ARTIST: DICK BARNEY

Dick Barney grew up in a small town in Northern Illinois. He graduated from the University of Montana as a Forester. Following a stint in the US Army, Medical Corps he returned to school for an MSF. About mid career he returned to school again obtaining a PhD in Forestry from Michigan State University.

Following his retirement and move to Southern Arizona he took a course in beginning Silversmithing. He got “hooked” and took after his new love with a vengeance.

Dick “burned up” a lot of silver in the learning process but kept hard at it. As a support to his new found hobby he took classes in lapidary. This broadened his capability and allowed for more individual designs and the use of a variety of gemstones for his settings.

Dick teaches classes in both beginning and more advanced silversmithing work.

Dick’s jewelry is both in the Southwest as well as contemporary styles. He makes primarily one of a kind pieces and does both limited production as well as commission work. Many of his growing group of clients are repeaters and often want matching pieces. Working with a variety of gemstones including, onyx, malachite, snowflake obsidian, agates, picture jasper and many more allows a great variety of designs and looks. Dick’s favorite gemstone is turquoise. Stones from such turquoise mines as Kingman, Sleeping Beauty, Nacozari, Compitos and others adorn his work.

Medium: Jewelry

Email: dmbarney at gmail.com 

Home Base: Watersmeet, MI