling water, its fluid lines and shimmering facets creating a calming, ethereal effect. The interplay of light across the carved amethyst suggests gentle movement, drawing the observer into a moment of tranquil contemplation. These unique cocktail rings, custom-crafted to harmonize with the wearer’s form, exemplify Sarna’s innovative approach to both design and comfort, transforming jewelry into a truly personal extension of the individual.
Among the exhibition’s most breathtaking pieces is “Feather,” a monumental 91.64-carat unheated, carved, winged aquamarine brooch. This masterful creation is a true jeweled tour de force, showcasing an intricate play of light and color throughout the gemstone. The delicate, almost weightless appearance of the carved aquamarine defies the material’s inherent hardness, demonstrating Sarna’s extraordinary skill in imbuing stone with an illusion of lightness and ethereal movement. The brooch’s complex design creates a mesmerizing spectacle, where every angle reveals new dimensions of beauty and technical prowess, cementing its status as an iconic piece of art jewelry.
Naomi Sarna: A Legacy of Innovation, Philanthropy, and Global Inspiration
Naomi Sarna’s profound impact on the world of fine jewelry is underscored by her impressive list of accolades and her presence in prestigious collections. With an astounding twenty-three American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Spectrum Award wins, Sarna stands as one of the most recognized and celebrated designers in the industry. Her exceptional pieces have earned a coveted place in the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection, a testament to her unparalleled skill in carving, setting, and overall design. This international recognition solidifies her position not just as a designer, but as a true artisan pushing the boundaries of what is possible with precious materials.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Sarna’s journey is deeply intertwined with impassioned activism and a commitment to social responsibility. She dedicates significant effort to supporting the Maasai community in Tanzania, actively promoting female entrepreneurship within the region. Furthermore, Sarna generously gives back to the local mining community by donating proceeds from select pieces to support vital eye health initiatives. This holistic approach to her craft—combining artistic excellence with a profound sense of purpose—elevates her work beyond mere adornment, making each piece a symbol of beauty, innovation, and positive global impact. Her dedication to improving lives while creating breathtaking art resonates deeply with collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Artist’s Philosophy: A Symbiotic Relationship Between Earth, Art, and Wearer
Reflecting on her exhibition at Wilensky, Naomi Sarna articulates a profound philosophy that beautifully marries the natural origins of her materials with the ultimate destiny of her creations. “I perceive my jewels as a beautiful transition,” Sarna explains, “from their initial, raw existence as crystals born from the earth, to their completed, purposeful journey for the person who will wear them. My hands are merely the instruments that compose their unique story. The fortunate wearer treasures not only their inherent existence and beauty but also the narrative woven into their very being, in the same revered way that Wilensky’s magnificent mineral origins are treasured. To witness my work within the context of the Wilensky gallery is, for me, a truly spiritual reunion—a harmonious convergence of spirit, art, and the raw, untamed essence of nature itself.”
This perspective highlights the deep connection Sarna feels to both the natural world and the human experience. Her jewelry transcends mere ornamentation, becoming a vessel for stories, memories, and a profound connection to the earth’s ancient past. This ethos aligns perfectly with Wilensky’s vision, where minerals are celebrated not just for their geological significance but for their intrinsic artistic value, creating a shared space where art and nature coexist in breathtaking harmony.
Experience “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion” – Exhibition Details
This unparalleled exhibition, “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion,” exclusively featuring original hand-carved pieces, will be hosted in the contemporary gallery space of Wilensky. The exhibition is open to the public from Wednesday, November 20th, to Friday, December 20th, 2019. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Sarna’s captivating world at Wilensky, located at 173 10th Avenue, New York, NY, 10011. This is a rare opportunity to witness a collection that redefines the boundaries of art jewelry and celebrates the intricate beauty of nature’s most precious creations.
To mark the grand opening of this exceptional showcase, an exclusive reception will be held on Wednesday, November 20th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Wilensky gallery. This special event is presented in proud partnership with the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) New York Metro Chapter and New York City Jewelry Week (NYCJW), bringing together leading figures and enthusiasts from across the jewelry industry to celebrate Sarna’s incredible achievements and the power of art jewelry. It promises to be an evening of inspiration, connection, and appreciation for the finest craftsmanship.
About Wilensky: Curating Nature’s Art in the Heart of Chelsea
Wilensky has embarked on a new, groundbreaking chapter with the establishment of its gallery in New York City’s vibrant Chelsea art district. This visionary space is dedicated to presenting exquisite minerals not merely as scientific specimens but as profound works of art, placing them alongside the masterpieces found in the world’s most esteemed art galleries. The gallery’s mission is to demystify and open up the mesmerizing world of exquisite minerals to everyone, making these natural wonders accessible and appreciated by a broader audience. At Wilensky, visitors can experience the breathtaking beauty of geological formations displayed with the same reverence and aesthetic consideration typically reserved for paintings by Warhol, Basquiat, Pollock, and Picasso in neighboring galleries.
The fundamental goal of Wilensky is to evoke the same emotional impact through exquisite mineral specimens as one would experience from traditional art. This is not about competition, but rather a profound convergence—a harmonious blending of the raw, untamed beauty of the earth with the refined sensibilities of artistic curation. Wilensky challenges conventional perceptions, inviting art lovers and collectors alike to discover the inherent artistry within nature’s most stunning creations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the planet’s unparalleled geological masterpieces.
About Naomi Sarna: The Visionary Master of Carved Gemstones
Naomi Sarna is recognized globally as a visionary artist and master jeweler, renowned for her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her artistic journey begins with a direct connection to the source, as she meticulously travels the world in search of the most extraordinary colored gemstones. Inspired by the organic forms and sinuous lines found in nature, Sarna has perfected the intricate art of hand carving, a rare and highly specialized skill. What truly sets her apart is her mastery of not only carving but also the delicate and precise art of setting—a dual feat that few jewelry designers in the world can genuinely attest to.
Considered one of the finest carvers in the world, Sarna’s prodigious talent has been celebrated with numerous prestigious awards, including an unprecedented twenty-three AGTA Spectrum Awards, solidifying her status as an industry icon. Her groundbreaking work has been prominently featured in the Smithsonian National Gem Collection and exhibited in several esteemed museums, showcasing her profound impact on contemporary jewelry design. Sarna is particularly recognized for her innovative incorporation of unusual natural pearls, her signature flowing gem carvings that imbue stones with a sense of movement, and her unwavering commitment to achieving extraordinary fit and finish in every single piece. Her creations are not just jewelry; they are miniature sculptures, each telling a unique story of beauty, artistry, and the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.
A Confluence of Artistry and Nature
The “Naomi Sarna: Stone in Motion” exhibition at Wilensky Gallery promises to be an unforgettable experience, offering a rare glimpse into the exquisite world of hand-carved art jewelry. It is an invitation to witness the transformative power of a master artisan who can imbue hard stone with the ethereal qualities of movement and emotion. Through Sarna’s visionary pieces, paired with Wilensky’s unique presentation of minerals as art, visitors will discover a deeper appreciation for the intricate dance between nature’s raw beauty and human creativity. Join us in Chelsea to explore this compelling convergence, where every gemstone tells a story, and every curve sings an ode to life’s beautiful fluidity. Do not miss this captivating celebration of ingenuity, passion, and unparalleled craftsmanship during New York Jewelry Week.