JENNEA FRISCHKE

I maintain an active production and art jewelry practice in Calgary, Alberta. I also own and curate Birdseye Vintage. I’m a multidisciplinary artist, vintage curator/seller, jeweller, and metalsmith. I create wearable and decorative art for the body and home, providing a local and sustainable option for people who want to be less dependent on fast fashion.

In 2006, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts with distinction, where I majored in Jewelry and Metals. I have participated in exhibitions such as Prairie Excellence (a traveling exhibition where only 12 Albertans were selected), and my solo show, Victorian Inclinations. My solo show was based off of a travel grant I had received from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and I traveled to London, England, and studied Victorian jewelry in museums. In 2011, I was awarded with the Alberta Craft Council Award of Achievement. In 2022, I received a travel and development grant through Calgary Arts Development, to travel to Winnipeg Folk Festival. I have sold my jewelry at markets, boutiques,and online for 15 years and am proud to be part of the Alberta Arts and Crafts scene - adorning ears and necks all over the world.

Through my work, I am exploring how I observe the world in different ways than others might due to my experiences/disabilities, and my connection to the environment around me. I find awe and wonder in the world around me, and that awe and wonder shows up in my artwork, and drives my art practice/urge to continue creating and exploring. As someone with several invisible disabilities (IBD/Ulcerative Colitis, Arthritis, ADHD, to name a few of them), I am vocal to help educate and make it easier for others like myself going forward. My personal narrative with my serious health struggles often comes up in my work in humorous ways (Nice Boo-ty Ghost Collection).