Don Tompkins

born Everett, Washington, 1933; died Seattle, Washington, 1982

BiographyDon Tompkins began his studies with jeweler Russell Day at Everett High School later becoming his studio assistant at Everett Junior College. Tompkins went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s certificate from the University of Washington; he also later pursued graduate studies at Syracuse University and Columbia Teachers College, New York. After graduation he taught for several years at Everett Junior College then accepted a position teaching jewelry at Central Washington College (now University) in Ellensburg, Washington where he stayed for five years. Subsequent teaching appointments included the University of Washington and New York University. Tompkins worked and showed his jewelry throughout his lifetime winning a number of awards and creating a small but innovative and influential body of work.

Though trained in traditional jewelry materials and techniques, through experimentation Don Tompkins began to work with found objects such as flatware, bottle caps, and other found objects. These works, strongly influenced by both Pop and Assemblage aesthetics, often convey intense political and satirical agendas.

For additional information see https://www.ganoksin.com/article/work-don-tompkins/ [accessed August 2021]

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