Denise Wallace
Denise Wallace is a Native American jeweler and member of the Sugpiaq tribe.Early life and education
Wallace, of Alutiiq descent was born in 1957 in Seattle. After high school she spent time in Alaska where her grandmother lived. She studied lapidary work and silversmithing in Seattle, and at age 19 began to study at Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. She received her AA in fine arts from IAIA in 1981.Career
A notable jeweler, Wallace's work exhibits the "major motif of transformation", with movable components including doors, latches, removable parts and hidden compartments. She creates pieces from gold, silver, fossil ivory, coral and semiprecious stones. The jewelry sometimes includes depictions of figures dressed with Native American textiles and embroidery. She has been called "among the finest jewelry designers of the twentieth century".Personal life
Wallace married Samuel Wallace from Virginia, with whom she has two children.
