ROBERT LEE MORRIS
GALLERY
Bold Gold pins for winter coats. Classic and distinctively progressive. A language I developed over decades.
Bold Gold pins for winter coats. Classic and distinctively progressive. A language I developed over decades.
VERY VINTAGE things I am still very proud of...this PERCUSSION bracelet I made in 1974 reminds me of a design path I was on very early on…Creating a sense of musical rhythm by using ebony slices in between silver and brass tubes with wrapped wire sections for flavor/tones. While this piece is not listed on my site ( being held aside for a collector) I wanted to share the very essence of my early journey into knowing who I am. Every time I revisit this bracelet it reminds me of how I still need to follow this path for years to come as I am not finished exploring it yet.
VERY VINTAGE things I am still very proud of...this PERCUSSION bracelet I made in 1974 reminds me of a design path I was on very early on…Creating a sense of musical rhythm by using ebony slices in between silver and brass tubes with wrapped wire sections for flavor/tones. While this piece is not listed on my site ( being held aside for a collector) I wanted to share the very essence of my early journey into knowing who I am. Every time I revisit this bracelet it reminds me of how I still need to follow this path for years to come as I am not finished exploring it yet.
A stack o bangles, ebony ones by Kris Ruhs and the silver by Tone Vigeland. Divine.
Only CARA CRONINGER can make plastics look this luscious!
Armored and Ready
My sculptures over the years.
A sampling of my earrings. Notice the many ideas directions materials and finishes without using any gemstones. Normally not using stones can hurt one’s commercial appeal but I trusted my instincts to stay away and focus on pure form and content. Many of these are on my website but there are just so many yet to be listed!
A sampling of my earrings. Notice the many ideas directions materials and finishes without using any gemstones. Normally not using stones can hurt one’s commercial appeal but I trusted my instincts to stay away and focus on pure form and content. Many of these are on my website but there are just so many yet to be listed!
Gobstopper in all sterling silver I made for Donna Karan fall 2009 runway show. One of my biggest and boldest, heaviest and spectacular pieces ever made in my life. This collection was off the charts in terms of me being all I could be, for enhancing Donna’s message of luxury and style. While this piece is all silver with the adjustable leather strap, the others used the richness of rosewood cluster, brass balls and silver Log Cabin chains, warm colors to blend with the fabrics of fall. So much silver in this one necklace!! 1lb 12 oz!! For the collectors out there.
Gobstopper in all sterling silver I made for Donna Karan fall 2009 runway show. One of my biggest and boldest, heaviest and spectacular pieces ever made in my life. This collection was off the charts in terms of me being all I could be, for enhancing Donna’s message of luxury and style. While this piece is all silver with the adjustable leather strap, the others used the richness of rosewood cluster, brass balls and silver Log Cabin chains, warm colors to blend with the fabrics of fall. So much silver in this one necklace!! 1lb 12 oz!! For the collectors out there.
Percussion Pectoral, created in 2005 for Donna Karan Fall runway show as a “replica” of a vintage version (1973) that I refused to let her use due to its fragile nature. This is the kind of Gobstopper style jewelry I was making at the beginning of my career. It is called Percussion due to the musical movement and the use of Ebony and sterling silver, the tribal wrappings of wire around the neck ring, and the bouncy rhythm the piece has as it travels down one’s entire front. A showstopper reminiscent of the work in my premiere exhibition at Sculpture to Wear in the Plaza Hotel 1973. Now listed in my website.
Percussion Pectoral, created in 2005 for Donna Karan Fall runway show as a “replica” of a vintage version (1973) that I refused to let her use due to its fragile nature. This is the kind of Gobstopper style jewelry I was making at the beginning of my career. It is called Percussion due to the musical movement and the use of Ebony and sterling silver, the tribal wrappings of wire around the neck ring, and the bouncy rhythm the piece has as it travels down one’s entire front. A showstopper reminiscent of the work in my premiere exhibition at Sculpture to Wear in the Plaza Hotel 1973. Now listed in my website.
My book. 2004 published by Abrams, available on my website signed for $100! These are some of the pages, lots of eye candy. I loved writing it. Nearly 20 years ago!! Seems impossible at this point that a new book is due..
My book. 2004 published by Abrams, available on my website signed for $100! These are some of the pages, lots of eye candy. I loved writing it. Nearly 20 years ago!! Seems impossible at this point that a new book is due..
I hired Naomi Campbell to model for my RLM catalog in 1986, and here she is wearing a variety of my classic best selling silver pieces. She was really fun to work with, already a bit legendary for unique personality. I will always remember that photo session!
Cross bracelets, knuckle rings oh my!
I hired Naomi Campbell to model for my RLM catalog in 1986, and here she is wearing a variety of my classic best selling silver pieces. She was really fun to work with, already a bit legendary for unique personality. I will always remember that photo session!
Cross bracelets, knuckle rings oh my!
Mad for silver!! Here are three versions of cool ICONIC design from the 90s
Loving the SUPER MODEL show on Apple+ and here is Linda Evangelista wear ALL my jewelry, knuckle ring, gold band and Plumbob earrings in one shot, and then Cindy Crawford speaking of her mole and how it was Richard Avedon’s Vogue cover shot (wearing my egg drop earrings!) that finally allowed her to be forever photographed with her mole. I was blessed and so fortunate to work with each of the supermodels, usually backstage in fashion show mode, but also as a friend since each of them shopped in my shop (which always sent me into tizzy).
Loving the SUPER MODEL show on Apple+ and here is Linda Evangelista wear ALL my jewelry, knuckle ring, gold band and Plumbob earrings in one shot, and then Cindy Crawford speaking of her mole and how it was Richard Avedon’s Vogue cover shot (wearing my egg drop earrings!) that finally allowed her to be forever photographed with her mole. I was blessed and so fortunate to work with each of the supermodels, usually backstage in fashion show mode, but also as a friend since each of them shopped in my shop (which always sent me into tizzy).
LIQUID GEOMETRY is what I call this collection from the very early 80’s. I was very influenced by the architecture of the city and wanted to take hard edged forms and make them soft so they could flow around the organic human body. Each tube was sliced at dramatic angled@and then “decked”, so while these pieces look heavy they are actually lightweight. Gold plated brass with coconut shell spacers. Glamorous sculpture for the human form.
LIQUID GEOMETRY is what I call this collection from the very early 80’s. I was very influenced by the architecture of the city and wanted to take hard edged forms and make them soft so they could flow around the organic human body. Each tube was sliced at dramatic angled@and then “decked”, so while these pieces look heavy they are actually lightweight. Gold plated brass with coconut shell spacers. Glamorous sculpture for the human form.
This fabulous photo by MATTHEW ROYLSTON of Aly Dunn wearing my Talons, is so ICONIC, as it exemplifies my merchandising technique of creating very bold graphic and eye catching imagery to create my brand image.
This fabulous photo by MATTHEW ROYLSTON of Aly Dunn wearing my Talons, is so ICONIC, as it exemplifies my merchandising technique of creating very bold graphic and eye catching imagery to create my brand image.
Sting Ray sculptures in various heights and sizes are my new fave obsession. I have always been fascinated by this beautiful sea creature and it’s soft flowing movements, like a bird in water, wings spread out in sensuality and grace. I often call to them in the spirit world to guide and inspire me.
Sting Ray sculptures in various heights and sizes are my new fave obsession. I have always been fascinated by this beautiful sea creature and it’s soft flowing movements, like a bird in water, wings spread out in sensuality and grace. I often call to them in the spirit world to guide and inspire me.
The DART COLLECTION, was born in 1982. Based on the feather arrangement from throwing darts, proof that I am NOT a jeweler! It’s ARTWEAR!
See the many variations on my website (link in bio).
The DART COLLECTION, was born in 1982. Based on the feather arrangement from throwing darts, proof that I am NOT a jeweler! It’s ARTWEAR!
See the many variations on my website (link in bio).
Silver silver silver silver
FINALLY, I am launching today my Iconic Disc Sculptures on my website. They range in size from small 5” diameter to 18” diameter but can be ordered in larger sizes up to 24” diameter (across) for a really important and powerful image for within one’s home. All hand forged brass and they come with a black stand.
FINALLY, I am launching today my Iconic Disc Sculptures on my website. They range in size from small 5” diameter to 18” diameter but can be ordered in larger sizes up to 24” diameter (across) for a really important and powerful image for within one’s home. All hand forged brass and they come with a black stand.
Wabi Sabi jewelry seems like the opposite of what jewels are all about..where is the sparkle? Where is the VALUE? To me, from the beginning of my long career, I have treasured these spirit filled surfaces, the motley coloration, the blend of greens and browns with flares of pink. Like paintings or worn and used objects that carry our love and handling over years of use. Raised in Japan as a child, the Wabi Sabi culture left a lasting impression on me. Here are a few earrings that carry a shocking brilliant color, perfect for fashion as a counter punch to a total look.
Wabi Sabi jewelry seems like the opposite of what jewels are all about..where is the sparkle? Where is the VALUE? To me, from the beginning of my long career, I have treasured these spirit filled surfaces, the motley coloration, the blend of greens and browns with flares of pink. Like paintings or worn and used objects that carry our love and handling over years of use. Raised in Japan as a child, the Wabi Sabi culture left a lasting impression on me. Here are a few earrings that carry a shocking brilliant color, perfect for fashion as a counter punch to a total look.
SILVER earring galore! I love how many ways these body casts have improved my life!!!
Earrings Galore. My very expensive new method of showing scale for earrings on my website. Why pay for a supermodel when you have a Xerox copy of one? So classy….anyway, here is a wild variety of ideas and forms and colors and many very vintage one of a kind pairs. 1974-79
Earrings Galore. My very expensive new method of showing scale for earrings on my website. Why pay for a supermodel when you have a Xerox copy of one? So classy….anyway, here is a wild variety of ideas and forms and colors and many very vintage one of a kind pairs. 1974-79
Sterling silver pendants the most casual jewelry from a very casual guy.
WELCOME TO MY MUSEUM & GALLERY OF COLLECTIBLE WOMEN’S AND MEN’S JEWELRY
Herein you will find the archives from the Robert Lee Morris personal collection that has been slowly gathered over a 52 year range, containing works of art to wear and adore. These are all original handmade pieces of stunning women and men’s jewelry that have been created to sell through ARTWEAR jewelry gallery. These pieces come from the many collections that Robert made for fashion designers such as Geoffrey Beene, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors and Kansai Yamamoto. Many of the archives have now been selling through fine art auctions and it is exciting to see how the original values have soared.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Review of THE POWER OF JEWELRY by Robert Lee Morris on AMAZON
Robert Lee Morris is unquestioningly one of the most innovative designers of body ornament of our time. Long noted for his distinctive fusion of primal forms, hand workmanship, and cutting edge sensibility, his organic pieces are enthusiastically sought by connoisseurs of high fashion around the world. This book written by the artist himself and profusely illustrated with examples of his work, presents the varied production of his design genius over the course of his career. The many images of Morris’s work in metal and stone will fascinate anyone interested in the history if design and will be an inspiration and will be an inspiration to collectors, designers and students alike.
From Publishers Weekly
By the time he was 31, Morris had become one of the most influential jewelry designers in North America: his creations appeared all over fashion magazines like Vogue; his Manhattan jewelry store had become a favorite spot of celebrities like Bianca Jagger and Andy Warhol; and his work was marching down the runways of Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Kansai Yamamoto and Donna Karan. In this coffee-table book cum memoir, Morris explains “how he grew from a self-taught jewelry designer to a recognizable brand name in such a relatively short time.” The designer, who is known for his “edgy blend of modern and tribal effects,” attributes his global sensibility to his college courses in anthropology and to his upbringing as an “Airforce brat.” He moved 23 times before he was 18 and lived for several years in Japan and Brazil. But its clear that the mainsprings of Morris’ success are his joyful, single-minded focus on his work and his savvy entrepreneurial spirit. Though his book contains asides on his marriage, his travels and his study of shamanism, it centers mostly on the origins of his signature creations, the development of the “designer jewelry” consumer niche in the 1970s and 80s, and the way he managed his brand “as if it were a wild horse in a rodeo.” Morris now designs up to 10 jewelry collections a year, and though the name-dropping can be a bit heavy-handed in spots, his memoir is full of friendly advice for young artists. Morris fans will appreciate this careful history, but readers unfamiliar with his designs may find themselves skipping pages to stare at the large, full-color photos of his smooth knuckle rings, gently bulging necklaces, mesh belts, herringbone collars and sensual bracelets. They are unlike anything else.
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