About Elisabeth

Elisabeth Arzt is a Maryland-based multidisciplinary artist. She is the founder of Fine Arzt Studio and has always harbored a deep affection for puns. Working from the confines of her studio, she draws inspiration from her upbringing on a Western Maryland farm, where the rural surroundings instilled in her a profound connection with and admiration for nature. 

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C., Arzt was introduced to a diverse array of sculptural techniques and materials. Post-graduation, her artistic endeavors led her down various paths, including roles as an illustrator, chainsaw carver, costumer, and currently, a skilled welder and jeweler. Embracing a penchant for pushing the boundaries of normality and challenging comfort zones, Elisabeth seamlessly weaves her art into the fabric of her life.

Elisabeth Arzt works within the monumental and the microcosmic scale through chainsaw carving and fine art jewelry. Her artistic vision extends beyond the boundaries of traditional sculpture. With each new carving, she repurposes the remnants of the sculpting process into exquisite jewelry pieces. Through both her large-scale sculptures and intricate jewelry creations, She seeks to celebrate the inherent beauty of the natural world while inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of art, nature, and human creativity. Each piece tells a story of transformation, from the towering majesty of tree trunks to the delicate elegance of handcrafted adornments, bridging the gap between the grandeur of the forest and the intimacy of personal adornment.

Merging woodworking and metalsmithing—the two trades closest to her heart—Arzt breathes new life into waste materials, creating cherished and focal point pieces. Sustainability is paramount, and each creation is meticulously designed for structural rigidity, transcending trends to stand the test of generations. Through jewelry, Arzt harmoniously blends her lifelong exploration of metals and wood carving into a cohesive artistic narrative.

Elisabeth Arzt’s work has been exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Craft Week, Strathmore Mansion, and the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art. She has participated in numerous residencies all over the country.  Elisabeth Arzt’s work belongs to private collections within the United States and internationally.

Artist Statement

Wood, symbolizing the natural world, serves as a poignant reminder to recognize what we've lost in our fast-paced lives. In my fine art jewelry, I challenge traditional notions of status by replacing stones, centerpieces of jewelry, with polished wood. In jewelry, privilege and wealth often symbolize power. I redefine this by empowering wearers through wood, integrating different types into each piece. It connects them with nature's wisdom, offering a vehicle for self-reflection. Exposing wood's raw beauty challenges material perceptions, democratizing beauty, and celebrating authenticity. Bare and exposed, the wood's grain, a record of time, remains visible, its essence unmasked. The fusion of wood and metal transcends conventional jewelry, speaking to the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature. Ultimately, my work is an ode to raw materials' beauty, inviting wearers on a journey of self-discovery, entitlement, and renewed appreciation for the world.