Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide - Winter 18-19 | Page 15

FEATURE BUSINESS
Element 7 Nine
With a pursuit for originality and a
passion for goldsmithing Element 7
Nine is crafted in downtown Fernie.
The open working studio has a gallery
style presentation featuring a full
range of modern, sculptural and
understated jewellery.
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Matt and Trisha Martin moved their
family of five to BC in 2016. The
next year witnessed the launch of
Element 7 Nine (hint: periodic table),
that has quickly become known for
original jewellery design with
a recognizable aesthetic.
With a background in fine arts Matt
Martin began pursuing jewellery-
making after being inspired by
modernist American metal sculptor,
Albert Paley. He began studying
jewellery making at Camosun College
in Victoria, BC, and then returned
to Winnipeg to enrol in the Fine Arts
program at the University of Manitoba.
Following his first year at the U of M
he discovered an intensive Jewellery
Arts program offered at another local
collegiate; where the emphasis on
technical processes appealed enough
to make him enroll immediately and
switch programs. Upon completion of
his education he was offered a work
placement position with a local jeweller
and in hindsight recognizes this to be
the catalyst to launching his career.
Technically challenging and inherently
creative, goldsmithing is a craft Martin
has come to admire over the last 20
years. He is inspired by contrast and
complexities in the natural beauty that
surrounds us, strength of form often
seen in architecture and sculpture,
colour and the display of light in natural
gemstones. Offering a full range of
services Element 7 Nine specializes in
custom design including repurposing
gold and gemstones to create
something new and meaningful.
592 3rd Ave | 250-430-0700
Element7nine.com
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